contributor-ladder

Create a contributor ladder by generating a CONTRIBUTOR_LADDER.md file that defines project roles, responsibilities, and advancement criteria. This formalizes governance and outlines the progression path from new contributor to maintainer.

A contributor ladder is a documented pathway defining distinct roles, such as community participant to maintainer. It specifies the criteria, responsibilities, and privileges associated with each level to guide project onboarding and growth.

Define maintainer nomination and voting processes by detailing the specific procedures for role transitions within the file. The ladder structure ensures you establish formal processes for advancing contributors to higher roles.

Yes, a formal contributor growth path addresses CNCF project requirements for formalizing governance. Creating a contributor ladder provides the necessary documentation for onboarding contributors and establishing clear advancement criteria.

When defining a contributor ladder, include roles like Community Participant, Contributor, Reviewer, and Maintainer. You can trim default roles and add sections for emeritus status and affiliation diversity to fit your project.