Member Handbook

1. Mission 
2. Mission statement & values 

The Make Space of Centre County (often referred to as just “the space”) is a member-run community workshop and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages lifelong learning in S.T.E.A.M.-related (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) fields. We happily welcome members across socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, genders, races, sexualities, and ages. 

1. Function 

We give our members an easily accessible community workshop stocked with common tools and a positive, cooperative environment to brainstorm ideas, seek project help, and discuss maker-related topics. We also host educational and hands-on events open to the public. 

1. Structure 
2. Membership & Guests 

• To become a member, you must visit the space for a tour, sign up for membership (either online or in person at an open house), sign the liability waiver and handbook, and receive basic safety training. Members get 24/7 access to the tools, supplies, and storage of the space. Each member also gains voting privileges at monthly member meetings, which occur about once per month and last approximately one hour. Members are charged on the last day of the month. 
• Volunteers are responsible for seeking out hours from board members. The board of directors will be responsible for providing tasks to inquiring members and keeping track of hours worked. Volunteer work can include tasks like infrastructural work, community outreach, hands-on help during events, and administrative tasks. All volunteer tasks must be approved by a board member in advance. If a volunteer maker does not complete 3 hours of tasks in a month, they will be charged the core price for that month. 
• Guests are allowed free access to the space during open houses, community events, and when accompanied by a member. Guests are expected to adhere to all safety 

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guidelines and sign the liability waiver when using equipment. Guests may work on a project with a member under the guidance and supervision of that member. ● Minors are welcome at the Make Space! Minors are allowed to use the space under the supervision of a parent or guardian. An active minor and supervising adult can share one key for the student maker price. 

1. Board of Directors 

The board of directors at the Make Space conducts the business of the organization. The board procures necessary resources, facilitates events and marketing, and ensures the general policies are being followed. The board consists of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and several at-large members. Members who violate the member handbook can receive 

disciplinary action from the board. The bylaws for the board of directors are accessible on the wiki page. The board of directors can be reached by emailing 

makespace-board-l@lists.psu.edu. 

iii. Communication 

The Make Space uses three main forms of communication. 

• Email is used for major news, reminders, and formal communication. We use both a public mailing list and a member-exclusive distribution list. 
• The Make Space’s Slack workspace is the member-exclusive communication platform for general discussion. There are channels specific to discussing news, equipment, and member interests like food and video gaming. 
• The Make Space also uses Twitter, Facebook, and Google Calendar to post news and events. 

1. Code of Conduct 

Our goal is to provide a positive, participatory, and cooperative community workshop that values collaboration and education. We welcome anyone who doesn’t inhibit this pursuit. Members are expected to adhere to the rules in this handbook. Members who violate this handbook can receive disciplinary action from the board. The membership will be notified of updates to this handbook made by the board. 

The Make Space is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Harassment includes any conduct, whether deliberate, implied, or sarcastic, targeting others through racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or other systems of discrimination not outlined herein. If you are asked to stop any harassing behavior, you are expected to comply immediately. 

1. Rules 
2. Basics 

• Members have 24/7 access to the space’s tools, machinery, equipment, and supplies. ● The Make Space is a semi-public place, and members are expected to behave as such. ● Members may not use the space for any illegal purpose or to work on any projects that contain explosives, firearms, or any other unsafe or volatile materials. 
• No sleeping overnight in the space.
• Members must either be trained to use equipment or demonstrate knowledge of use. Members can be trained by another, trained member or contact the board for help. 
•  The use of tools which generate smoke, dust, fumes, or noise above reasonable levels should be avoided by members during the Wednesday open house. Use by the open public is acceptable on a limited occurrence basis. 

• The 3D printer and other specialty equipment may be subject to a service or consumables fee at the board of directors’ discretion. 
• Members are allowed to remove tools from the space with the approval of the board. ● Perishable items like food and chemicals should be stored and labeled properly. 

1. Cleaning & Organization 

• Members are expected to clean up after themselves in order to maintain a safe and welcoming workshop. This includes, but is not limited to: 

○ Storing all tools and projects when not in use 

○ Clearing tables of all personal items 

○ Sweeping up debris and utilizing the dust collection system 

○ Discarding unwanted project remnants and other trash 

○ Labeling personal projects with the owner’s name and date 

• The member bins are the designated member storage area. A member’s personal projects, tools, and supplies should be stored in their member bin when not in use. ○ Any projects that are left outside of the member bins will be assessed at the board’s biweekly meeting. The member who owns the project will be contacted and asked to remove or complete the project. At the next board meeting, the board will place any remaining projects on the incoming shelf. 

• The incoming shelf is the organization’s temporary storage space for discarded/unwanted projects and items that have been donated to the space that the board has not approved. Members cannot place or remove items in the incoming shelf without board approval. The board will move items from this shelf into the workshop for general use, onto the member exchange shelf, or remove them from the space. 
• The member exchange shelf is the donation area where any member can donate unwanted items or take items housed there. The board will periodically organize this shelf. 

III. Safety Guidelines 

• All members and guests must sign the liability waiver before working with any equipment or machinery. 
• Personal protective equipment must be worn when in the woodshop at all times. This includes protective eyewear, gloves, dust masks, and respirators. 
• Do not use aerosol sprays inside the space. 
• Members cannot use power tools or machinery (including 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.) while drinking, intoxicated, or impaired. Members who are visibly intoxicated or “rowdy” will be asked to leave the space until sober. 
• Minors and guests must be supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed. ● Any equipment that is broken or is otherwise not fully functional should be labeled as such and reported to the board immediately. Broken tools or equipment will be repaired or replaced in a timely manner. 
• The wiki contains safety information and instructions for specific equipment. 5