Difference between revisions of "Volunteering"

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MakeICT is run entirely by volunteers, but it is not always easy to figure out how to get started volunteering here.
MakeICT is operated entirely by member-volunteers, so there are many ways that you can be involved with MakeICT at whatever level you're looking for.
 
  
= Around the makerspace =
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We will occasionally run classes on How to Volunteer at MakeICT, but you don't have to go to a class to get started!
Here's a list of tasks that need to be done around the makerspace
 
  
== Shared areas / general ==
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Here are a few ways you can start doing '''very''' '''small''' things that really help the makerspace:
* Classroom
 
** Set up the photobooth and Creative workstations.  Re-route a couple of the classroom Ethernet drops, and build some desks. (https://tinkercad.com/things/ciuFiQzDbTy)
 
** Connect audio equipment
 
* Front/Co-Working Space
 
* Gallery
 
** Build mobile partitions
 
** Install hanger strip on short wall
 
* Lounge
 
* Front Door Area
 
** Build a secure box (with locking door) to catch mail put through the slot next to the front door. Can be wood or metal, but should look nice from both outside and inside. Keys should go to Treasurer and President.
 
  
== Ceramics ==
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*Take out the trash: Grab a trash bag from the Janitorial closet when you come in the building and take the trash out as you exit.  The dumpster is on your right as you leave the building!
* Create access policy
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*Sweep the floor:  On any floor except ceramics, just grab a broom and dust pan from the main janitorial closet or a shop vac from the other janitorial closet and go to town.  Please put the equipment back so the next guy has a chance to volunteer.  (Check with the ceramics lead before doing any sweeping in there as the dust can be hazardous.)
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*Mop the floor:  See a spot where someone didn't clean up a spill or a floor that is just filthy?  Do a sweep job and then grab a mop and bucket from the janitorial closet and do it.  If you have never used a mop like that before, it is pretty easy... the main closet has a hose on the faucet that will allow you to fill the bucket.  (It is easier if it is less than half full.) Then dip the mop in the water and place the mophead in the wringer and squeeze most of the water out.  Mop.  Repeat. Dump the water and hang the mop when you are done.
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*Tidy:  Look for things that you know where they go and put them back in that location.  If you are not sure where they go, place them neatly together so the next person that comes in can put them back if he/she knows. (If you know where things go, grab a label maker from the office and label it so the next person can put things away!)
 +
*Wipe down/Dust:  Grab a rag from the janitorial closet and dampen it.  Clean off shelves and counters that look dusty and dirty.
 +
*Replace soap. toilet paper and paper towels:  Check to see if the bathrooms are stocked.  Soap, Toilet paper and paper towels should be in the janitorial closet.  There are also the keys there to open the dispensers.
  
== Electronics ==
 
* Label drawers, bins, tool boxes, shelves, etc
 
* Create access policy
 
  
== Fab Lab ==
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A great way to break into volunteering is to help the Membership Committee email: membership@makeict.org for more info.
* Wrap all tools with red tape
 
  
== Kitchen ==
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*Help people get checked in on a Maker Monday.
* Organize and label shelves
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*Shadow a tour guide on Maker Monday and become one when you are ready.  It is a super fun job showing off the maker space.
 +
*Attend an Orientation as a signer.  This is pretty cool because it lets you get to know some of the new people joining the maker space.  It is super easy... just listen to the people that are new and if you are feeling brave ask them a question!<br />
  
== Metalshop ==
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*
* General shop cleaning
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*
* Organize shelves near Tormach
 
* Organize metal storage
 
  
== Textiles ==
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Another way to get started is to work an Event with the Education and Events Committee.  Email: events@makeict.org for more info:
* Fix sewing machine table leg (might be done) (It should be done, but someone who knows what their doing should double check my job)
 
  
== Woodshop ==
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*Help with the Renaissance Festival:  (You may also have a table in the tent for selling your wares.)
* Make drawer boxes for under bench storage
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**Help put up a tent.
* Make IR sensor system for dust collector bin like Oneida Air (check with Mike H before working)
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**Be on the  Ballista firing team.
* Need to find trash collection focal for Sunday evenings (Monday collection).
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**Explain MakeICT to people who wander in
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**Laser cut the catapults we give away freely to children who come into our tent
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**Help children build and/or fire catapults at a target
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*ComicCon
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*Riverfest
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*Makerfaire
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*Cardboard Regatta
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*Halloween
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**Halloween Party:  Help plan and coordinate.  Pumpkin carving.  Costume contest.
 +
**Other Halloween event:  We haven't had one yet, but much talk about Haunted House and Trunk or Treat...
  
== Jewelry Lab ==
 
* Build a vent hood (we have sheet aluminum for this to the left of the Wood Shop doors) above the torch area, with a powered vent that joins another vent somewhere above the ceiling.
 
  
= Leadership committees =
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A great summertime activity that you can volunteer for is lawn maintenance.  Email: facilities@makeict.org for more info:
Some activities are easier to manage by grouping them together. We've created these volunteer groups, and anyone is invited to help out with them.
 
  
== Communications Hive ==
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*Mow the Lawn
* Queen bee: [[User:Jens Torell|Jens Torell]]
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*#Sign up for a mowing slot on the board across from the Welcome Center.  If you forget, sign up afterward so we know it has been done.
* Responsible for marketing, maintaining the website, updating the calendar, and social media accounts
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*#Post a message on the forum to encourage others to join you!
* Volunteer opportunities:
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*#Bring your riding lawn mower and mow the yard... or hop on ours and do it! (It takes about 3 hours with ours)
** Fix/update [[:Category:Needs_update|wiki pages that need attention]]
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*#*DO NOT mow inside the courtyard area as that area is maintained by the Garden folks. They are also taking care of the area along the fence.
** Create a member directory
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*#*We do mow the South side up to the fence as well as the far West side from the garden/blacktop/building to the trees.
** Create an accurate, scaled, interactive map of the makerspace so people cand find things (like a micrometer, light switches, hot glue, trash bags, a screwdriver, fire extinguishers, etc)
 
  
== Governance ==
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*Pick up sticks and rocks and other debris that will slow down the lawnmowers
* Govna: [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]]
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*Use a trimmer around the space to get weeds that accumulate around the building
* The governance committee is in charge of the smooth operation of the organization by identifying leadership roles and defining policies.
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*Use an edger along the sidewalks <br />
* Volunteer opportunities:
 
  
== Outreach Gaggle ==
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Check with an area lead to see if they have a list of things that need to be done in their area.
* Leader: [[User:Barbara Davis|Barbara Davis]]
 
* Gives MakeICT a presence in various community events, including art fairs, RiverFest, K12 partnerships, etc.
 
* Volunteer opportunities: visit the [[Outreach Gaggle]] main page for more information.
 
  
== Special Projects Brigade ==
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*Some of the areas have a list of things that need to be done
* Leader: [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]]
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*If an area lead doesn't have a list, offer to help them make a list.
* Art and Tech bus
 
** An electric bus that we are converting into a mobile art gallery and educational-activity mobile
 
** Contact [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] to find out how you can help
 
* Authentication/network file server
 
** Allows makerspace members to have a network account which can be used to authenticate to any machine in the makerspace with their customized settings and access to a personal folder on a network file share.
 
** Run electrical from breaker box to server rack in the classroom
 
** Contact [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] to find out how you can help
 
* Video security system
 
** Provides remote video monitoring of the makerspace
 
** Contact [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] to find out how you can help
 
  
= Long-term volunteer positions =
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*Ask your area lead if you can be their right hand help or if it would be helpful for you to take over a particular subarea.
Besides our board of directors and Area Leads, we rely on some volunteer positions that require a little longevity. These positions are listed below, and although some of them are filled, the people performing those tasks can still use your help!
 
  
== Chief security officer ==
 
* Filled by: [[User:Matthew Pogue|Matthew Pogue]]
 
* Reports to: Makerspace Director
 
* Head of the [[Security Team]]
 
* Enroll NFC keys for new members and train them on the security system
 
* Assign locker keys
 
* Respond to alarms
 
  
== Security Officers ==
 
=== Current officers ===
 
:- [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] [2016]
 
:- [[User:Catherine Barba|Catherine Barba]] [2016]
 
:- [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] [2016]
 
:- [[User:Mark Satoria|Mark Satoria]] [2016]
 
:- [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] [2017]
 
* Security Officers report to the Chief Security Officer
 
  
=== Position requirements ===
 
* Must be an active member of MakeICT for 6 Months.
 
* Must not have any outstanding problems with MakeICT or any of its programs.
 
* Must be willing to be present at the space for a minimum of 3 hours a week and willing to donate time with helping new members receive keys.
 
* Be present at a minimum of 2 public events a month (Maker Mondays count) to register keys and watch the space.
 
* Be accepted by an affirmative vote during a public board meeting.
 
* We are looking for new security officers. If you are interested in helping the space in this manor, contact [mailto:mpogue@makeict.org Matthew Pogue]
 
  
== Safety Sultan ==
 
* Filled by: [[User:Clark Shultz|Clark Shultz]]
 
* Reports to Makerspace Director
 
* Manage and provide oversight of safety policies, procedures, and practices for MakeICT. Responsibilities include:
 
** Defining safe practices for all equipment/machinery at the MakeICT Makerspace
 
** Ensuring that safety-related materials are available, maintained, and convenient. Including (but not limited to):
 
*** Machine information
 
*** Safety glasses
 
*** MSDS
 
*** Fire extinguishers
 
*** First aid kit
 
*** Ensure proper safety practices are being followed at all MakeICT events (workshops, classes, conventions, etc)
 
*** Serve as the point of contact for safety-related inquiries
 
  
== Volunteer Ombudsperson==
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(Equipment that is needed in the Facilities storage area (garage) by the garage door.)<br /> Visit http://makeict.org/volunteer to see our latest opportunities!
* Filled by: [[User:Kez Cook|Kez in a Fez on a Pez]]!
 
* Identify, maintain, and recruit for volunteer opportunities within MakeICT
 

Revision as of 12:26, 11 May 2023

MakeICT is run entirely by volunteers, but it is not always easy to figure out how to get started volunteering here.

We will occasionally run classes on How to Volunteer at MakeICT, but you don't have to go to a class to get started!

Here are a few ways you can start doing very small things that really help the makerspace:

  • Take out the trash: Grab a trash bag from the Janitorial closet when you come in the building and take the trash out as you exit. The dumpster is on your right as you leave the building!
  • Sweep the floor: On any floor except ceramics, just grab a broom and dust pan from the main janitorial closet or a shop vac from the other janitorial closet and go to town. Please put the equipment back so the next guy has a chance to volunteer. (Check with the ceramics lead before doing any sweeping in there as the dust can be hazardous.)
  • Mop the floor: See a spot where someone didn't clean up a spill or a floor that is just filthy? Do a sweep job and then grab a mop and bucket from the janitorial closet and do it. If you have never used a mop like that before, it is pretty easy... the main closet has a hose on the faucet that will allow you to fill the bucket. (It is easier if it is less than half full.) Then dip the mop in the water and place the mophead in the wringer and squeeze most of the water out. Mop. Repeat. Dump the water and hang the mop when you are done.
  • Tidy: Look for things that you know where they go and put them back in that location. If you are not sure where they go, place them neatly together so the next person that comes in can put them back if he/she knows. (If you know where things go, grab a label maker from the office and label it so the next person can put things away!)
  • Wipe down/Dust: Grab a rag from the janitorial closet and dampen it. Clean off shelves and counters that look dusty and dirty.
  • Replace soap. toilet paper and paper towels: Check to see if the bathrooms are stocked. Soap, Toilet paper and paper towels should be in the janitorial closet. There are also the keys there to open the dispensers.


A great way to break into volunteering is to help the Membership Committee email: membership@makeict.org for more info.

  • Help people get checked in on a Maker Monday.
  • Shadow a tour guide on Maker Monday and become one when you are ready. It is a super fun job showing off the maker space.
  • Attend an Orientation as a signer. This is pretty cool because it lets you get to know some of the new people joining the maker space. It is super easy... just listen to the people that are new and if you are feeling brave ask them a question!

Another way to get started is to work an Event with the Education and Events Committee. Email: events@makeict.org for more info:

  • Help with the Renaissance Festival: (You may also have a table in the tent for selling your wares.)
    • Help put up a tent.
    • Be on the Ballista firing team.
    • Explain MakeICT to people who wander in
    • Laser cut the catapults we give away freely to children who come into our tent
    • Help children build and/or fire catapults at a target
  • ComicCon
  • Riverfest
  • Makerfaire
  • Cardboard Regatta
  • Halloween
    • Halloween Party: Help plan and coordinate. Pumpkin carving. Costume contest.
    • Other Halloween event: We haven't had one yet, but much talk about Haunted House and Trunk or Treat...


A great summertime activity that you can volunteer for is lawn maintenance. Email: facilities@makeict.org for more info:

  • Mow the Lawn
    1. Sign up for a mowing slot on the board across from the Welcome Center. If you forget, sign up afterward so we know it has been done.
    2. Post a message on the forum to encourage others to join you!
    3. Bring your riding lawn mower and mow the yard... or hop on ours and do it! (It takes about 3 hours with ours)
      • DO NOT mow inside the courtyard area as that area is maintained by the Garden folks. They are also taking care of the area along the fence.
      • We do mow the South side up to the fence as well as the far West side from the garden/blacktop/building to the trees.
  • Pick up sticks and rocks and other debris that will slow down the lawnmowers
  • Use a trimmer around the space to get weeds that accumulate around the building
  • Use an edger along the sidewalks

Check with an area lead to see if they have a list of things that need to be done in their area.

  • Some of the areas have a list of things that need to be done
  • If an area lead doesn't have a list, offer to help them make a list.
  • Ask your area lead if you can be their right hand help or if it would be helpful for you to take over a particular subarea.



(Equipment that is needed in the Facilities storage area (garage) by the garage door.)
Visit http://makeict.org/volunteer to see our latest opportunities!