How Do I Become a Member?
How can I get more involved?
Freeside is a member-supported non-profit organization. We're always looking for active new members, donors, and supporters. There are a ton of ways to get started.
The only thing that is required for membership is enthusiasm. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the space and all of the projects going on your first time there, but one of our goals is education and we'll teach you whatever you'd like to know. Don't wait for a class on it either - find a subject matter expert (SME) in the area that your interested in and they'll help you get started.
If we don't have a class/event/project/area that you'd like to see, just rally people to get it. If you can keep people excited about something, they'll help you build whatever you're looking for. The more that our members do this, the stronger Freeside becomes and the more resources you'll have at your disposal.
1. Stop by our Open House
Freeside is located at:
3043 Commerce Way
Atlanta, GA 30354
We're open to the public on our Open House nights, which start at 7:30PM on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
If you can't make an Open House night, visit us during a class. We hold classes periodically throughout the month. Drop in and you might just learn something!
We are not open to the public if we are not hosting an Open House or a class. If you show up outside of those times, it's probable that there will be no one available to give you a tour of the space. Sorry!
2. Talk to a member
Once you've decided to become a member, come to an event (ideally an open house or a buildout - check out our public events on Meetup), or send us a message on our Contact page, and we'll respond with further info. Basically, the process amounts to filling out a form with some questions about your interests, and then setting up a membership subscription.
3. Pay for membership
Standard dues are $80.00 per month. Membership gives you 24/7 access to the space. If your spouse, significant other, or partner is a member, then our joint membership rate is $65 for each person. We also have reduced rates for full-time students and other folks in challenging or low-income situations, so please get in touch and ask us for the details of those programs.
Payment must be made via PayPal subscription.
You must be 18 years or older to become a member.
4. Take the Shop Tool Basics class
Before you can use our shop tools, you need to learn how to care for them and operate them safely. We teach Shop Tool Basics on the first Saturday of each month at 2:30PM. Check out this class on our Meetup page - it's free for members!
And remember, you don't have to be a member to take classes, hang out at our events, and get involved. Come out for that and see if building, growing, and developing this space and community is something that you're interested in!