Membership
How to join HeatSync Labs, membership levels, benefits, and expectations.
HeatSync Labs is open to everyone. You don’t need to be an expert, have specific skills, or fit any particular mold. If you want to make things and learn alongside others, you belong here.
Becoming a Member
1. Visit the Space
Come to an open house or public event. Get a feel for the community and space.
2. Attend Orientation
Learn about safety, culture, and how to use the space effectively.
3. Submit Application
Simple form with emergency contact and agreement to community standards.
4. Pay Dues
Monthly dues support rent, utilities, and supplies. Sliding scale available.
5. Get Access
Receive your key/card and start making things!
Membership Levels
Friend of the Space
Free
- Attend public events
- Use space during open hours
- Join mailing list/Slack
- Participate in community
No voting rights or 24/7 access
Regular Member
$50/month
- 24/7 access to space
- Storage space (small)
- Tool certification eligibility
- Workshop discounts
- Voting rights after 3 months
Standard membership for most
Supporting Member
$100+/month
- All regular member benefits
- Additional storage space
- Priority workshop registration
- Guest passes (2/month)
- Good karma and our thanks
For those who can contribute more
Sliding Scale Available: We never want money to be a barrier. If you can’t afford full dues, talk to a board member about reduced rates or work-trade options. We’d rather have you as an active member than not at all.
Becoming a Voting Member
Voting members shape the direction of HeatSync Labs. To become one:
- Be a dues-paying member in good standing
- Actively contribute within the last 6 months
- Complete orientation and understand our culture
- Participate regularly in space activities
What Counts as Active Contribution?
- Working on projects in the space
- Teaching workshops or skills
- Maintaining tools or areas
- Organizing events
- Improving documentation
- Helping other members
- Participating in workdays
Contribution is self-documented. If you’re doing things, you’re contributing. No need for formal tracking or approval.
Member Benefits
24/7 Access
Work on projects whenever inspiration strikes
Tool Library
Access to thousands of dollars worth of tools
Community Knowledge
Learn from experts in dozens of fields
Project Space
Room to work on things you can’t do at home
Storage
Keep projects and materials at the space
Classes & Workshops
Free or discounted learning opportunities
Member Expectations
With membership comes responsibility. We expect all members to:
Follow the Prime Directive
- Be excellent to each other
- Follow Community Standards
- Respect others’ work and space
- Communicate constructively
Maintain the Space
- Clean up after yourself
- Return tools to their homes
- Report broken things
- Participate in occasional workdays
- Leave things better than you found them
Engage with Community
- Share knowledge when you can
- Ask for help when you need it
- Attend meetings occasionally
- Contribute to the culture
Pay Your Dues
- Pay on time (by the 5th)
- Communicate if you have issues
- Update payment info when needed
Guest Policy
Members can bring guests, but are responsible for them:
- Always accompany guests - Don’t leave them alone
- Explain safety rules - Especially for tools
- Limit frequency - Regular visitors should become members
- Take responsibility - You’re liable for guest actions
- Sign them in - Log in the guest book
Guests are welcome during open hours without a member host. This policy applies to 24/7 access times.
Suspension & Termination
We hate to lose members, but sometimes it’s necessary:
Automatic Suspension
- Dues 60+ days overdue
- During investigation of serious violations
- Safety violations endangering others
Termination Causes
- Serious Community Standards violations
- Theft or intentional damage
- Repeated violations after warnings
- Actions harming the organization
Due Process
- Member notified of issue
- Opportunity to respond
- Board review and decision
- Appeal to membership if desired
See Community Standards for detailed violation and appeals process.
Taking a Break
Life happens. If you need to pause membership:
- Notify the board before dues are due
- Return any borrowed items
- Clean out personal storage
- Stay connected via Slack/mailing list if desired
We’ll welcome you back whenever you’re ready. Alumni are always part of the HeatSync family.
Ready to Join?
Pro tip: The best way to know if HeatSync is right for you is to visit. Every community has its own vibe. Come see if ours matches what you’re looking for.