diff --git a/reference/index.rst b/reference/index.rst
index f4716cfd9..76f435523 100644
--- a/reference/index.rst
+++ b/reference/index.rst
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ Reference documents which need to be revised over time.
    principles
    charter
    projects/index
+   top-5-help-wanted
    new-projects-requirements
    new-language-requirements
    licensing
diff --git a/reference/top-5-help-wanted.rst b/reference/top-5-help-wanted.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..683493b5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/reference/top-5-help-wanted.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+========================
+ Top 5 help wanted list
+========================
+
+This document lists areas where the OpenStack Technical Committee seeks
+contributions to significantly help OpenStack as a whole. While in most
+cases things happen naturally through the normal contribution dynamics
+in the community, in some cases a `tragedy of the commons`_ is at play.
+Guidance, leadership and proper recognition of efforts is therefore needed
+to encourage individuals or organizations to contribute in areas where they
+could make a big impact.
+
+Each item should clearly explain why the item matters (value of the effort
+to the community, operators and users), why we need help there (description
+of the current situation) and what experience or benefit the volunteer can
+expect to gain from tackling it. It should also include the name of a TC
+sponsor (responsible for evangelizing, articulating and channelling the work,
+but also facilitating connections between candidates and target teams). For
+an estimate of the commitment required, interested candidates should reach
+out to the TC sponsor, or the PTL of the affected project.
+
+.. _`tragedy of the commons`: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons
+
+(insert items here)