We have found that we have not been following the bylaws properly. The board is reviewing the bylaws and adjusting procedures to follow them, as well as proposing new bylaws that are more suitable for our use. We will propose these at a special meeting (at the regular meeting time) when the proposals are available. Changes are largely based around the rules for membership, since they are currently “whack”. For example, associate membership is ill-defined. Will likely move some elements out of the bylaws and into policies and procedures.
We can currently afford 1100 sq. ft. at current rent and occupancy rates. Problem is, there aren't many spaces available at this size. If we could afford a 1400 sq. ft. space, we would have many more options. This would require and additional $4000 per year (the equivalent of 7 new members). There are many options for how we could raise funds for this. We should discuss what kind of fund raisers we are willing to do in order to accomplish this.
Getting new members is the most reliable way to make this additional money, as opposed to having to run regular fundraising. However, it doesn't have to be the only way. Fundraisers can get us money from people who wouldn't otherwise be interested in paying for membership.
Ideas for fundraisers: steak nights, “girl guide cookies”, 50/50, cooking burgers by Canadian Tire, silent auctions, corporate sponsorships.
Scott has asked companies about corporate sponsorship, but the only things they were interested in getting for their sponsorship is “access to brains”. This was something he felt we couldn't guarantee.
Rylan has a school bus that he would be willing to turn into a “hacker bus”. We could fill it with cool projects and use it as a mobile demo.
Rylan also suggests a workshop that we could offer to parents and their children in the home schooling community. This could lead to the parents becoming members, who would use the space with their children.
We should ensure our bylaws and/or membership agreement include that members are liable for their guests.
WD Plastics is interested in having access to a laser cutter, but is hesitant to purchase one. Rylan has suggested some kind of corporate sponsorship or membership for them to use it. Our bylaws currently don't allow for a corporate member (or members to use the space only for commercial purposes), but this is something the board is reviewing.
Rylan would like the board to come up with a corporate sponsorship plan that he can sell to businesses.
The next board meeting will be held July 6, 2016.
Board also discussed holding more social events within the membership. John thinks we should do more of that. Since many of us are busy on the weekends, he would like to come up with things that we can do on a weekday evening.
John will be hosting a retro video game day. Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 16, 2016. People are welcome to bring additional TVs, consoles, and games.
John would also like to encourage more group projects: things like the MAME cabinet, the vending machine, the bus, etc.
Other suggestions for social events: dodge ball team, Instructables design challenges, trip to mini Makerfaire in Calgary with Al (early September), RoboGames 2017 (late April) – can assist Al with his robot.
Rylan has a working, licensable van with ladder holder that he would be willing to donate to a TechWorks or a member for a project.
Albert talked with the library about their Innovation Hub. Continuing to discuss with them.
Marguerite Koole from the ETC Makerspace in the U of S College of Education visited us recently. They have funding to run a makerspace in the basement of the education building. They have full time staff running workshops. They have limited space, equipment, and technical experience/skills. They are hosting workshops for children. They don't see themselves using the same kinds of equipment we have (sensitive to smells and safety), but they would be interested in working with them. Perhaps we could hold workshops there, help train their staff, etc. Could also lead to them directing people to us for more advanced projects. Albert is willing to talk with them. They will be visiting us again soon. They asked about deals for other organizations.