Cloud Native Ambassadors (CNAs) are recognized leaders who advocate for cloud native technologies and foster an open, welcoming CNCF community. Ambassadors engage through events, content, mentorship, and collaboration, helping to make cloud native ubiquitous and supporting the mission of open source. This guide explains how to become a CNCF Ambassador, including eligibility, application steps, responsibilities, and tips for newcomers.
What is the CNCF Ambassador Program?#
The CNCF Ambassador program empowers community leaders to promote CNCF projects and cloud native technologies globally. Ambassadors serve as essential resources for people interested in CNCF, represent the foundation positively, and receive training and resources to succeed. The program is not a paid position, but Ambassadors receive rewards such as exclusive swag, training, and support for their activities. Ambassadorships last for one year, and previous Ambassadors must re-apply for each new cycle. There is no fixed limit to the number of Ambassadors, but the selection process aims for balanced representation across companies and regions. Learn more
Eligibility Criteria#
To be considered for the CNCF Ambassador program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Annually review and sign the Ambassador Standards of Excellence.
- Demonstrate active participation in at least one of the following areas:
- Active contribution to a CNCF project (minimum DevStats score of 20, current voter status, or SIG/TAG membership).
- Community leadership for at least one year (e.g., organizing Kubernetes Community Days, Cloud Native Community Groups, or serving on a CNCF event program committee).
- Public speaking at CNCF or industry events about CNCF projects.
- Mentorship through programs like LFX, Google Summer of Code, or Outreachy, focusing on CNCF projects.
- Content creation such as blogs, videos, or other resources about cloud native technologies and CNCF projects (content must align with open source principles and not be behind paywalls).
Applicants who do not meet all requirements will not be considered. If you are not yet eligible, CNCF encourages you to get involved by organizing or attending meetups, contributing to CNCF projects, joining SIG or TAG groups, or creating educational content. See the official FAQ for more details.
Application Process and Timeline#
The CNCF Ambassador program accepts applications once per year. The application cycle for 2025 is closed; check back for the 2026 cycle. The typical process is:
- Review the current requirements and the Ambassador Standards of Excellence.
- Prepare evidence of your contributions, leadership, speaking, mentorship, or content creation.
- Submit your application during the open application window (usually announced on the CNCF Ambassadors page).
- If you need to update your application, resubmit before the deadline; the latest submission will be considered.
- All applicants receive email notifications about their status, typically by September. Ambassadors are announced in October, and the term begins in September or October.
There is no limit to the number of Ambassadors accepted, but the selection committee aims for diversity across regions and organizations. Ambassadorships last for one year, and all interested individuals must re-apply each cycle.
Responsibilities and Expectations#
CNCF Ambassadors are expected to:
- Serve as essential resources for people interested in CNCF and its projects.
- Represent CNCF positively in all interactions, both online and in-person.
- Adhere to the Ambassador Standards of Excellence, which provide best practices for engaging with a global audience.
- Engage the community through events, content, and mentorship.
- Foster collaboration, attract new members, and provide feedback to CNCF about community programs and initiatives.
- Promote cloud native technologies and CNCF projects globally.
Ambassadors receive training and resources to help them succeed in these roles.
Benefits#
CNCF Ambassadors receive:
- Recognition for expertise and community contributions.
- Networking opportunities with other Ambassadors worldwide.
- Support, funding, and/or training from CNCF for hosting events, speaking, creating content, or mentoring.
- Discount codes for CNCF-sponsored events.
- Partnership with CNCF staff, providing insight and input into community initiatives.
- Exclusive benefits, swag, and giveaways.
The role is not paid, but Ambassadors are rewarded with resources and recognition for their service.
Tips for Building a Strong Application#
- Get involved early: Organize or participate in local meetups, Kubernetes Community Days, or Cloud Native Community Groups.
- Contribute to CNCF projects: Make code, documentation, or community contributions to CNCF-hosted projects.
- Join a SIG or TAG: Participate in CNCF Special Interest Groups or Technical Advisory Groups.
- Speak at events: Present at CNCF or industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups.
- Mentor others: Join mentorship programs like LFX, GSoC, or Outreachy.
- Create content: Write blogs, record videos, or produce other educational resources about CNCF projects and cloud native technologies.
- Document your impact: Keep track of your contributions, leadership roles, speaking engagements, and content to include in your application.
Where to Learn More and Get Help#
- CNCF Ambassadors Program
- Application Process and Requirements
- Ambassador Standards of Excellence
- Ambassadors FAQ
- CNCF Slack: Join the #ambassador-program channel for questions and networking.
- Email: ambassador-support@cncf.io
If you are not eligible this year, focus on building your community involvement and contributions. CNCF values a wide range of skills, including event organization, mentorship, content creation, and technical contributions. For more details and updates, monitor the CNCF Ambassadors page and CNCF social channels.
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