# Contributors

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Empathy Framework!

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## Project Lead

- **Patrick Roebuck** ([@patrickroebuck](https://github.com/patrickroebuck)) - Creator and lead maintainer

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## Core Contributors

This section honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the codebase, documentation, or community.

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## All Contributors

We use the [all-contributors](https://allcontributors.org/) specification to recognize all types of contributions.

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## How to Be Listed

Contributions of all kinds are welcome! You can contribute by:

- **Code:** Submit pull requests with bug fixes, features, or improvements
- **Documentation:** Improve guides, fix typos, add examples
- **Bug Reports:** Open detailed issues with reproduction steps
- **Feature Requests:** Suggest new features or improvements
- **Community:** Help others in discussions and issues
- **Testing:** Report bugs, test new features, improve test coverage
- **Design:** Contribute UI/UX improvements, logos, graphics
- **Infrastructure:** Improve CI/CD, deployment, tooling

Once you make your first contribution, you'll be added to this list!

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## Recognition

We believe in recognizing all contributions, not just code. If you've contributed in any way, let us know and we'll add you to the list.

To add yourself (or nominate someone):

```bash
# Install the CLI
npm install -g all-contributors-cli

# Add a contributor
all-contributors add <username> <contribution-type>

# Example: Add someone who contributed documentation
all-contributors add jane-doe doc

# Contribution types: code, doc, test, bug, design, infra, review, question, tutorial
```

Or simply comment on a PR or issue with:

```
@all-contributors please add @username for <contribution-type>
```

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## Contributor Covenant

All contributors are expected to adhere to our [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md). We are committed to providing a welcoming and inspiring community for all.

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## Special Recognition

### 🌟 Top Contributors

Contributors who have made exceptional impact on the project:

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### 🎯 First-Time Contributors

Welcome to first-time contributors! Your first PR is always special:

<!-- Add first-time contributors here to celebrate their contribution -->

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## Corporate Sponsors

Organizations that support the Empathy Framework:

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## Individual Sponsors

Individuals who financially support the project:

<!-- Add GitHub Sponsors, Open Collective backers here -->

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**Want to contribute?** Check out our [Contributing Guide](docs/contributing.md) to get started!

**Questions?** Open an issue or reach out to admin@smartaimemory.com

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*Last Updated: January 29, 2026*