Double Union, a hacker and maker space for women and non-binary people, is on the hunt for new members.
The organization, currently located at 650 Florida St., unit M, started in 2013 as a reaction to the typical tech culture, said Double Union’s board member May Kalinu, which felt unwelcoming to women and non-binary people.
Double Union’s members can use the space, tools, books, material and equipment, which includes 3-D printers, sewing machines, laser cutters, computers, furniture, screen-printing equipment, and large printers. Those who don’t know how to use the machines can also learn how to do so. “We’re kind of like a break-friendly type of environment where we foster a good, healthy learning environment where you can break things, ask things, and do completely different things than everybody else,” said Kalinu.
Currently, Double Union has 130 members, but only about 30 live in the Bay Area. Kalinu said Double Union needs at least another 15 members to keep the organization afloat. The lease on the Florida St space ends in October. If Double Union doesn’t succeed in raising more funds or increasing memberships, it may downsize, or (in the worst case scenario) cease operations.
“The community is really great. We all are quite supportive of each other, even if we have different interests and strengths,” said Kalinu.