Onboarding Circle

The Onboarding Circle was created in December 2024 to address the need for improved processes for new people joining DeepFunding.

Initially, we’re focusing on onboarding to Circles. So far, this has been fairly informal, but some Circles are starting to develop processes to select and onboard new people. The onboarding process is different for different Circles, so we’re starting our work by mapping how each Circle is approaching it at present - what processes they use or want to use, what resources they need, what issues arise for them. Once we’ve heard from the Circles about their plans, we’ll be looking at how we can support the processes end-to-end and make sure everything joins up, and help create the materials that each Circle needs. We’ll also be examining what barriers and pressures exist, both for Circles and for individuals; and exploring how people move between Circles and create composite roles for themselves across more than one group. We might also eventually look at the whole question of how new Circles begin, and old Circles are retired.

In short, we think understanding how we onboard will help us understand the whole DF community more deeply.

In future, we also plan to look at how people onboard to DeepFunding in general, for example as proposers or voters - and particularly, what might be needed to support external communities, such as those from partners who are delivering RFPs or external funding rounds. We’ll be linking up with those working on outreach and events; and with the Documentation Circle to ensure that knowledge is shared, and that new people can find documentation of how to do things.

Join us

If your onboarding journey involves joining us - welcome! We’re not currently recruiting, but in Q2 2025 we may be looking for new people with an interest in community-building, qualitative research, and/or process design, to help us better understand onboarding processes and define them better.