Membership Process
This process is still in development and will be finalized by the end of July. If you're interested in getting involved with the Node, get in touch on the Mailing list
Overview
- Get to know the space. Come to an event or just stop by and hang out for a while.
- Fill out a membership application. This quick online form lets us know you're interested.
- Come to a meeting. New members are confirmed at regular meetings.
- Start paying dues. Dues are just $50 a month. See Membership Dues for more info.
- Register for a key. Show us a photo ID, pay for the key duplication cost, and you'll get a key for 24/7 access.
- right now we have a $100 penalty if a key is not returned. That may make more sense as a $100 deposit (in an escrow account, somewhere). Abachman 05:12, 28 July 2009 (UTC)
- Stop worrying about bureaucracy and do cool stuff!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of being a member
- Access to the space to work on projects either on your own or in collaboration with other members
- Use of all community tools and equipment within the space
- Free access to all workshops and events
- A designated area to store in progress work
- A voice and a vote in all decisions affecting the Baltimore Node
I can't afford $50. Where do we go from here?
There isn't an official policy on this yet. We're open to some number of members paying less that $50 a month. If you are interested in joining the Node, but $50 is out of reach, something can probably be worked out. Just come to a meeting and talk to people about your situation and what you can afford.
How do I register for a key
Once you're a member, talk to any officer and they can get you set up. The officer will make a copy of your photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) and put in a request with the landlord for a copy of the key. You will need to pay $? to cover the cost of key duplication. The process generally takes ? days. Also, be aware that there is a $100 fee if you lose the key or are otherwise unable to return it if you decide to stop your membership.
What does it mean to be "confirmed" as a member?
The Baltimore Node is collectively run by its members. The officers are responsible for some administrative tasks, but all decisions are determined by a vote of the members. When you come to a meeting and say you'd like to join, the members present at meeting hold a quick vote to confirm you as a member. The vote itself is largely a formality. We want new members to join and use the space. If you've hung around the space for any amount of time, chatted with some members, and filled out the membership application, you're golden. If no one at the meeting has ever seen you before, you might be asked to spend some time getting to know the members and wait until the next meeting to be confirmed.
