added cross team communications and some tweaks

docs/committees/index.md

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ The conference is realized by [volunteer organizers](index.md) and the [conferen
 While the volunteers are responsible for the conference content, authenticity and attendees' experience,
 the backoffice is responsible for the organization (sponsoring, finances, budget, contracts, etc.).
 
-[Apply here]({{config.extra.event.apply_url_committees}}){:target="_blank" .md-button .md-button--primary }
+[Applications are closed for 2025](#){:target="_blank" .md-button .md-button--secondary }
 
 
 ## Application Process
@@ -44,6 +44,6 @@ the backoffice is responsible for the organization (sponsoring, finances, budget
 * Fill out the application form
 * The Steering Committee will review the applications and get back to you
 
-[Apply here]({{config.extra.event.apply_url_committees}}){:target="_blank" .md-button .md-button--primary }
+[Applications are closed for 2025](#){:target="_blank" .md-button .md-button--secondary }
 
 ---

docs/committees/team-communication.md

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+---
+title: Team Communication
+icon: fontawesome/solid/comments
+---
+
+# Team Communication
+
+Let’s keep our committee channels focused on committee work so everyone stays informed and up to date. For casual
+conversations or side chats, feel free to use private messages—that’s what they’re there for! 😊 Keeping things organized
+helps us work more efficiently and ensures no important details get lost. 🚀
+
+## Inner-Committee Communication
+
+We use Discord as our primary platform for internal communication. When you join, the Admins will invite you to your
+committee’s channel to get started smoothly.
+
+## Cross-Committee Communication
+
+Each committee has its own dedicated Discord channel for internal discussions. For broader communication across
+committees, we use the #all-committees channel. You can tag specific committees using @CommitteeName25 to ensure your
+message reaches the right group.
+
+## Channels and Access
+
+To strike a balance between openness and data protection, most committee channels are open to all members of that
+committee. However, some channels are restricted to safeguard sensitive, personal, or confidential information. These
+restricted channels are only accessible to members of the relevant committee and the Steering Committee:
+
+ * Steering Committee Channel: For overarching organizational matters.
+ * Code of Conduct Channel: To ensure private discussions around community safety and well-being.
+ * Diversity Committee Channel: For sensitive topics around inclusion and equity.
+ * Program Committee Channel: For discussions involving confidential speaker or program-related matters.
+
+### Why This Matters
+
+Balancing transparency with the need for data protection helps us foster an open and collaborative environment while
+respecting privacy and confidentiality where it’s essential. This approach ensures that everyone feels secure and
+informed while working together effectively.
+
+## Feedback and Suggestions
+
+Please feel free to share your feedback and suggestions for improvements  with the Steering Committee.

docs/guidelines/grant-applications.md

@@ -4,9 +4,6 @@ icon: fontawesome/solid/hands-holding-circle
 ---
 # Grant-Applications
 
-!!! note
-    ==This is an example for a central European event, other regions may have other requirements.==
-
 ## Financial Aid Grants for Attendees
 
 As part of our commitment to the wider tech and data science community, we are pleased to offer special financial grants for attendees to join us at {{config.extra.event.event_name}}. Please follow the instructions below to apply for a grant.
@@ -15,8 +12,8 @@ We offer financial aid conference grants in the following categories:
 
 - **Online Ticket:** Get a standard online ticket for the conference at no cost.
 - **In-person Ticket:** Get a standard in-person ticket for the conference at no cost.
-- **Regional[^1] Travel and Accommodation Costs:** We will reimburse travel and accommodation costs up to ==400€== and additionally offer an on-site ticket.
-- **Intercontinental Travel and Accommodation Costs:** We will reimburse travel and accommodation costs up to ==800€== and additionally offer an on-site ticket.
+- **Regional[^1] Travel and Accommodation Costs:** We will reimburse travel and accommodation costs up to 400€ and additionally offer an on-site ticket.
+- **Intercontinental Travel and Accommodation Costs:** We will reimburse travel and accommodation costs up to 800€ and additionally offer an on-site ticket.
 
 While applying, we will ask you to estimate your travel and accommodation expenses.
 
@@ -57,7 +54,7 @@ Grants involving reimbursements will be processed based on approved receipts (e.
 
 **Please note:**
 
-- The maximum grant amount will not exceed ==400€/800€== per person, depending on the category.
+- The maximum grant amount will not exceed 400€/800€ per person, depending on the category.
 - If the grant is not accepted within the specified deadline, it will be considered rejected.
 - Only approved invoices will be reimbursed.
 - Reimbursements before the conference or via other means, such as cash, are not possible.

mkdocs.yml

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ nav:
       - Swag: committees/swag.md
       - Video: committees/video.md
       - Operational Models: committees/operational-model.md
+      - Inner- and Cross-Committee Communication: committees/team-communication.md
   - Guidelines:
       - guidelines/index.md
       - Communication:
@@ -40,6 +41,8 @@ nav:
           - Infrastructure: guidelines/infrastructure.md
       - On-Site Operations:
           - On-Site Operations: guidelines/on-site-ops.md
+          - Volunteers: guidelines/volunteers.md
+          - Call for Volunteers: guidelines/volunteers-call.md
       - Post-Conference:
           - Sponsoring: guidelines/post-conference.md
       - Program:
@@ -52,9 +55,6 @@ nav:
           - Sponsoring: guidelines/sponsoring.md
       - Swag:
           - Swag: guidelines/swag.md
-      - Volunteers:
-          - Volunteers: guidelines/volunteers.md
-          - Call for Volunteers: guidelines/volunteers-call.md
       - Video:
           - Video-Guidelines: guidelines/video.md
       - Website:
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ markdown_extensions:
       emoji_generator: !!python/name:material.extensions.emoji.to_svg
   - md_in_html
   - admonition
+  - footnotes
   - pymdownx.magiclink
   - pymdownx.betterem
   - pymdownx.critic