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MakeArmy

sharing skills • building local networks • free and open communication

MakeArmy on Matrix

We use Matrix for real-time community chat — it’s an open protocol (not a single company), works across many apps, and supports encrypted DMs. Our Matrix server is a Conduit instance hosted on hardware we own and operate out of Rochester, NY.

Already have a Matrix account? Join our space:

Join MakeArmy on Matrix → (#makearmy:matrix.makearmy.io)

New to Matrix? Create an account on our server (free, private):

Sign up on matrix.makearmy.io → (Conduit)

Tip: If you’re new, try a Matrix client like Element, FluffyChat, or Cinny. Matrix clients are available on all major operating systems and platforms. You'll need a registration key to sign up. It can be found here.

MakeArmy on the Fediverse

The Fediverse is a network of independently run social platforms that talk to each other. Unlike centralized social media, no single company controls the network — communities host their own servers, keep their data, and still interact with users across the wider ecosystem.

Rochester-area mesh comms: 585915.org (585 + 915 MHz mesh radio). If you’re elsewhere, consider starting a local mesh directory for your region.

MakeArmy is a community initiative that helps people build skills, share knowledge, and maintain open lanes of communication without corporate or government oversight and interference. We’re based in Rochester, NY but MakeArmy isn’t just for ROC, it's for anyone passionate about making their community better. I hope you can use MakeArmy as ablueprint to strengthen your own town, city, or region - no matter where you've come to us from.

Many people feel isolated, overwhelmed, or terrorized by the current political and corporate climate in the US and around the world as we face fascism and wealth inequality as a constant and ever growing threat to our freedom. Our answer is simple: build community capacity to enable citizens to become self reliant in the face of oppression. Learn practical skills. Share what you know. Make it easier for neighbors to find each other, collaborate, and solve problems without waiting for permission. I believe this is the single most important thing you can do to make a difference TODAY.

Our mission: make it easier for people to rely less on fragile, corrupt or co opted systems and instead rely more on one another by strengthening local communities with knowledge, tools, and resilient communication.
I'm from Rochester, NY but if you’re reading this from somewhere else, you’re not an outsider. The point is to empower the working class whereever you are. Want to start a branch? Use our tools, copy our structure, and build your local network. I'm here to help along the way so you can build secure and decentralized networks where ever you reside to help empower the people in your neighborhoods.

What We’re Building

MakeArmy is all about building and maintaining free, open and safe spaces where people can ask questions, share notes, publish guides, and coordinate projects. Some of the areas I think are of particular interest when trying to strengthen and empower local communities are:

linux & foss software metalworking woodworking electronics wireless / mesh / LoRa 3D printing CNC & fabrication repair & right-to-repair hydroponics gardening & food systems self-hosting & networking mutual aid & local coordination

It's my hope that the topics covered will grow with the people that join our ranks. If it helps someone learn, build, fix, or communicate — it belongs here. I'm looking forward to seeing what newcomers bring to the table to broaden the scope of our mission.

Principles