About Fellowship of the Flux

Learn about our mission, history, and the volunteers who make soldering education accessible to communities across the Midwest.

About Fellowship of the Flux

Our Story

Fellowship of the Flux began in Kansas City with a simple idea: everyone should have the opportunity to learn soldering skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. What started as volunteer-run workshops at local cybersecurity conferences like BSides KC and MakerFaire KC has grown into a regional resource for STEM education.

Our name playfully references the Fellowship of the Ring, emphasizing our belief that learning is a shared journey. Just as flux enables solder to flow and create strong connections, we help knowledge flow between experienced makers and eager learners, creating lasting connections in our community.

Our Mission

Advancing the art of learning to solder through community outreach, education, and resource sharing.

We believe that soldering is more than a technical skill—it’s a gateway to understanding electronics, building confidence in making and repairing, and connecting with a community of creators and problem-solvers.

What We Do

Community Workshops

We provide hands-on soldering workshops at:

  • Cybersecurity conferences (BSides KC, regional BSides events)
  • Maker faires and maker spaces
  • STEM education events
  • School and library programs
  • Corporate team-building events

Portable Soldering Labs

Our carefully designed portable labs feature:

  • 20+ Hakko FX-888 temperature-controlled soldering stations
  • Custom 3D-printed organizers for tools and components
  • Complete sets of essential tools (flush cutters, solder dispensers, desoldering equipment)
  • Safety equipment and workspace materials
  • Beginner-friendly project kits

Educational Resources

We develop and share:

  • Step-by-step soldering tutorials
  • Equipment selection guides
  • Safety protocols and best practices
  • Curriculum materials for educators
  • Lab setup and organization guides

Community Building

We foster learning communities by:

  • Training volunteers to lead workshops
  • Connecting organizations with resources
  • Sharing knowledge and best practices
  • Supporting other maker education initiatives

Our Team

Fellowship of the Flux is powered by passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds:

  • Electronics professionals who share their expertise
  • Educators who understand how people learn best
  • Makers and hobbyists who love sharing their craft
  • Event organizers who help coordinate workshops
  • Students and newcomers who bring fresh perspectives

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in joining our fellowship? We welcome volunteers with all skill levels:

  • Workshop instructors - Help teach soldering techniques
  • Event coordinators - Organize and manage workshop logistics
  • Content creators - Develop tutorials and educational materials
  • Equipment managers - Maintain and improve our lab setups
  • Community outreach - Connect with schools and organizations

Our Impact

Since our founding, Fellowship of the Flux has:

  • Taught 500+ people to solder at community events
  • Supported 25+ conferences and educational events
  • Trained 30+ volunteers to lead their own workshops
  • Reached learners from elementary school through retirement
  • Expanded across the Midwest with partner organizations

Our Values

Inclusivity

Soldering education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, age, or prior experience.

Safety First

We prioritize safe practices and create environments where learners feel secure to experiment and make mistakes.

Community Over Competition

We believe in collaboration, knowledge sharing, and lifting each other up.

Quality Education

We use professional-grade equipment and proven teaching methods to ensure learners develop real skills.

Volunteer Spirit

Our work is driven by passion for education and community service, not profit.

Get Involved

Ready to join the Fellowship of the Flux? Here’s how you can get involved:

For Individuals

  • Learn with us - Attend a workshop or use our online resources
  • Volunteer - Help teach, organize, or support our events
  • Spread the word - Tell others about soldering education opportunities

For Organizations

  • Request a workshop - Bring our portable lab to your event
  • Partner with us - Collaborate on educational initiatives
  • Sponsor our work - Support equipment and volunteer training

For Educators

  • Use our resources - Access our curriculum and teaching materials
  • Build your own lab - Follow our guides to create soldering education programs
  • Join our network - Connect with other educators and share best practices

Contact Us

Ready to advance the art of learning to solder in your community?

Fellowship of the Flux is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to making soldering education accessible, safe, and fun for learners of all ages and backgrounds.