First launch of the beta testing program

As announced earlier, a beta testing program will be launched before 8.7.0. This planning issue aims to flesh out some details.

Prior to commencing program

1. Finalize decision around the timeframe for the program (time length; whether alpha, beta, and/or RC are included, etc.)
   • One proposal is also to move the alpha deadline earlier to lengthen the beta

2. Create email template for DA to use to contact participants
   https://www.drupal.org/node/3042247
3. Create meta issue template to use to track responses:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RM1H2IiuoY9N82D6xb1Y4xeSZZ1svhHTG86A...
   https://www.drupal.org/node/3042249
4. Create handbook page for program detailing how it works and what people need to do as part of the program. Current draft: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R4SYazk1kjqOwlZU1GpEtVYgugMRAKzS0Xbr...: https://www.drupal.org/docs/8/minor-release-beta-testing-program
5. Update minor release preparation documentation to include this process
6. Create canned responses for different scenarios
   • Reporting an issue we don't think is serious enough to impact release
   • Reverting an issue that is identified as causing release issues
   
   https://www.drupal.org/node/3042250

Each release prior to Beta

1. Create meta issue to track the program progress
   #3044027: [meta] 8.7.0 beta testing
2. Promote program via normal channels, g.d.o, twitter etc to try to increase number of participants (it could grow with each release)
3. Compose email for DA to send to participants

Release notes snippet

Beginning with Drupal 8.7.0-beta1, the Drupal Association and the Drupal core maintainers are partnering with agencies and site owners in an official beta testing program for minor releases. The program aims to identify and minimize regressions in minor releases. Participating in the program is a way to contribute to the Drupal project and will be credited accordingly.