[llvm] [QualGroup][docs] Clarify biannual membership review and active contributor status (PR #185884)

[via llvm-commits]

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@@ -139,11 +110,18 @@ We understand that most members contribute in a limited capacity due to their pr
 * **Realistic progress expectations:** Given the voluntary nature and no full-time involvement, we expect our progress to be slow. This group was initiated in July 2025. Concrete outcomes in 1-2 years would be considered excellent for this type of cross-company and voluntary collaboration.
 * **Respect for differing capacities:** We value every member’s engagement, whether large or small, often or sporadically, as it all contributes to the overall effort. Even contributions that may seem small, such as sharing an idea or pointing out a relevant resource, are meaningful and important.
 
-However, we need a balance between flexibility, structure, and enough organization to move forward together. Members are expected to remain engaged through one or more of the following:
+However, we need a balance between flexibility, structure, and enough organization to move forward together. Thus, to support coordination and clarity, the group distinguishes between **active contributors** and **observers / interested participants**.
+
+**Active contributors** are members who provide regular and substantive contributions to the group’s work. This includes ongoing engagement in at least one of the following:
+
+* Participation in sync-ups or asynchronous discussions (via Discord or Discourse),
+* Contributions to qualification artifacts, methodologies, documentation, structured reviews, or feedback on proposals and drafts,
+* Analysis, research activities, or support for coordination, outreach, or other working tasks.
+
+Active contribution implies sustained engagement that meaningfully advances the group’s objectives. Participation may be synchronous or asynchronous, depending on availability. Participation status reflects current bandwidth and coordination needs and may be updated during the `biannual membership review <#membership-review>`_.
+
+**Observers**, or **interested participants**, are individuals who follow the group’s work and may participate when availability allows. They remain welcome to attend meetings, provide feedback, and contribute at any time. Observer status does not imply reduced importance or access within the group.
----------------
uwendi wrote:

@IamYJLee 

> We already have `Membership Criteria` and `Nomination Process`. I think it would be helpful to add a question to the `Participant Introduction & Membership` form.
> 
> For example:
> 
> ```
> Q. What type of participation are you interested in within the working group?
>   1. Active contributor
>   2. Observer / interested participant
> ```
> 
> Alternatively, the `Nomination Process` could apply only to `active contributors`. Also, should we also maintain a list of `observers / interested participants`?

Yes, to make the page fully consistent, I could add one sentence in `Nomination Process`, among the lines of:

`
This nomination process applies to becoming an active contributor. People who simply wish to follow the group’s work or participate occasionally may do so as observers / interested participants, without a formal nomination process.`

That makes the model very clear:

- Active contributor = named / listed / nominated
- Observer / interested participant = open participation/ not listed / no formal onboarding needed

At this stage, I do not plan to maintain a separate public list of observers / interested participants.

I think your suggestion for the [Participant Introduction & Membership form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLdtg1nAPuluhGcHdaPAwmnmwZmwobuRXODzs-UKvIZv6sBw/viewform) is also useful. It currently looks like this:

```
Would you like to be an active contributor to the LLVM Qualification Group? 

_Active contributors are members who regularly participate in discussions (via sync-ups, Discord, Discourse), provide feedback, or contribute to specific tasks (e.g., documentation, analysis, outreach, or research).

This helps us coordinate more effectively, recognize who is available for collaboration, and ensure that the group’s work stays actionable and inclusive._
```

It is now updated like this:
```

What type of participation are you interested in within the LLVM Qualification Group? Active contributor or Observer / interested participant?

Active contributors are members who meet the criteria for inclusion described in the sub-sections Contribution Principles and Membership Criteria in https://llvm.org/docs/QualGroup.html

Observers, or interested participants, are anyone who follows the group’s work and may participate when availability allows. They remain welcome to attend meetings, provide feedback, and contribute at any time. Observer status does not imply reduced importance or access within the group.

This helps us coordinate more effectively, recognize who is available for collaboration, and ensure that the group’s work stays actionable and inclusive.
```

Do you think it is more convenient now?

https://github.com/llvm/llvm-project/pull/185884