Status: Initial release (v0.1.0). Actively in use by Btrust-supported BitDevs locations.
Note: As BitDevs locations grow, improve, and share new lessons, this playbook will evolve to reflect these insights and strengthen the ecosystem.
The BitDevs Playbook by Btrust is a comprehensive guide for organizers, sponsors, and partners involved in growing Bitcoin-only technical communities across the Global South, starting with Africa. It provides a framework for starting, operating, and sustaining BitDevs locations with consistent quality, transparency, and impact.
The playbook serves as:
- A manual for organizers setting up or managing BitDevs locations.
- A reference for sponsors and partners to understand processes, reporting, and accountability standards.
- A resource for participants and community members to align with the broader BitDevs movement.
This Playbook is available in the following languages:
| Language | Link |
|---|---|
| English | README.md (default) |
| Español | translations/es/README.md |
Want to add a new translation? Create a new folder under translations/ with the ISO 639-1 language code (e.g., translations/fr/ for French, translations/pt/ for Portuguese) and replicate the same folder structure. See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
The playbook mirrors the lifecycle of a BitDevs location: setup, operations, quality control, and closure (if necessary). Each section includes steps, templates, and references. While reading the full playbook is recommended to understand how BitDevs locations operate as a cohesive network, the guidance below helps you get started based on your role.
- New Organizers: Start with Section 2: “Starting a BitDevs Location” to learn how to set up a new location from scratch. Follow with Section 4: “Quality Control” for standards from day one. Then, read Section 6: “Guide for Organizers” for team and personal development guidance.
- Active Locations: Focus first on Section 3: “Running a BitDevs Location” for operational guidance. Revisit Section 4: “Quality Control” regularly. Refer to Section 6: “Guide for Organizers” to continue developing your team and skills.
- Sponsors and Supporters: Refer to Section 7: “Guide for Sponsors” for funding models, accountability, and collaboration expectations.
- Everyone: Begin with Section 1: “Introduction” for foundational BitDevs principles, identity, and ethos.
- Annexes: Contain templates, examples, and checklists referenced throughout the playbook for practical use.
Note: Anyone planning, funding, supporting, or attending BitDevs meetups can benefit from this guide.
- BitDevs Organizers: Lead or co-lead local locations.
- Organizing Teams: Support logistics, communication, and technical content.
- Btrust Team Members: Oversee sponsorship, quality assurance, and reporting.
- Sponsors or Partners: Support grassroots technical initiatives.
- Participants and Developers: Understand and contribute effectively to the community.
- 01-about-this-playbook
- 02-about-bitdevs
- 03-identity-and-core-principles
- 04-bitdevs-in-africa-sponsored-by-btrust
- 05-records-and-documentation
- 01-setting-up-a-location
- 02-finding-and-working-with-sponsors
- 03-getting-approved-for-sponsorship-(with-Btrust)
- 04-building-your-organizing-team
- 05-planning-and-hosting-your-first-meetup
- 01-meetup-planning-and-coordination
- 02-choosing-topics-and-formats
- 03-growing-and-engaging-the-community
- 04-reporting-and-communication
- 01-core-standards
- 02-community-conduct-and-ethics
- 03-monitoring-and-evaluation
- 04-handling-challenges
- 01-when-and-how-to-pause-or-close-a-location
- 02-final-reports-and-handover
- 03-reopening-or-reapplying
- 01-roles-and-responsibilities
- 02-best-practices-for-building-strong-teams
- 03-recommended-tools-and-resources
- 04-personal-development-and-growth-for-organizers
- 01-how-sponsorship-works-with-btrust
- 02-what-sponsors-can-and-cant-support
- 03-accountability-and-collaboration
- 04-partnering-for-long-term-impact
- Annex A: BitDevs Guide
- Annex B: BitDevs Map Across Africa
- Annex C: Event Report Format
- Annex D: Finance Report Format
- Annex E: Sponsorship Proposal Template
- Annex F: Monthly Organizer Check-in
- Annex G: Budget Request Template
- Annex H: Expense Protocol
- Annex I: Starting a BitDevs Checklist
- Annex J: Quality Control Templates
- Annex K: Location Closure Checklist
| Name | Role | Affiliation | Github | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephanie Titcombe | Lead Author & Maintainer | Head of Programs & Operations, Btrust | @StephTitcombe | [email protected] |
| Name | Role | Affiliation | Github |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abubakar Nur Khalil | Reviewer | CEO, Btrust | @Zero-1729 |
| Simon Njeru | Reviewer | Lead Organizer, BitDevs Nairobi | @xyephy |
| Tobechi Chukwuleta | Reviewer | Lead Organizer, BitDevs Lagos | @TChukwuleta |
| 5atoshiNakamoto | Contributor | Advisor, BitDevs Zambia | @5atoshiNakamoto |
Suggestions, corrections, and improvements are welcome.
Please review the CONTRIBUTING.md file for detailed guidelines. Contributions can be made by opening a GitHub issue or by submitting a pull request. All proposals are reviewed collaboratively with the Playbook maintainer and, where relevant, organizers and contributors, before being included in future versions.
| Version | Date | Description | Author / Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1.0 | December 2025 | Initial publication; full draft of BitDevs Playbook | Stephanie Titcombe |
- Minor updates: Every 6 months
- Major review: Every 12 months
- Mid-cycle revisions if critical updates occur
This Playbook is maintained digitally for:
- BitDevs organizers and volunteers
- Sponsors and partners
- Educational and technical collaborators in the Bitcoin ecosystem
This Playbook is © 2025 Btrust and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.