Each workshop is managed by a designated Resource Manager (RM) who's responsibility it is to keep the workshop in working order. RMs are designated by the board of directors and may designate other members as assistants if they should wish.
While you can send a direct message to the RM for a shop, do not expect an instant reply (we're all volunteers with day jobs), so it can often be more effective to post your question as a public message in the shop's channel and @mention the RM to ensure that the RM notices your public post.
RMs are responsible for deciding which tools in their shop require a checkout, writing the checkout plan, and keeping the list of checked-out members accurate. The member portal is now the list of record: mark each tool as requiring a checkout when you add it, approve people from Tool Checkouts, and see everyone who is checked out under Checkout Roster. RMs can approve every tool in their shops, and can give other members approver access for specific tools. See Add and manage tools and shops, Tool groups and approvers, and Check out a member.
The purpose of checkouts are to ensure members may use the tools without hurting themselves, others or the tool. Depending on the tool, checkouts may be anywhere from 15 or 30 minutes to several hours. RMs may determine the format of their checkouts and may use the Makerspace's YouTube channel to store any videos needed for checkouts.
Each RM receives a monthly consumables budget designated by the board of directors. This budget is deposited on a purchasing card at the beginning of the month, the balance of which can be viewed by the RM online. RMs must provide the Treasurer an expense report of their purchases each month.
Shop budgets are intended for “consumables" only, larger “asset” purchases are approved and funded by the board of directors. RMs may petition the board for changes in their monthly budgets if needed and for one-off asset purchases.
Financial donations targeting a specific shop are always welcome! We can accept Venmo, and card donations via Paypal.
Equipment, consumable, and other physical donations for a workshop may be approved by the RM or two directors. All donations must be reported to the Treasurer regardless of amount. If you need a receipt for a donation, you may also ask the Treasurer.
The makerspace is 100% volunteer run so we would love to have more help!
If you want to become an RM for a new or non-managed workshop, please submit a proposal to the board of directors.
They'll review the proposal and required budget to determine whether the makerspace can add a new workshop. If you would like to join a workshop as an assistant RM, please ask the RM to submit your name to the board as a candidate for ARM.
When considering candidates for RM/ARM, the board takes into account the candidate's level of interest, availability, experience, and other objective factors. You do not have to meet a quota or be an expert to be considered for RM/ARM!
MMS is a shared workshop, with a formal carry in, carry out policy (unless you rent a storage space). If you are not present and actively working on your project, all your property must be removed or located within the bounds of your rented storage. This includes vehicles parked in our off-street parking.
Makerspace property (tools, etc) need to be returned to the proper storage location so they can be used by other members.
We understand sometimes items freshly painted, stained or glued up need to dry or welded may need to cool but in cases like this you should use the least space possible cleaning up the rest of the mess, and leave a note about who the project belongs to and when you will return. Please include contact information on this note so if there is an issue or it needs to be moved you can be contacted.