About

Charter for a Community Center: Driftless MakerSpace (DMS) – A Hub for Making and Connecting

Mission: To cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community hub where creativity, collaboration, and connection flourish. We provide an accessible and inspiring environment that empowers individuals to learn, create, and build relationships, fostering both a dynamic maker space and a welcoming third place for all.

Vision: To be the heart of our community, recognized as an indispensable resource for hands-on learning, innovative making, business growth, and genuine social interaction, enriching lives and strengthening community bonds.

Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: We champion curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of bringing ideas to life. We encourage exploration with diverse tools, materials, and technologies.
  • Collaboration & Learning: We believe in the power of shared knowledge and a supportive learning environment where everyone can be both a teacher and a student.  Aligning with local businesses to grow their success and their value to the community.  “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill 
  • Inclusivity & Accessibility: We are committed to creating a welcoming space for people of all ages, backgrounds, skills, and interests. We strive to remove barriers to participation and ensure our resources are available to all.
  • Community & Connection: We foster a friendly, open atmosphere where individuals can connect, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. We are a place for conversation, shared experiences, and mutual support. Be excellent to each other.
  • Respect & Safety: We maintain a respectful and safe environment where everyone feels valued, ideas can be shared freely, and all individuals are treated with dignity.
  • Sustainability & Responsibility: We promote responsible use of resources, encourage upcycling and repair, and aim to be a sustainable asset to our community.

What We Are:

  • As a Maker Space: We offer a workshop and laboratory for hands-on creation and skill development. This includes access to:
  • Tools and equipment for various disciplines (e.g., woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, textiles, digital fabrication, and a range of creative arts such as sculpture, pottery, painting, music, theater, photography, …).
  • Workshops, classes, and mentorship opportunities to learn new skills and techniques.
  • A collaborative environment for members to share projects, ideas, and expertise.
  • Support for personal projects, entrepreneurial business development endeavors, and community-based initiatives.
  • As a Third Place: We provide a comfortable, informal, and sociable environment separate from home and work. This includes:
    • Welcoming and flexible spaces for individuals and groups to gather, relax, and interact.
    • Opportunities for spontaneous conversations, networking, and community engagement.
    • A neutral ground where people from diverse backgrounds can connect and build rapport.
    • A supportive atmosphere that reduces stress and fosters a sense of community well-being.
    • A safe space for collaboration and creation.
  • As an Incubator: We provide the support structure to help local businesses start, grow and transition ownership to new people. This includes:
    • Business Ideation
    • Business Planning
    • Coaching
    • Financial Projections
    • No cost Professional Services: Legal, Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales, and Operations consulting

Key Offerings & Activities:

  • Access to Maker Space: Membership and drop-in access to tools, equipment, and dedicated workspaces.
  • Educational Programming: Workshops, courses, and demonstrations covering a wide range of making skills for all levels.
  • Community Events: Regular social gatherings, open houses, maker showcases, guest speakers, and collaborative projects.
  • Informal Gathering Spaces: Comfortable seating areas, co-working spots, and spaces conducive to conversation and relaxation.
  • Resource Library: Access to materials and online resources related to making, DIY, technology, and community building.
  • Mentorship & Support: Connecting experienced makers with learners and providing guidance for projects.
  • Youth Programs: Engaging activities and workshops specifically designed for younger members of the community.
  • Exhibition, Showcase and Sales Opportunities: Space for members to display their creations and share their work with the wider community.

Membership & Participation:

We aim to be an inclusive and accessible center. Membership structures will be designed to be affordable and flexible, with options for individuals, families, and students. We will also offer free or low-cost opportunities for community members to experience the space and participate in select activities, ensuring that [Name of Center] is truly a place for everyone.

Governance & Operations:

DMS will be governed by a Trustee and Advisory Board dedicated to upholding this charter and ensuring the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of the center. Operations will be managed by Volunteer Mentors and Student Interns who are committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inspiring environment. We will actively seek input and feedback from our members and the broader community to ensure our offerings remain relevant and inspiring.

Measuring Success:

We will measure our success by:

  • The active engagement and participation of community members.
  • The diversity and growth of our membership.
  • The range and quality of skills learned, projects created, and member’s experiences.
  • Business launches and business growth
  • The tangible sense of community, connection, and collaboration fostered within the center.
  • The positive impact on individual well-being and community vitality.
  • Feedback from members and the community regarding their experiences and the value they derive from the center.
  • Consistent growth of contributions of time, materials, and finances.

This charter serves as a foundational document for DMS. It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended as the community intentions evolve, always with the core principles of making, connecting, and community at its heart.