NYC Mesh

Volunteer

Maintaining and growing NYC Mesh wouldn't be possible without a dedicated community of volunteers! We welcome people with diverse skill sets and backgrounds to help, contribute and lead. We are open to new ideas and initiatives, especially if you are self-motivated and enjoy collaborating with others.

Volunteer Areas

Outreach

  • - Tabling
  • - Social media, Design & UX
  • - Building & neighborhood internet sign-ups
  • - Grant writing

Installation & Maintenance

  • - Rooftop installation of nodes
  • - Node configuration
  • - Large hub maintenance
  • - Fiber install in large buildings

Software

  • - Database management
  • - Mapping visualization tools creation
  • - Frontend & UX enhancements
  • - Networking automation
  • - Data & reporting tools

Networking & Infrastructure

  • - Supernode installation
  • - Network monitoring & diagnostics
  • - Network routing
  • - Server design, installation, maintenance

How To Volunteer

  1. 1

    Join Our Slack Channel

    Join our Slack — this will lead you to the #new-volunteer-onboarding channel with more information on how to set up an onboarding call, join an in-person hangout, and choose a volunteer task.

  2. 2

    Visit In-Person Open Mesh Night

    Every Tuesday 7pm - late(ish) at 53 Bridge St, Unit 509, Brooklyn. Open Mesh Night is our weekly event to discuss current projects, meet other volunteers, and hangout in the mesh room.

  3. 3

    Fill out our new volunteer sign-up form

    Complete our short form so we know what you’re interested in and can match you to the right projects.

  4. 4

    Sign-up for Calendly on-boarding introduction

    Schedule a quick one-on-one introduction with a current volunteer to get oriented.

Volunteering at NYC Mesh

FAQ

Do you accept space, equipment, financial donations? ▼
Yes! NYC Mesh accepts donations of working and reasonably modern networking equipment and antennas. We also welcome donations of space for meetups and events, and monetary donations are tax-deductible.
How do I learn more about NYC Mesh for a project of my own? ▼
Join our Slack and check out the NYC Mesh Wiki for documentation, guides, and technical resources.
What days and times are new volunteer activities? ▼
Our main weekly event is Open Mesh Night, every Tuesday at 7pm at 53 Bridge St, Unit 509, Brooklyn. We also hold monthly Meetups - check Meetup.com/nycmesh for dates.
What type of volunteers are best for NYC Mesh? ▼
All types! We welcome people with diverse skill sets - from technical networking and software to outreach, grant writing, and graphic design. Self-motivated people who enjoy collaborating do great here.
Is there training for new volunteers? ▼
Yes. New installers shadow experienced install leaders before leading installs themselves. We also offer onboarding calls and our Slack community is always happy to help newcomers learn.
What do you currently need the most help with? ▼
We always need mesh installers, network administrators, and outreach volunteers. Check our Slack channels for the latest priorities.
Do I need to be based in NYC? ▼
For installation and maintenance work, yes. But for software development, design, outreach materials, grant writing, and other remote-friendly tasks, you can contribute from anywhere!
Who do I contact for more information? ▼
Join our Slack and post in #general or #new-volunteer-onboarding. You can also email us or come to an Open Mesh Night in person.
Can I expand the network to my neighborhood? ▼
Absolutely! Neighborhood organizers coordinate installs for their building, neighbors, and local businesses. Join #neighborhoods on Slack to get started.
What is it like to volunteer with NYC Mesh? ▼
It’s a collaborative, welcoming community. Most volunteers don’t have a specific ‘job description’ - we work on whatever projects we’re interested in. You’ll meet great people and learn a lot!
Do I need to have tech experience to volunteer? ▼
Not at all. While tech skills are useful for some roles, we also need help with outreach, event coordination, grant writing, graphic design, and community organizing.
Does NYC Mesh offer paid opportunities and internships? ▼
NYC Mesh is primarily volunteer-run. Occasionally there are paid contractor positions for specific projects. Check Slack for any current openings.

Upcoming Events