Title: Getting Started
Author: mfucilli
Published: August 7, 2024
Last modified: March 26, 2026

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## Getting Started With Your Membership

**You’ve purchased a membership- now what? It’s time to begin the orientation process!
Follow the steps below to get started with using your membership. **

Welcome to Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We’re happy to have you as a member and
want to help you get the most out of your membership. Before getting a fob and using
the equipment, you will need to complete these tasks.

 1.  **[View the New Member Orientation video.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE1oFpkOF78)**
 2.   * ALL members MUST watch the video, for liability reasons. It covers general 
        info about the CoG and safety rules everyone must be aware of (even if you’re
        not using tools, you’ll want to know what to do in case someone else gets hurt).
 3.  **[Complete the Orientation Quiz ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfieaZ4HqUpS9hwBx_sjtBP57akFtLZlbIymx7w28SbFrbidQ/viewform)**
 4.   * A score of 100% is required.
 5.  **[Update Member Profile](https://www.tvcog.net/civi/member-profile/) to Receive
     an Access Key Fob**
 6.   * Double check all your personal information is correct. Update your member profile
        with a headshot photo. This helps staff identify members easier (think passport
        photo).
      * You must be logged into the website to access the Member Profile page. If you
        didn’t create a website account during the signup process, [create one here](https://www.tvcog.net/wp-login.php?action=register).
 7.  **Look out for an email with the subject “Your TVCOG Access Fob is Now Available”**
 8.   * Fobs are assigned by our part-time staff, so it may take up to two business
        days for your fob to be ready.** Access fobs are not assigned on the weekend
        or during federal holidays.**
 9.  [**Attend Zone Safety Orientations**](https://tvcog.net/learn/safety-orientations/)
 10.  * [Review the schedule and sign up on our website.](https://tvcog.net/learn/safety-orientations/)
        You’ll need to sign up for and attend a safety orientation for each Work Zone
        you intend to use. The Kitchen and any green tool can be used without attending
        a safety orientation. Regardless of your experience level, these sessions are
        required for us to ensure you are aware of procedures important for your safety
        and to avoid damage to the equipment. These classes are scheduled on a regular,
        rotating basis. [Pre-registration required](https://legacy.tvcog.net/safety-orientations).
      * If you are not able to attend the scheduled orientation, or you need to expedite
        getting access to a work zone for a time sensitive project, you may be able
        arrange a one-on-one expedited training session with staff for $30. See the
        link above to request.

## _Additional Membership Information:_

**Review the Membership Handbook**
The [Membership Handbook](https://www.tvcog.net/membership-handbook/)
covers all of our day-to-day policies.

**Connect Virtually**
Our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/TVCenterOfGravity/)
is how the COG started back in 2011, and has been the go-to place to show off projects
and ask questions. While still active, not as many people are on Facebook these 
days. Our [Discord Server](https://discord.gg/D92Zdg8pTF) is young, but full of 
promise. Help us grow it by being an active user!

**Purchase Storage**
If you would like to store items at the CoG while you work 
on projects, we have some [storage options available](https://tvcog.net/facility/storage/).

**Join Us at Social Night**
We hope you’ll join us whenever possible for Social 
Night on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm. These Social Nights are great opportunities
to meet other members and speed the process of becoming part of the creative community
at Tech Valley Center of Gravity. Social Night is also open to the public, so feel
free to bring a friend, and snacks to share! 

**Events, Classes & Zone Help**
We offer a number of events, classes, community 
meetups, workshops and more. You can find them on the [events calendar here.](https://www.tvcog.net/learn/class-calendar/)

TVCOG also offers additional educational opportunities exclusively for TVCOG members,
which includes the volunteer-led Zone Office Hours (see calendar) and the [Maker Consultants Program](https://www.tvcog.net/learn/maker-consultants/)
[.](https://legacy.tvcog.net/events-classes/maker-consultants)

**Bring a Guest**
Guests must sign in at the front desk and are not permitted to
use any TVCOG equipment. TVCOG members take responsibility for their guests.

**Reserve a Room/Equipment**

Room reservations are first-come, first-served. [Visit this page here for more information or to submit a request. ](https://www.tvcog.net/member-resources/room-reservations/)

[Equipment reservations](https://www.tvcog.net/member-resources/equipment-reservations/)
are not required for any equipment in the general Makerspace, but are recommended
for popular equipment during very busy times. Makers and Super Makers looking to
use  Prototyping Center Equipment should make reservations. 

**Other Questions**

Have other questions regarding parking, storage, supplies & consumables, volunteering
etc? Please review the orientation video above. If your question is not answered,
contact us via email at [info@tvcog.net](https://www.tvcog.net/member-resources/getting-started/info@tvcog.net?output_format=md)