(external-comms)=
# External Communication

pyOpenSci uses a multitude of communication platforms to maintain and grow our community. Our external communications fall under the broad categories of:

* email,
* event registration and participant feedback
* pyOpenSci blog,
* pyOpenSci newsletters, and
* social media platforms.

This section provides an overview of each category's purpose and use. It also provides relevant links and insights into each platform's purpose, strategy, and associated processes.

## Email

Emails from pyOpenSci are sent to communicate with potential volunteers, share the monthly version of the newsletter, and keep registered event participants up-to-date on logistics. pyOpenSci also contacts event attendees with pre and post-event surveys and follow-up reminders, as needed. We use SurveyMonkey to develop and send surveys to our event participants.

:::{important}
pyOpenSci does not send unsolicited bulk emails; all emails contain an unsubscribe link following GDPR guidelines.
:::

## Event participation and participant feedback

### SurveyMonkey

pyOpenSci uses [SurveyMonkey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/) to develop and send pre and post-surveys to pyOpenSci event attendees. Events include workshops, talks, and sprints, which may be in-person or online. SurveyMonkey is used due to its ease of use, integration with other platforms, and ability to send out survey reminder emails.

### Eventbrite

pyOpenSci uses [Eventbrite](https://eventbrite.com), which is provided by our fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives, to manage event registration. Anyone who has registered for a pyOpenSci event through Eventbrite will be contacted through the Eventbrite service regarding event updates and logistics. pyOpenSci may also upload Eventbrite contacts to SurveyMonkey to send out pre- and post-event surveys.