Difference between revisions of "2017 Yearly Meeting Notes"
From Bloominglabs
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*Joe | *Joe | ||
| − | 26 people! | + | (26 people!) |
Note taker: Steve Charlesworth (if you have more notes to add, please do! Or if you have a question about something I've recorded, please ask!) | Note taker: Steve Charlesworth (if you have more notes to add, please do! Or if you have a question about something I've recorded, please ask!) | ||
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* For the record, donuts from Cresent Donuts, pizza from Sam's Club (surprisingly acceptable) | * For the record, donuts from Cresent Donuts, pizza from Sam's Club (surprisingly acceptable) | ||
| − | === Financial | + | === Financial Topics === |
| − | Treasurer Jenett T. presented | + | ==== Financial Report ==== |
| + | |||
| + | Treasurer Jenett T. presented the Financial Report. It can be found (TODO) here. | ||
Highlights: | Highlights: | ||
| Line 52: | Line 50: | ||
* Overall we ha $20K revenue and $19K of expenses. | * Overall we ha $20K revenue and $19K of expenses. | ||
* Also a lot of Makevention info | * Also a lot of Makevention info | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== Tax Talk ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | As a 501c3 org, Bloominglabs does not have to pay sales tax. However, to take advantage of this you must use Bloominglabs' money. You can check with the board for details if you wish to help with a purchase for the space. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There is info in the ‘Bloominglabs Tax Exempt Docs’ Green folder in the top drawer of the green cabinet. | ||
==== Donations ==== | ==== Donations ==== | ||
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Reminder: Dues are NOT tax deductible. | Reminder: Dues are NOT tax deductible. | ||
| − | ==== Membership Stats | + | === Insurance === |
| + | |||
| + | Jenett reminded all that you should send her a list of items in the space you'd like to have covered. We were also reminded the insurance covers visitors to the space, but not members. FYI. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Membership Stats === | ||
* 45 at the beginning of the year | * 45 at the beginning of the year | ||
| Line 79: | Line 87: | ||
* 46 members at the end of the year (math!) | * 46 members at the end of the year (math!) | ||
| − | + | === Workshops and outreach === | |
There is a LOT of interest in another welding day. Neal just asks we don't hold it in August | There is a LOT of interest in another welding day. Neal just asks we don't hold it in August | ||
| Line 86: | Line 94: | ||
* Total events (includes library and Wonderlab events, H2H Sale, Mending days, u.s.w.): 31 | * Total events (includes library and Wonderlab events, H2H Sale, Mending days, u.s.w.): 31 | ||
| − | + | === Reviewed the Annual Narrative === | |
That can be found TODO here. | That can be found TODO here. | ||
| − | + | === Nation of Makers Recap === | |
Secretary Steve Charlesworth relayed the story of the board's visit to D.C. in August, the Nation of Makers meeting, and the aftermath. To summarize: it was a great opportunity to meet with other Makerspace organizers, and it evolved into a community (and 501c3 organization with Adam Savage and other luminaries of the making world on the board) that we can tap into for resources and expertise. Contact Jenett or Steve if you'd like to get connected with them. | Secretary Steve Charlesworth relayed the story of the board's visit to D.C. in August, the Nation of Makers meeting, and the aftermath. To summarize: it was a great opportunity to meet with other Makerspace organizers, and it evolved into a community (and 501c3 organization with Adam Savage and other luminaries of the making world on the board) that we can tap into for resources and expertise. Contact Jenett or Steve if you'd like to get connected with them. | ||
| − | + | === Trebuchet Recap === | |
Heath led up the Trebuchet project which was a lot of fun, and brought glory to Bloominglabs in terms of public exposure AND the trophy for accuracy. We are definitely doing it again next year. Daniel H. says we have an open invitation from a local pumpkin patch (Fowler) to test on their grounds and use some of their pumpkins. | Heath led up the Trebuchet project which was a lot of fun, and brought glory to Bloominglabs in terms of public exposure AND the trophy for accuracy. We are definitely doing it again next year. Daniel H. says we have an open invitation from a local pumpkin patch (Fowler) to test on their grounds and use some of their pumpkins. | ||
| − | + | === The Warrant Canary === | |
Our report includes a warrant canary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_canary Basically: 'A warrant canary is a method by which a communications service provider aims to inform its users that the provider has not been served with a secret government subpoena.' Nathan has the key and will pass it along to the new board. | Our report includes a warrant canary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_canary Basically: 'A warrant canary is a method by which a communications service provider aims to inform its users that the provider has not been served with a secret government subpoena.' Nathan has the key and will pass it along to the new board. | ||
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| − | + | === Elections === | |
| − | + | There was much excitement with board members Steve and Nathan stepping down to create an opportunity for other Bloominglabs members to experience the responsibilities and satisfaction (power? not so much) of being on the board. 'Laser' Dan stepped forward to run for President, Heath R. for Treasurer, leaving an opening for Secretary and 2 At-Large positions. We received an email from Zach seeming to express interest in an At-Large position, however later it was decided because he could not regularly attend Wednesday public nights he would not put his hat in the ring for the office. Will 'Robot' boldly stepped forward to be considered for Secretary, and after a back-and-forth, Alex H. and Gavin W. were persuaded to apply for the At-Large positions. | |
| − | + | Because Alex may not be staying in Bloomington through the year, if he leaves, Zach may take over for him. Stay tuned. | |
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Votes were unanimously in favor of the applicants, so your 2017 Bloominglabs Board is: | Votes were unanimously in favor of the applicants, so your 2017 Bloominglabs Board is: | ||
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* At Large: Gavin 'Give Me a Nickname' Whelan | * At Large: Gavin 'Give Me a Nickname' Whelan | ||
| + | For reference: ordinarily an organization would have a Board of Directors and Officers. We fold them both together. | ||
| + | There is a guide re: the responsibilities and expectations of officers on the Wiki (TODO, link) | ||
| + | === Bloominglabs First Annual Membership Survey === | ||
| − | + | Secretary Steve Charlesworth put together the survey with some help from President Nathan (dosman), who covered the New Member/Onboarding questions, and a board member at 'Make Haven' in New Haven Connecticut, who he met via the Nation of Makers and had some surveys and survey reports from his space. The report with infographics and commentary can be found (TODO) here. | |
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| − | + | Highlights | |
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| − | + | * 17 people responded, which is a reasonably good response rate considering there are 46 members (37% - this was better than in other Makerspace surveys Steve saw) | |
| − | * | + | * Most complaints were around messiness and not taking responsibility, THE ETERNAL HACKERSPACE STRUGGLE. We will try to address via cleaning days, shaming, and Jenett will follow through with an ACTIONITEM poster of 'Expectations' to remind people what is expected in terms of being a good workshop citizen. |
| − | * | + | * People mentioned Bloominglabs could do better in the diversity department. We are doing a bit better in terms of gender balance although we can always do better. Jenett mentioned possibly holding workshops and events that might specifically appeal to (but not bedirected at or limited to) women. Constance praised the members of Bloominglabs and the culture for being free of 'mansplanation', and reminded us that reaching out and involving the art community could also help address this imbalance. |
| + | * On that note, Bloominglabs' Community and Culture got Rave Reviews from respondents. | ||
| + | * Overall, satisfaction is high. | ||
| + | * There's a lot of interest in: CNC, Blacksmithing, and more as new topics | ||
| + | * People really love the wood shop and it was one of the most highly used and rated areas | ||
| − | + | (ADD NOTES about Blabs new web team) | |
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| − | ==== | + | === Bloominglabs Exit Surveys === |
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| + | President Nathan (dosman) presented on this topic. | ||
| + | In summary, people leave because: | ||
| + | * They move away | ||
| + | * They don’t have time to use Bloominglabs | ||
| + | While people occasionally comment on the mess in the space, we haven't really seen major red flags in these surveys. | ||
| + | === The Instructables Contest === | ||
| + | Steve C., Nathan H., and Joey C. submitted instructables on behalf of Bloominglabs for Instructables' Makerspace Contest https://www.instructables.com/contest/Makerspace/. While we couldn't keep up Quantity-wise with the likes of YuKonstruct, our submissions were high-quality so we achieved the prize level for 10 or more Featured Instructables. Prizes included t-shirts and most importantly we applied the $200 Makeblock gift code toward a Laser Engraver that's now at the space, in the laser room. Whether a contest is running or not, posting a project on Instructables (or hackster, or hackaday, etc) is a great way to both share your knowledge with the community and to promote Bloominglabs. | ||
| − | + | === Makevention 2017 === | |
| − | + | Crudload of Makevention talk. | |
| − | * | + | * Steve left his position at the Library so it's gone back to being totally Bloominglabs' baby |
| − | + | * We are going to use it as a fundraiser, specifically to raise funds toward a new space. Jenett says let's shoot for $10K at the door. The budget is $2800. | |
| − | + | * Jenett put out a call for volunteers. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | ===== | + | === Bloominglabs' Next Location === |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | === Check in on specific areas === | |
| − | ===== | + | ==== Car Lift ==== |
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| − | ===== | + | ==== HAM Area ==== |
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| − | + | === Grants? === | |
| − | ===== | + | === Workshop Ideas === |
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| − | === | + | === Other Projects === |
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| − | + | That's all folks, keep rocking in 2017! | |
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=== Action Items === | === Action Items === | ||
| − | * | + | * Steve to write up notes on the meeting |
| − | + | * Jenett to finalize and print up the 'Expectations' poster | |
| − | + | * Everybody to keep an eye out for our next location | |
| − | + | * Steve, Jenett and Nathan to work with the new board to give them info they need and answer their questions. | |
| − | * | + | * Steve to break out the Survey into a Member Survey and |
| − | + | * 'New Web Team' (?) to have a meeting to work on the new improved web presence including a 'member directory' | |
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[[Category:Meetings]] | [[Category:Meetings]] | ||
Revision as of 21:21, 16 February 2017
Agenda for the 2014 yearly meeting. Saturday, February 11, 2017. 5:00PM to 9:00PM
(If this is a little tl;dr, you can always skim it for the "Action Items" sections to know what it is we are expecting people to help with)
Attendees:
- Steve C.
- Harpo R.
- Alex H.
- Hans K. (not a member - with his Dad, Vic K.)
- Vic K.
- Will Robot
- ‘Laser’ Dan
- Chet W.
- Apple
- Nathan H.
- Jenett T.
- Neal B.
- Joey C.
- Heath R.
- Gavin W.
- Jeff/Jean
- Jimmy L.
- Travis P.
- Constance R.
- Kyle Dirrim
- Allen I.
- Eric O.
- Zach C.
- Carrie
- Mike
- Joe
(26 people!)
Note taker: Steve Charlesworth (if you have more notes to add, please do! Or if you have a question about something I've recorded, please ask!)
- For the record, donuts from Cresent Donuts, pizza from Sam's Club (surprisingly acceptable)
Financial Topics
Financial Report
Treasurer Jenett T. presented the Financial Report. It can be found (TODO) here.
Highlights:
- We averaged out at about 39 members, considering dues.
- Workshops brought in about $1K of Revenue
- Overall we ha $20K revenue and $19K of expenses.
- Also a lot of Makevention info
Tax Talk
As a 501c3 org, Bloominglabs does not have to pay sales tax. However, to take advantage of this you must use Bloominglabs' money. You can check with the board for details if you wish to help with a purchase for the space.
There is info in the ‘Bloominglabs Tax Exempt Docs’ Green folder in the top drawer of the green cabinet.
Donations
President Nathan H. aka dosman reminded all the donations receipts can be found in a folder by the coat rack. Please use these for donations.
Hardware Donations:
- 4 donors
- 7 receipts
- Total items: 32
- Total value: $1958.32
Cash: if under $250, you don’t need anything from us.
If over $250, that requires a letter from us.
You can ask for a letter either way, though!
Reminder: Dues are NOT tax deductible.
Insurance
Jenett reminded all that you should send her a list of items in the space you'd like to have covered. We were also reminded the insurance covers visitors to the space, but not members. FYI.
Membership Stats
- 45 at the beginning of the year
- 17 joined
- 16 lost
- 46 members at the end of the year (math!)
Workshops and outreach
There is a LOT of interest in another welding day. Neal just asks we don't hold it in August
- Total workshops: 29
- Total events (includes library and Wonderlab events, H2H Sale, Mending days, u.s.w.): 31
Reviewed the Annual Narrative
That can be found TODO here.
Nation of Makers Recap
Secretary Steve Charlesworth relayed the story of the board's visit to D.C. in August, the Nation of Makers meeting, and the aftermath. To summarize: it was a great opportunity to meet with other Makerspace organizers, and it evolved into a community (and 501c3 organization with Adam Savage and other luminaries of the making world on the board) that we can tap into for resources and expertise. Contact Jenett or Steve if you'd like to get connected with them.
Trebuchet Recap
Heath led up the Trebuchet project which was a lot of fun, and brought glory to Bloominglabs in terms of public exposure AND the trophy for accuracy. We are definitely doing it again next year. Daniel H. says we have an open invitation from a local pumpkin patch (Fowler) to test on their grounds and use some of their pumpkins.
The Warrant Canary
Our report includes a warrant canary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrant_canary Basically: 'A warrant canary is a method by which a communications service provider aims to inform its users that the provider has not been served with a secret government subpoena.' Nathan has the key and will pass it along to the new board.
Elections
There was much excitement with board members Steve and Nathan stepping down to create an opportunity for other Bloominglabs members to experience the responsibilities and satisfaction (power? not so much) of being on the board. 'Laser' Dan stepped forward to run for President, Heath R. for Treasurer, leaving an opening for Secretary and 2 At-Large positions. We received an email from Zach seeming to express interest in an At-Large position, however later it was decided because he could not regularly attend Wednesday public nights he would not put his hat in the ring for the office. Will 'Robot' boldly stepped forward to be considered for Secretary, and after a back-and-forth, Alex H. and Gavin W. were persuaded to apply for the At-Large positions.
Because Alex may not be staying in Bloomington through the year, if he leaves, Zach may take over for him. Stay tuned.
Votes were unanimously in favor of the applicants, so your 2017 Bloominglabs Board is:
- President: 'LaserDan' Halsey
- Secretary: Will 'Robot' Wright
- Treasurer: Heath 'Roush in the Housh'
- At Large: Alex 'AVH1' Van Hoene
- At Large: Gavin 'Give Me a Nickname' Whelan
For reference: ordinarily an organization would have a Board of Directors and Officers. We fold them both together.
There is a guide re: the responsibilities and expectations of officers on the Wiki (TODO, link)
Bloominglabs First Annual Membership Survey
Secretary Steve Charlesworth put together the survey with some help from President Nathan (dosman), who covered the New Member/Onboarding questions, and a board member at 'Make Haven' in New Haven Connecticut, who he met via the Nation of Makers and had some surveys and survey reports from his space. The report with infographics and commentary can be found (TODO) here.
Highlights
- 17 people responded, which is a reasonably good response rate considering there are 46 members (37% - this was better than in other Makerspace surveys Steve saw)
- Most complaints were around messiness and not taking responsibility, THE ETERNAL HACKERSPACE STRUGGLE. We will try to address via cleaning days, shaming, and Jenett will follow through with an ACTIONITEM poster of 'Expectations' to remind people what is expected in terms of being a good workshop citizen.
- People mentioned Bloominglabs could do better in the diversity department. We are doing a bit better in terms of gender balance although we can always do better. Jenett mentioned possibly holding workshops and events that might specifically appeal to (but not bedirected at or limited to) women. Constance praised the members of Bloominglabs and the culture for being free of 'mansplanation', and reminded us that reaching out and involving the art community could also help address this imbalance.
- On that note, Bloominglabs' Community and Culture got Rave Reviews from respondents.
- Overall, satisfaction is high.
- There's a lot of interest in: CNC, Blacksmithing, and more as new topics
- People really love the wood shop and it was one of the most highly used and rated areas
(ADD NOTES about Blabs new web team)
Bloominglabs Exit Surveys
President Nathan (dosman) presented on this topic.
In summary, people leave because:
- They move away
- They don’t have time to use Bloominglabs
While people occasionally comment on the mess in the space, we haven't really seen major red flags in these surveys.
The Instructables Contest
Steve C., Nathan H., and Joey C. submitted instructables on behalf of Bloominglabs for Instructables' Makerspace Contest https://www.instructables.com/contest/Makerspace/. While we couldn't keep up Quantity-wise with the likes of YuKonstruct, our submissions were high-quality so we achieved the prize level for 10 or more Featured Instructables. Prizes included t-shirts and most importantly we applied the $200 Makeblock gift code toward a Laser Engraver that's now at the space, in the laser room. Whether a contest is running or not, posting a project on Instructables (or hackster, or hackaday, etc) is a great way to both share your knowledge with the community and to promote Bloominglabs.
Makevention 2017
Crudload of Makevention talk.
- Steve left his position at the Library so it's gone back to being totally Bloominglabs' baby
- We are going to use it as a fundraiser, specifically to raise funds toward a new space. Jenett says let's shoot for $10K at the door. The budget is $2800.
- Jenett put out a call for volunteers.
Bloominglabs' Next Location
Check in on specific areas
Car Lift
HAM Area
Grants?
Workshop Ideas
Other Projects
That's all folks, keep rocking in 2017!
Action Items
- Steve to write up notes on the meeting
- Jenett to finalize and print up the 'Expectations' poster
- Everybody to keep an eye out for our next location
- Steve, Jenett and Nathan to work with the new board to give them info they need and answer their questions.
- Steve to break out the Survey into a Member Survey and
- 'New Web Team' (?) to have a meeting to work on the new improved web presence including a 'member directory'
