Join the Guild

Multiple membership tiers designed to support community networks, technical contributors, researchers, funders, and partners

Founding Network Member

Active community networks with 50+ nodes/users

Benefits

  • Full voting rights
  • Priority access to grants and funding opportunities
  • Featured in all association materials
  • Direct technical support from peer networks
  • Access to shared equipment purchasing programs
  • Invitation to closed strategy sessions
  • Speaking opportunities at conferences

Responsibilities

  • Contribute technical documentation to shared knowledge base
  • Host at least one training session annually
  • Participate in monthly coordination calls
  • Share network statistics and best practices
  • Mentor emerging networks
  • Contribute to open-source tools
  • Pay annual dues ($500-$2,500 sliding scale)

Emerging Network Member

New or small networks (<50 nodes/users)

Benefits

  • Voting rights
  • Access to technical mentorship program
  • Discounted equipment through group purchasing
  • Training and installation guides
  • Legal and policy templates
  • Connection to local funding sources
  • Peer network introductions

Responsibilities

  • Participate in quarterly calls
  • Share lessons learned and challenges
  • Contribute to documentation when able
  • Pay reduced annual dues ($100-$500 sliding scale)
  • Commit to open network principles

Technical Contributor

Individual developers, engineers, technologists

Benefits

  • Recognition in association materials
  • Early access to new tools and documentation
  • Networking with community network leaders
  • Speaking opportunities
  • Free conference attendance

Responsibilities

  • Develop or maintain open-source networking tools
  • Provide technical consultation to member networks
  • Create training materials
  • Contribute to troubleshooting forums
  • Minimum 20 hours annually of volunteer technical support

Research & Policy Partner

Universities, think tanks, advocacy organizations

Benefits

  • Co-branding opportunities
  • Access to network data for research
  • Policy briefing participation
  • Grant collaboration opportunities
  • Newsletter features

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on community broadband impacts
  • Provide policy analysis and advocacy support
  • Share research findings with members
  • Offer pro bono consulting
  • Support grant applications with data and evidence

Funding Partner

Foundations, government agencies, corporate sponsors

Benefits

  • Recognition as supporter
  • Input on strategic priorities
  • Quarterly impact reports
  • Invitation to site visits
  • Tax benefits (if applicable)

Responsibilities

  • Provide financial support (minimum $10,000 annually)
  • Consider member networks for grant funding
  • Share funding opportunities
  • Offer capacity-building resources
  • Respect network autonomy and community governance

Associate Member

Digital equity organizations, libraries, community centers

Benefits

  • Access to educational resources
  • Network referral for community needs
  • Collaboration opportunities
  • Newsletter subscription
  • Event invitations

Responsibilities

  • Promote community broadband in their communities
  • Host information sessions
  • Provide feedback on community needs
  • Connect residents to networks
  • Pay nominal dues ($50-$250 annually)

Vendor/Supplier Partner

Equipment manufacturers, software companies

Benefits

  • Listing in approved vendor directory
  • Direct access to network buyers
  • Product feedback from practitioners
  • Case study opportunities
  • Conference exhibition space

Responsibilities

  • Offer member discounts (minimum 15%)
  • Provide technical support
  • Donate equipment for training
  • Sponsor events or programs
  • Ensure products support open standards

Why Join the Guild?

For Community Networks

  • ▸Reduced isolation: Connect with peers facing similar challenges
  • ▸Technical acceleration: Access proven solutions rather than reinventing
  • ▸Increased credibility: Association membership validates legitimacy to funders
  • ▸Cost savings: Group purchasing and shared tools reduce expenses
  • ▸Policy influence: Collective voice amplifies individual network concerns

For the Movement

  • ▸Scalable impact: Strengthen multiple networks simultaneously
  • ▸Innovation lab: Learn from diverse community-driven approaches
  • ▸Network effects: Each member network strengthens the entire ecosystem
  • ▸Policy power: United advocacy for spectrum access and municipal rights
  • ▸Knowledge preservation: Codify best practices for future networks

Ready to Build Together?

Join a growing movement of community networks, cooperatives, and advocates building Internet infrastructure as a public good