New Member On-ramp

Hi. You're awesome or you wouldn't be here!

You have unique skills, knowledge and background that we are excited to have at TinkerMill. We're glad you're here. TinkerMill is an exciting place packed with discovery and adventure. As such, it is frequently the case that with so much opportunity new members can feel overwhelmed at first. So, how do you get going? Where is the on-ramp? Here are some pathways that seem to be succeeding in ramping up new folks like you to fully engaged members:

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Some people will take a class before their membership - classes are open to everyone. Other's will join the membership so they can jump right in, and get a discount on their classes.

• Sign up for membership on our website, www.tinkermill.org/membership
• Take the New Member Orientation. This is how you earn your keyfob and a TinkerMill google account. It is the best place to start and goes over all this info plus lots more. Check the MeetUp calendar for the next one.
• In fact, take some time to explore the events scheduled on the calendar. Follow the links for descriptions. We offer a variety of classes and events for the community. Some classes will be your required certification trainings so that as a member you can use more dangerous of expensive equipment independently. Other classes can be further learning or fun projects. We also have social events and volunteer opportunities.
• Join our Slack. You'll need to attend new member orientation to get login access. This is the social media of the makerspace and how we easily communicate. With so many shared spaces and resources, it's important for our membership to be able to collaborate and problem solve together. Slack has message boards called #channels that organize topics. For TinkerMill those topics include shops, machines, ideas, projects, and more. Slack can also be used to direct message other members.
• Then bookmark it or install the slack app on all your devices. Look through the channels available. Join an interesting channel. Ask a question, make a comment. Start a new channel for an unrepresented topic. It is a very active place. It uses your Tinkermill email address, so check that account from time to time. For help with Slack check out SLACK 101.
• Come to the member meetings. Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what excites you. This is a great step in finding a kindred spirit and/or an initial path to take where you can engage further.
• Actually, joining in is the key to getting involved at Tinkermill. Whatever draws you in, show up, listen, inquire, share, teach. That is the best way to experience what the makerspace has to offer. We hope you join in.
• Be open to serendipity. It happens all the time here.
• Volunteer.
• Did I say volunteer? That's what members do. It is really fun even (especially) if you don't know anyone yet. There is a Volunteer channel on Slack where things needing attention get posted. There are also white boards scattered around that list what volunteers can do to help out a shop. There is most certainly something you can do and in the end, it feels good to contribute to the Tinkermill community.
• Contact the captain of a shop you're interested in. You'll find some sort of poster at each shop with contact info for the captain. There is also contact info at the Shop Captains wiki page.
• Come to the Sunday afternoon Free Tour hours from 2-4PM. Maybe tag along on another tour. Share your excitement about being a new member to the next new member.
• Spend a bit of time at shops where someone is doing something. Ask them what are they making.

It is an exciting and active place. Share your enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing you around.