New Members
“But we are a play community, and playing the way we do, for fun, for everyone’s fun, in public – our fun little community becomes something else. To those who want to be seen as people who embrace life, embrace each other, embrace spontaneity, freedom, laughter; we are an alternative. An invitation. We play as if the game isn’t important. The rules aren’t important. As if the only really important thing is each other.” – Bernie DeKoven
So, why are you here?
People join DMG for lots of different reasons. Here are a few of the kinds of people who are part of this organization:
- Anyone interested in exploring ways to express themselves creatively through games, computer programming and interactive digital experiences
- Students who need additional support and opportunities for learning outside the classroom
- Artists who enjoy the supportive, welcoming and stimulating environment DMG provides, even if they’re not creating games (yet!)
- Experienced game designers who want to contribute to the community
- People interested in developing technical and artistic skills, who want to hone their craft in an informal environment
One of our goals is to remove obstacles to our members’ self-defined success, and the best way you can help us do that is to think about what you hope to get out of DMG and contribute as a member. We ask these questions in your membership application, and look forward to talking to you about your aspirations at an event.
First steps
Here are some good things to do if you are brand-new to DMG.
- Read through this member manual, and familiarize yourself with our Code of Conduct
- Check out our Resources site with links to tools, job postings and more.
- Learn a little more about our board and activities and our history, mission and vision
- Introduce yourself on our Slack channel 👋 (check your welcome email for the link)
- Register for an upcoming event
- Fill out your profile and connect with fellow members
- Consider presenting at a speaker social, or running a workshop to share your skills
- Volunteer at an event (you can sign up to volunteer on any event registration page)
- Join a committee
Benefits
Here are some resources you have access to as a member of DMG:
- Free access to all paid workshops
- Slack team to connect with members + opportunities
- Health insurance eligibility for you and your family through the Arts & Entertainment Plan
- Members-only jams, game nights and critique sessions
- Technical and financial support for exhibition and development
- Livestreams and workshop video library
- Financial support for conference/competition fees
- Project support, facilitation and mentorship
- Free and reduced cost access to group legal and financial aid programs
- Voting rights at our annual general meeting
- Active listening and collective advocacy to support you with workplace/HR issues
- Member roster listing and profile, collaborator matchmaking tool
On hold until COVID-19 no longer keeps us apart:
- Access to our member studio Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
- Equipment rentals by reservation
- Game/book/zine library access
- Event hosting and space booking privileges
If you have any questions about accessing any of your benefits, please email us at membership@dmg.to