WordPress 7.1 Call for Volunteers ![rw-book-cover](https://s.w.org/images/home/wordpress-default-ogimage.png) 🔗 **Source:** [WordPress 7.1 Call for Volunteers](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2026/05/21/wordpress-7-1-call-for-volunteers/) Planning is underway for [WordPress 7.1](https://make.wordpress.org/core/7-1/)! This post outlines the proposed schedule along with a call for volunteers to support the release process. Following the typical cadence, the proposed final release date for 7.1 is **Wednesday, August 19, 2026**. This proposed timeline remains flexible for the resulting Release Squad and adjustments can be made if necessary as they determine what timeline works best for their schedule. ##### **Proposed Schedule** | | | | --- | --- | | **Milestone** | **Date** | | Alpha Begins | Immediately (7.1-alpha began in *trunk on March 27th with* [*[62161]*](https://core.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/62161), [closed](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2026/04/02/the-path-forward-for-wordpress-7-0/) then [re-opened](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2026/05/20/commence-operation-wp-7-1/)) | | Beta 1 | Wednesday, July 15 | | Beta 2 | Wednesday, July 22 | | Beta 3 | Wednesday, July 29 | | Release Candidate 1 | Wednesday, August 5 | | Release Candidate 2 | Wednesday, August 12 | | Dry Run | Tuesday, August 18 | | Final Release | Wednesday, August 19 | As always, all dates are subject to change based on development progress. ##### **Call for Volunteers** Each WordPress release depends on contributors from across the project coming together to make it a success. As with the [6.7](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/07/05/wordpress-6-7-planning-proposal-call-for-volunteers/), [6.8](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/11/21/wordpress-6-8-call-for-volunteers/), [6.9](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2025/07/11/wordpress-6-9-planning-proposal-and-call-for-volunteers/), and [7.0](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2026/01/09/wordpress-7-0-call-for-volunteers/) release cycles, WordPress 7.1 will continue the approach of forming a smaller, focused Release Squad based on feedback received. This streamlined structure places more emphasis on collaboration with the various [Make Team Reps](https://make.wordpress.org/updates/team-reps/), who are encouraged to help coordinate efforts from within their [respective teams](https://make.wordpress.org/). The goals are to reduce the overhead on the Release Squad while still ensuring each team’s contributions and priorities are represented throughout the cycle, and to reduce overlap between a Make Team Rep and that team’s Release Squad Leads. Noteworthy Contributors will be captured from Team Reps towards the end of the release cycle. While the end goal is to publish the final release of WordPress 7.1 at [WordCamp US](https://us.wordcamp.org/2026/), **traveling to or attending WordCamp US is not a requirement** to serve on the release squad. All communication related to the release process will continue to take place in the [#core](https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C02RQBWTW) Slack channel. If you are interested in helping lead WordPress 7.1 in one of the following roles, please comment below or reach out in the [#7-1-release-leads](https://wordpress.slack.com/archives/C0B4Q0RJVAT) Slack channel: * **Release Lead** – sets overall goals, makes final decisions on merging, gives final reviews where needed * **Release Coordination** – helps manage timelines, cross-team collaboration, and status updates * **Tech Leads** – oversees core development (including Gutenberg), triage, and critical issues * **Triage Lead** – help monitor issues, shepherd patches, and guide contributors * **Test Lead** – coordinates testing efforts across the community and test reports Whether you have led a release before or are looking to get involved for the first time, there are many ways to contribute. Volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome! **If you are interested in volunteering, please leave a comment below noting your preferred area(s) by Friday, June 5th.** [@4thhubbard](https://profiles.wordpress.org/4thhubbard/) (or a designee), will review the nominations shortly after to [confirm and announce](https://make.wordpress.org/core/handbook/about/release-cycle/wordpress-release-team-and-focus-leads/#how-release-team-identified) the release squad as soon as possible. Together we can make WordPress 7.1 the best one yet!, WordPress 7.1 Call for Volunteers, make.wordpress.org, 01ks5v2kr3tscfxm4xfxk6k9ey.