The commons is the amalgamation of resources that are held in common, not owned privately, and are governed by a community of people for collective benefit. Resources are held in common so that everybody has equal and shared access to them, transcending the scarcity model Capitalism perpetuates. When everyone is an equal stakeholder, everyone takes care of the commons for the collective good. Mayday has chosen this framework to express our commitment to the solidarity economy, one that values sharing and cooperation above private profit.

We prioritize our neighbors, members of Mayday’s extended community, and grassroots groups and social justice organizations. If you are a commercial/for-profit entity, we will consider a rental agreement so please email us at info@maydayspace.org.

No. Street mobilization items are definitely for use outside of Mayday, along with items like our canopy tents, tables, and chairs. Some of our audio/visual equipment is only for use at Mayday. Please see our inventory list for what you can and cannot use off site.

No! If you’ve already been in touch with a staff member after filling out the form to book our space, and they’ve confirmed that the items you need are available, there are no further steps to take. Just follow the procedures that you received from Mayday staff for a successful booking.

Yes! It is free to borrow items, but taking them off-site requires putting down a refundable deposit. If you are able, we encourage you to donate all or a portion of your deposit to Mayday to cover staff time and allow us to expand what we can offer!

Yes, you need to leave a refundable deposit to take items outside the space. This is a system that is based on trust and relationships. If you are already a Mayday member or part of our network, the deposit is $5/item (non-electronics), and $10/item for electronics. If you’re new to Mayday, the deposit is half the value of the item(s). The exact amount will be determined at the discretion of staff members.

At the time of your pick up, you will be asked to sign a log. Your deposit can be sent through Venmo (preferable) or paid in cash. Please write “Deposit for X” in the notes section of the Venmo transaction.

Staff will check your items to ensure they are in working order before signing off on the return. Your deposit will be refunded via your original payment method-- Venmo or cash.

You are responsible for returning items in the same condition you received them in. If an item is lost, damaged, or stolen, we expect you to replace it within a week or make a donation to Mayday to recoup the costs and keep the item in circulation for others.

Items must be returned within 7 days (or sooner!), unless there are other arrangements made in advance. This helps ensure nothing gets lost and that items are available for others in our community.

We aim to respond to requests within 48 hours during weekdays. We encourage you to make your request much further in advance to avoid any last minute scrambling.

Yes! Mayday’s part-time staffers can coordinate when you can pick up and return the items. Please be flexible and responsible with any agreed upon times to minimize staff coordination time.

Yes! We are always looking for folks to help keep our inventory up-to-date and to help coordinate requests. Fill out the volunteer form here.

Yes! There are plenty of items that we’re looking for in new or gently used condition. Click here to see our Wish List. You can also donate financially to the Mayday Resource Commons which will allow us to buy more things for our community. Alternatively, become a Mayday member and chip in every month.

If you have an online resource or video that you’d like to add to the Commons, please email lj@maydayspace.org with the subject header “Online Resource for Consideration.”

Nope! Mayday is all about coming up with plans collectively and then refining them over time. We may update these policies based on feedback from you and others in our network.