Get Involved with Fellowship of the Flux

Ready to help advance the art of learning to solder? There are many ways to get involved with Fellowship of the Flux, whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare.

Volunteer Opportunities

Workshop Instructors

Help teach soldering skills at community events

What You’ll Do

• Provide hands-on instruction during workshops
• Help participants with projects and troubleshooting
• Ensure safety protocols are followed
• Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for making

What We Provide

• Comprehensive training on our teaching methods
• Safety certification and ongoing support
• All equipment and materials for workshops
• Flexible scheduling - volunteer when you can

Time Commitment

• Training: 4-6 hours initial certification
• Events: 2-8 hours per workshop (your choice)
• Frequency: As often as you’d like - some volunteers help monthly, others a few times per year

Skills Needed

• Basic soldering experience (we can help you develop this)
• Patience and enthusiasm for teaching
• Commitment to safety and best practices
• Willingness to learn our methods and materials

Event Coordinators

Help organize and manage workshop logistics

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with event organizers and venues
• Manage volunteer schedules and assignments
• Oversee equipment setup and breakdown
• Handle participant registration and materials

Skills Helpful

• Event planning experience (but not required)
• Strong organizational skills
• Good communication with diverse groups
• Problem-solving ability for day-of challenges

Equipment Managers

Maintain and improve our portable lab setups

What You’ll Do

• Maintain soldering stations and tools
• Inventory and restock consumables and materials
• Design improvements to our organization systems
• Test and calibrate equipment before events

Skills Helpful

• Technical aptitude with electronics equipment
• Attention to detail for safety and quality
• Basic repair skills for maintenance tasks
• 3D printing or fabrication experience (bonus)

Content Creators

Develop educational materials and resources

Opportunities

• Write tutorials and instructional guides
• Create videos of techniques and projects
• Design project kits for different skill levels
• Develop curriculum for specific audiences

Skills Helpful

• Technical writing or educational content experience
• Photography/videography skills
• Graphic design or illustration ability
• Subject matter expertise in electronics or education

Community Outreach

Connect with organizations and build partnerships

Activities

• Identify potential partners - schools, maker spaces, conferences
• Develop relationships with event organizers
• Represent Fellowship at community meetings
• Coordinate sponsorship and funding opportunities

Skills Helpful

• Networking and relationship building
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Grant writing or fundraising experience
• Knowledge of local education and maker communities

Volunteer Training and Support

Getting Started

1. Initial conversation - Discuss your interests and availability
2. Background check - Required for events with minors
3. Safety training - Learn our protocols and procedures
4. Skill assessment - Determine your starting role and development needs
5. Mentorship pairing - Work with experienced volunteers initially

Ongoing Development

• Monthly training sessions on new techniques and equipment
• Safety refreshers and certification updates
• Leadership development for those interested in coordination roles
• Conference attendance support for maker education events

Volunteer Benefits

• Skill development in teaching, electronics, and event management
• Networking opportunities with maker and education communities
• Recognition and awards for outstanding contributions
• Access to equipment for personal projects (with approval)
• Professional references and recommendation letters

Support Our Mission

Financial Contributions

Equipment Fund

Help us expand and maintain our portable labs

• $25 - Supplies for one workshop participant
• $50 - Complete tool set for one station
• $100 - Soldering iron and accessories
• $500 - Complete workstation setup
• $1,000 - Sponsor a full workshop for 20 participants

Scholarship Program

Make workshops accessible to underserved communities

• Support free workshops at Title I schools
• Provide materials for low-income participants
• Fund transportation to rural communities
• Enable extended programs for at-risk youth

General Operations

Support our day-to-day mission

• Volunteer training and development
• Equipment maintenance and replacement
• Storage and transportation costs
• Insurance and safety compliance

In-Kind Donations

Equipment and Materials

• Soldering stations and accessories
• Electronic components for project kits
• Safety equipment - glasses, ventilation, first aid
• Storage solutions - cases, organizers, transport

Services

• Transportation for equipment and volunteers
• Storage space for lab equipment
• Graphic design for materials and marketing
• Web development and technical support
• Legal and accounting services

Corporate Partnerships

Sponsorship Opportunities

• Event sponsorship - Support specific workshops or conferences
• Equipment partnerships - Provide tools and materials
• Venue partnerships - Host workshops at your facilities
• Employee volunteer programs - Engage your team in STEM education

Benefits for Partners

• Community impact recognition and visibility
• Employee engagement through volunteer opportunities
• STEM education alignment with corporate social responsibility
• Networking with maker and education communities

Educational Partnerships

For Schools and Libraries

Curriculum Integration

• Align with STEM standards and learning objectives
• Professional development for teachers and staff
• Equipment loans for ongoing programs
• Student volunteer opportunities for older learners

Program Development

• After-school programs with ongoing support
• Summer camps and intensive workshops
• Family engagement events and activities
• Career exploration connections to electronics industries

For Maker Spaces and Community Centers

Capacity Building

• Staff training on soldering instruction
• Equipment sharing and bulk purchasing
• Program development support and consultation
• Cross-promotion of events and activities

Collaboration Opportunities

• Joint workshops and events
• Resource sharing - space, equipment, expertise
• Volunteer exchange programs
• Best practices sharing and development

How to Get Started

Step 1: Reach Out

Contact us to discuss your interests

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: Available upon request
• In-person: Attend one of our workshops or community events

Step 2: Explore Options

We’ll help you find the right fit

• Skills assessment - What do you bring to the table?
• Interest discussion - What aspects of our work excite you?
• Availability planning - How much time can you commit?
• Goal setting - What do you hope to gain from volunteering?

Step 3: Start Small

Begin with manageable commitments

• Shadow experienced volunteers at events
• Help with specific tasks like setup or materials management
• Attend training sessions to build skills and confidence
• Participate in community meetings and discussions

Step 4: Grow Your Involvement

Expand your role as you’re ready

• Take on more responsibility in areas that interest you
• Mentor new volunteers as you gain experience
• Lead initiatives or special projects
• Represent Fellowship at external events and meetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need soldering experience to volunteer?

Not necessarily! While some roles benefit from technical experience, we have opportunities for people with all skill levels. We provide training and mentorship to help you develop the skills you need.

How much time do I need to commit?

It’s flexible! Some volunteers help at one event per year, others are involved weekly. We work with your schedule and availability.

Can I volunteer if I’m under 18?

Yes, with parent/guardian permission and appropriate supervision. We have specific protocols for youth volunteers and welcome their energy and perspectives.

Do you provide background checks?

Yes, we handle this process for volunteers who will work with minors. It’s part of our commitment to maintaining safe learning environments.

What if I can’t commit to regular volunteering?

No problem! We have one-time opportunities, project-based work, and flexible arrangements. Every contribution helps advance our mission.

Can my company get involved?

Absolutely! We work with corporate partners on sponsorships, employee volunteer programs, and equipment donations. Contact us to discuss opportunities.

Contact Information

General Volunteer Inquiries

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject line: “Volunteer Interest - [Your Name]”

Specific Opportunities

• Workshop instruction: [email protected]
• Event coordination: [email protected]
• Equipment management: [email protected]
• Content creation: [email protected]
• Community outreach: [email protected]

Partnership and Support

• Corporate partnerships: [email protected]
• Educational collaborations: [email protected]
• Donations and sponsorship: [email protected]

Response Time

We typically respond to volunteer inquiries within 48 hours. If you don’t hear from us, please follow up - we want to make sure we connect with everyone interested in our mission!

Fellowship of the Flux exists because of passionate volunteers and supporters who believe in the power of hands-on learning. Whether you have technical expertise or just enthusiasm for education, there’s a place for you in our community. Join us in advancing the art of learning to solder!