Add local dev instructions

README.md

@@ -57,3 +57,19 @@ The following is the minimum AWS IAM policy to grant the necessary permissions t
 ```
 
 [Confluent Platform docker containers]: https://docs.confluent.io/platform/current/installation/docker/config-reference.html
+
+## How to contribute
+
+This package uses [Poetry](https://python-poetry.org) for packaging and Python virtual environment management. To get started:
+
+1.  [Fork](https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/working-with-forks/fork-a-repo) and [clone](https://docs.github.com/en/pull-requests/collaborating-with-pull-requests/working-with-forks/fork-a-repo#cloning-your-forked-repository) this repository.
+
+2.  Install Poetry by following [their installation instructions](https://python-poetry.org/docs/#installation).
+
+3.  Install this package and its dependencies by running the following command inside your clone of this repository:
+
+        poetry install --all-extras
+
+4.  Run the following command to launch a shell that is preconfigured with the project's virtual environment:
+
+        poetry shell