Election 2016

Nominees for Board of Directors

• Alec Beardsley
• Corey Milton
• David Henry
• Evan Allen
• Jamie Burdeski
• Jan Henry
• Leora Druckman
• Matt Arnold
• Matt Gardeski
• Matt Huber
• Mike Fink
• T.J. Johnson

Board nominee survey

How long have you been a member of i3?

Matthew Gardeski

I've been a member since March 2013, and an occasional guest in the previous years.

Leora Druckman

Since the beginning of 2015.

Matt Arnold

Four years. I was a frequent guest for a year before that.

Evan Allen

I have been an official member since January 1st of 2014. Before that I have been around the space since at least spring break 2013 and all subsequent breaks while I was at college. In the time before I was a member I was so involved with the space infrastructure (and became the founding warden of that zone).

Mike Fink

Almost 3.5 years. I joined in April 2013.

Jamie Burdeski

I joined in July 2013, right after Maker Faire, but I was a persistent guest since April 2013

TJ Johnson

I joined i3 in May 2016, soon after relocating to the Detroit area from Indianapolis. My involvement with makerspaces began with HacDC, in Washington DC, which was my home away from home during my years in law school. In Indianapolis I was actively involved in the startup community and maintained a machine shop in my home.

David Henry

Since October 2014

Jan Henry

Since December 2014. My first visit was the Halloween party that year, then I came back as a guest for a month or so before making my membership official. I was curious about the place he'd spend hours at, building stuff. I wanted to go too!

Alec Beardsley

I started visiting i3 regularly in October of 2015 and became a member in January of 2016.

What types of personal projects do you work on?

Matthew Gardeski

I have lots of personal projects, but I rarely find time to work on them. I've started sewing sails, fixing my house, fixing my car, but group projects always seem to grab my attention first.

Leora Druckman

Jewelry Making

Kiln Glass Art

Learning how to use i3Detroit Equipment and Tools

Constructing stainless steel kiln molds

Making layered jewelry with the laser cutter

Evan Allen

My personal projects tend to be electronic, but I am branching out into metalwork and lots of recent lasering. I recently picked up a 59 year old car and a 73 year old house, both are getting rehabbed in true maker style.

Mike Fink

A variety of laser-cut wood and acrylic projects. Lots of working to keep the lasers going, and improve them. General woodworking. Some small electronics projects, mostly to make things light up. Ex: Laser Cut LED Chandeliers from the Halloween party, Cloud Chamber and Glow in the Dark Giant Spirograph from Yuri's Night

Jamie Burdeski

I mostly work on the laser cutter and in the craft room. I made a hurricane cape and leather mask for Halloween 2014, and a dragon costume with awesome voronoi-fractal inspired wings for Halloween 2015. I made Voronoi lamps and helped with Pyro Board for Maker Faire 2014, I made a 4 foot tall hurricane lamp for maker faire 2015, and a voronoi ouroboros lamp for Lakes of FIre 2016/Maker Faire 2016. I also do a lot of knitting, including a Klein bottle hat. See my wiki page for more information!

Matt Arnold

Laser-cut board games, costumes, marionettes, parade puppets, and digital art.

TJ Johnson

My personal projects involve robotics, CNC, metalworking, UAV’s and aircraft (model and full size). I also enjoy working with embedded systems and hardware level electronics.

David Henry

I've worked on projects using nearly every zone at i3, but the woodshop, laser zone, and electronics lab are the ones I most frequently use.

Jan Henry

I make 1:12 scale miniatures with polymer clay, paper or fabric. I sew... especially costumes, but also regular clothes and some home dec things like pillows and duvet covers. Cloaks and gowns are my favorite costumes to make currently but I'm quickly learning to make other stuff. I'm also a scrapbooker and card maker and I like to paint plaster buildings.

Alec Beardsley

I am mostly interested in projects that connect to my various hobbies. I like to make accessories for table-top gaming. I am currently working on a lighting system for my game room.

What appointments have you held/do you hold now at i3? (previous board, officers, zone wardens, committee chairs, etc)

Matthew Gardeski

I have served about 1 year and 9 months on the Board of Directors

Leora Druckman

Board Member 2014 - 2015

Jewelry Zone Co-Coordinator

Kiln Zone Co-Coordinator

Evan Allen

Treasurer from Jan 2014 through elections of that year.

Infrastructure zone coordinator since the position was created.

Tool Crib zone co-coordinator with Danny for the past few months.

Board member for the past two years.

Mike Fink

Board Member for 2014-2016 terms

Laser Zone Coordinator from Feb. 2015 - present

Jamie Burdeski

• Secretary 2014-2015
• Board member, 2014-2015, 2015-2016
• Wiki Coordinator
• Grand Puma/Head coordinator of Maker Faire 2016
• Other: Member of various committees - floor planning, party planning, maker faire planning, bylaws/standing rules updates planning. Helped run the Siemens Solid Edge event. I help with PR whenever I can, and I'm one of the people who answers the contact email for i3. I've done a couple of interviews for i3 around Maker Faire time.

Matt Arnold

Past Coordinator of the Laser Zone; current Coordinator of the Classroom; past and current Board Director; and current Member Advocate.

TJ Johnson

None to date.

David Henry

I am currently the secretary.

Jan Henry

I have been Craft Room Co-coordinator/Sewing since May 2016.

Sewing SIG organizer - SIG became active in spring 2016

Halloween party 2015 committee, food/decorating

Alec Beardsley

I host the twice monthly table-top game nights held at the space.

What projects have you worked on to improve i3?

Matthew Gardeski

Laser cutter ventilation, wood shop lighting, Open Access system, kitchen door decoration, network jacks, website migration to private VM hosting, shop air expansion to laser cutters, laser cutting metal, shop lighting upgrades, sump pump installation, HAM antenna mount installation, making that roof vents stop squealing, electrical upgrades, setting up new metal shop tools, new sink installation, dues payment backend integration, CRM updating, email migration to google apps...

Leora Druckman

Proposing and creating and maintaining the Jewelry Zone

Developing and teaching a Basic Jewelry and Metalsmithing course for i3Detroit:Creating the Jewelry Zone

Redesigning and recreating the kiln zone

Developing and teaching a Basic Kiln Glass course for i3Detroit

Promoting fundraising and donations for i3Detroit

Developing a 'Donation Letter Template' available for use by all members which can be accessed at https://www.i3detroit.org/wiki/Logos_and_Publicity_Resources

Finding and purchasing good quality (used) chairs for the common area for a ridiculously low price

Leading tours

Bringing in outside groups

Starting an i3Detroit future vision process

Evan Allen

I've been involved in ripping down old piping, wiring, and stringing some new stuff. OpenEVSE (electric vehicle charger), kitchen door decoration, shop air expansion to laser cutters, installation of the new air compressor, helping haul in the new band saw, replacing the terrible old sink, and lately spearheading the member storage cleanout. Infrastructure is literally one of my titles around here.

Mike Fink

I've been involved with planning and coordination for many space events (Halloween Party, Maker Faire and After Party, Yuri's Night). I've taken part in several committees to revise our rules. I got the security camera system finally up and running earlier this year, and I've helped out finishing up the classroom build. Also lots and lots of laser repair and maintenance.

Jamie Burdeski

I proposed the initial classroom renovations and spearheaded the move of the vending machines and refrigerators outside the now-classroom and played a large role in getting the wall torn down. I completely revamped the wiki and made lots of magic code to better document i3's equipment, history and processes. I've started documenting board duties and responsibilities too, but there's still a long way to go on that. I've recently updated the wiki to brand new software with lots of exciting capabilities. I also assist on some of the laser improvements, but mostly in the concept/design phase. I also do some painting and beautifying of the space sporadically.

Matt Arnold

I raised the funds from the membership to buy our [Bumblebee laser cutter].

TJ Johnson

Since joining i3, I have begun several projects in the metal working zone, including tramming the mill and I am working on adding a circular chuck to the CNC mill. I look forward to continuing to improve and support the space.

David Henry

Cutting mat table cover for the craft room

Water dispenser stand

Sump pump repair

Coat rack repair.

Battery charging station and Allen wrench holder for the tool crib.

I've also worked on and assisted with a number of other tasks during pot lock events with other members.

Jan Henry

Cleaning -- I rarely toot my own horn about it because I think it's just part of being an excellent member but the question is here and it does improve the space, so there you are. :-) I clean where I can and I do hope it makes a difference. Even out in the workshop where dust settles. I love to organize so I may do that too but during potlocks I would probably be found cleaning something then too. I try to keep the classroom presentable for our guests who come for sewing etc, and cleaned the work tables in the craft room where the sewing machines are so it's a good place to create great stuff. I was half of the source of the industrial sewing machines, as I believe they will provide a benefit to our members and guests -- something they're not likely to have at home.

Alec Beardsley

Aside from hosting table-top game nights, I have not yet had the chance for any significant improvement projects. I did rewire the outlets above the tree-house and have helped maintain the Rostock.

What qualities do you look for in a fellow board member?

Matthew Gardeski

I'm looking for individuals who want to work as a team, which means clear communication is incredibly important. This doesn't mean every board member must always agree on everything, but should make an effort to acknowledge differing perspectives when proposing solutions. I value serious effort put in to try to solve problems before meeting time. Also, every board member must be willing to take ownership of their actions. I also never want to see personal grudges become the membership's business. Board members should understand that sometimes there will be difficult situations to resolve, but that's part of the job.

Leora Druckman

Respect - Treats all people with respect.

Diversity - Brings unique and complementary perspectives, skills, experiences and strengths that add to the overall functioning of the group.

Accessible - Someone members can reach out to and feel comfortable going to with input, questions and concerns.

Listener - Takes the time to really understand what someone is trying to communicate.

Flexible - Able to consider new ideas and perspectives that run contrary to their own.

Critical Thinker - Able to think things through in an informed and rational manner.

Communicator - Gets ideas across clearly in writing, speaking and all other forms of communication.

Emotionally Mature - Able to be productive and problem solve without taking things personally or letting strong emotions sabotage progress.

Enthusiasm - Believes in the mission of i3Detroit and is excited by what it is and what is possible for the organization.

Takes Action - Volunteers to get something done, does it in a reasonable period of time (involving the appropriate people) and communicates that it has been done.

Evan Allen

Board members should, of course, be prepared to not be universally liked and should not try to be. The board is elected to make decisions that keep the space useful to the membership and that's not always popular with everyone. That being said, I would look for a vision of the future and an open mind to tackle problems that we may face without being weighed down by the past. A willingness weigh all the options and make the tough decisions. The ability to not get emotionally involved with situations handled by the board (or the willingness to recuse yourself if you do). To see the decisions through to fruition and, especially, ask for help if it is needed.

Mike Fink

I look for the abilites to hear multiple viewpoints before drawing conclusions, to not enter discussions closed-mindedly, and to keep separate personal opinions and what is best for the space overall.

Jamie Burdeski

Revision this year: Actually the most important quality in a board member, that wasn't on my radar before, is the ability to treat every member of i3 with fairness and impartiality. I hope to improve this next year significantly compared to last term, where I felt we fell short on that goal. A focus on progress and getting things done is the the most important quality to me, and along with that, the enthusiasm and communication skills to make that happen. Too often I see communication on the board sputter out and we lose all momentum for making any change. I think the board necessarily has to deal with more of the rules and paperwork than any other members, so it’s important for a fellow board member to have a high tolerance for that sort of thinking and can follow through with administrative issues without their heads exploding.

Matt Arnold

Forward motion. When you point out an obstacle to forward movement, "be excellent" by proposing the next step toward overcoming it. When you call a halt to a process, share the responsibility to come up with solutions. Try to add a time to your requests, such as "Please respond by one week from today." Wrapping up a discussion could be as simple as getting the majority of the Board on record saying that the Board will not take action on the discussion. You don't have to rush to the conclusion; just focus on the next step, and ask for it within a specific timeframe.

TJ Johnson

The board members of i3 should be equal parts self-starter and team player. The board is charged with inspiring collaboration and innovation, and ensuring that the members of i3 have the tools and atmosphere in which to pursue the highest level of craftsmanship and creation. Board members should be willing to give of their time and energy to advance this goal.

David Henry

The ability to discuss difference in opinion as a team and not take disagreements personally.

Jan Henry

The ability to listen to what a fellow board member is saying and wait for a finish, than listen to talk. Everyone has input and it should be respected and valued. It's also important to be able to make decisions that support the goals of i3. Fairness is important, as much as possible. And be excellent.

Alec Beardsley

The first thing I would look for is a willingness to see situations from different perspectives. I think it's important to be able to set aside your personal feelings long enough to make the best choices for the group as a whole.

I think being a good judge of what situations require patience or haste is also an important quality. Some situations require a prompt response to reduce likely problems while other situations need to evolve before action is taken.

What is your stance on rules/organization vs pure do-ocracy in the space? When/where is there a place for each?

Matthew Gardeski

There is a place for both at i3. Do-ocracy can be and has been used effectively to bypass the intentionally slow bureaucratic process, but all actions must still be carried out within the rules the board and membership have established to ensure the well-being of every member of the community and the prosperity of i3.

Leora Druckman

It is important to have the right balance of both. i3Detroit will always be trying to provide information and guidelines without overreaching into controlling behavior (which drains energy and creativity). This is one of our strengths. But it is important to remember that empowerment is not abandonment. People need tools, information and feedback in order to do things “on their own”. This is definitely *not* the same thing as trying to control people. A healthy level of information sharing and support, in most situations, should come from all members, not just the board. But, there will be situations that require board intervention (ex. major safety concerns, setting up systems that improve communication, etc.). This dynamic will evolve over time as our organization grows, matures and internalizes guidelines and other information.

Evan Allen

The rules that govern this space exist for decisions that need to be made repeatedly. They keep the space running the way it should (for the most part). I take issue with having rules for the sake of rules, but it is useful to have a specific way to handle common problems. The do-ocracy spirit is something else entirely and can be wielded in a constructive or destructive manner. In my mind it is most useful when a small group of members gets together, decides how something should get done, and (after consulting those who would be affected by it) does it in a very timely manner. Good do-ocratic projects tend to be small and quickly accomplished by a small group of members that care about getting something done. Bad do-ocratic projects don't consult the members affected by the change and/or leave the space in a less useful state than it was previously (this includes long hiatuses in progress).

Mike Fink

The rules should guide and make way for the do-ocracy. Simple rules like “Always leave a note, especially when in doubt” can do a ton to avoid conflicts and complications. Especially with questions like “Is someone using this material?” or “Who is working on this project/space improvement? Can I help? Or will I probably just break things?” When making changes to the space, members (and sometimes even Coordinators) should bounce their ideas off a few people, make sure they've considered all the ramifications, who may be affected, whether things can be reverted, etc before going through.

Jamie Burdeski

I think that the role of do-ocracy is inversely proportional to the size of an organization. With only 20 members, do-ocracy is the best, and really only way to get anything done. As the size of the organization increases, the need for organization increases. For an organization like i3, there doesn't need to be a huge number of rules, but the rules we do have need to be as efficient and effective as possible.

Matt Arnold

When expectations are unclear and confused, there will always be more fights over them. Rules set the expectations between people who do not know each other well. When a small number of people (like one dozen) know each other well, they can predict each other's expectations well enough that they can avoid fighting-- in other words, all their "rules" are unwritten. At i3Detroit, most of us are strangers walking in off the street, so we need to set clear expectations. But also, the list of ways you can hurt another person is infinite, so it's impossible to list all the rules. We have a Board of Directors to settle conflicts in those areas whenever necessary.

TJ Johnson

Certain rules and expectations provide the framework in which a do-ocracy may flourish. Although an overabundance of rules is not necessary for, and, indeed, may inhibit, the success of a makerspace, it is of the utmost importance that members treat one another with respect. Rules provide a common guide, which informs all members of the expectations of the space, especially as it relates to simple things such as parking limits and daily maintenance.

David Henry

I prefer that rules are kept to a minimum some rules are required to provide clarity and direction which helps to keep thing moving in the right direction.

Jan Henry

Rules are an important piece of an organization because they establish a protocol for what should be done. It doesn't mean that rules limit or penalize people unnecessarily but I think in a 24/7 organization without staff, it's important to know what the boundaries are. Whatever rules are set, they should be applied consistently. Yet there is definite room and need for the do-acracy, because there should be the freedom to make decisions, the best of which are made in clear communication with anyone affected.

Alec Beardsley

Rules, for the most part, should be a guideline to get you heading in the right direction. Stronger rules should be used sparingly as needed to protect i3 and it's members. The do-ocracy approach works well for most of the day to day things that need to happen, especially in an organization filled with people of such diverse skill sets as i3.

What is the biggest issue at i3 that you hope to address in the next year, whether you serve on the board or not?

Matthew Gardeski

Communication.

Leora Druckman

Clarification of our future vision/direction, including developing and beginning to implement three to five year plans.

Evan Allen

We have competing ideas of the direction i3 should take, there are many things that I would like to see done (equipment fixed or removed, space expanded, classes taught) but the number one thing I see that needs clarification is what we, as an organization, are trying to do. I see two major camps: One being that we should expand into more space as is reasonable and create more zones, more variety, and serve more members of the community. The second being that we should limit membership to below what we have now, focus on having a community where everyone knows each other and the space is run for the benefit of those members. I think we need a discussion and decision on the direction we are going and a plan to get there.

Mike Fink

I want to make i3 feel more like a living organization, especially for those who aren’t there all the time. Meeting attendance is fairly stagnant, the mailing list doesn't reach everyone. Finding ways to more easily and effectively communicate with the largest group should make i3 feel more like a community to everyone.

Jamie Burdeski

I want to improve the community spirit by hosting more social events in and around the space, including events with the board and officers to help us get to know each other and lead better, as well as events specifically designed to help new members get to know other members. I also want to make it easier to identify other members by adding more pictures and even badges, etc to the corkboards at the front of the space. The best interaction is always going to be in the physical space, no matter how many directories/mailing lists we create.

Matt Arnold

A photo board of all wardens, board members, and officers, and laser-engraved name tags (opt-in) that any member may wear if they wish other people to easily approach them for help. A couple of years ago I came up with a list of problems that result from getting too large, and with the help of many others we have fixed a lot of the things on my list. This one, however, is new. Thanks to Leora for the idea!

TJ Johnson

In the coming year, I would like to see a greater focus on member participation and collaboration. Although i3 presents formal classes across a variety of disciplines, I would like to see greater opportunities for members to share their knowledge and skills with other members. The sharing of ideas would promote creativity and allow members to beta test their ideas and innovations. I would also like to see an continued increase in equipment and capabilities.

David Henry

I'd like to see members be more responsible for their treatment of the space. The changes over the past year in the machine shop are an excellent example of what I'd like to see extended to other areas of the space.

Jan Henry

I'm interested in using technology to provide machine access and communication about said machines. We have an email list, slack channels, facebook page and group (for specific interests) and signage but communication of important information can be missed. In-person direct communication is best but in the absence of that, for those who visit in the off-hours, what can be done to reach them? To reach everyone for their specific interests? I'm interested in exploring this.

Alec Beardsley

I think there is a steep learning curve that new members must overcome to fully enjoy what we have to offer. There are a lot of areas where I feel we could add simple information around the space to help those users that don't even know what questions to ask, let alone who to ask. I would like to work to improve that accessibility aspect especially as we get more members who may not be as inclined to seek information on their own.

What are your long-term (5+ years) goals for i3?

Matthew Gardeski

I want to see positive growth in active membership every month in the next 5 years, and whatever it takes facilities-wise to support that growth. I want to attract new membership by supporting the addition of new capabilities to the space.

Leora Druckman

Taking concrete steps that will move us toward our future vision/direction

Increasing donations and financial support

Growing and diversifying our membership

Improving our communication systems, including storage and availability of information (ie. safety procedures, etc)

Evan Allen

In 5 years I would like to see us physically expand to have more space for more diverse zones. I would like the positions of responsibility to all be held by motivated and active members with very little overlap. I would like to see us do more things that add capability to the space that benefit the surrounding community.

Mike Fink

I see us growing in size and range of membership, as well as growing in terms of functionality of the space. I think it's time we made some specific plans for growing the space, instead of expanding ad hoc. I believe we have a lot of room to grow in our current space. It could take a lot of work, but we're all creative problem solvers. Specific things I would like to see added to the space in the future: a spray booth, expanded quiet work space and/or soundproofing of the loudest equipment.

Jamie Burdeski

I want i3 to reach towards the vision of being an amazingly well-equipped space that makes incredible things, and shares that knowledge. I want i3 to be known in the community not just for existing and being a cool place to hang out, but for being an active part of the community. To this end, we need to streamline a lot of functions to reduce the burden on the people running the space, and actively seek more grants and do more fundraising to give us the resources to be more well-equipped. I strongly support the idea of expanding our space and/or really looking at the floor plan to find ways to use our space more efficiently and to bring in other tools/zones/interests.

Matt Arnold

My vision is for a place where members feel like our floor space is allocated according to deliberate priorities, where they know who to talk to when another member mistreats them, and where Ferndale has a huge parade of twenty-foot tall puppets built in our space.

TJ Johnson

Continue to be a growing community of makers, with ever-improving and diverse skills and capabilities.

David Henry

I'd like to see a clear plan and goals for how much expansion we'd like to have for members, tools, revenue and space.

Jan Henry

Increased membership and an expanded space, perhaps with an additional classroom/clean workspace and room for new zones and for smaller zones to expand into, and storage for member materials that don't fit well in homes. It would include increased membership by people in the arts, such as glass, paint, textile, jewelry, etc. More classes in all zones and even classes aimed at creating a crossover of skills... for example pulling people into the woodshop who might otherwise not consider it, whether they are from the outside community or within i3. Cross-pollinating the use of these zones, inside and outside of i3. Using grant awards to expand, researching equipment (purchased by budget or grant) that could be cutting edge for the maker community and being that place, where people can come to learn to do.

Alec Beardsley

I would like to see a strong emphasis on building a space "where everybody knows your name". I certainly want to see the space grow both in members as well as size but I don't want to lose the sense of community in the process.

What makes i3 great? Why did you join/why do you keep coming back?

Matthew Gardeski

The diversity of perspectives and backgrounds in i3's community and the general open-mindedness is something I don't think I could live without.

Leora Druckman

i3Detroit is a unique organization. While our budget is limited, our enthusiasm and ingenuity is extensive. I have followed the maker movement and the development of i3 from afar for a number of years. When my husband and I moved to the area, it was the first local organization I joined. The idea of a cooperative, creative, community based, education focused, relatively non-hierachial, group of individuals focused on working together to make really cool stuff is like a dream come true for me. I like the people here. They are intelligent, imaginative, interesting and each has unique talents and experience to share. The wide variety of tools and equipment to learn about and put to use makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop. I can’t wait to learn another new skill. While I enjoy making things on my own, there's nothing like making things with, for and around other people. i3Detroit provides an ideal space for that. There is no other organization that I would rather contribute my time and skills to at this time.

Evan Allen

What makes i3Detroit great is the diversity of membership. Sure you get differing points of view that may be contentious, but you get so many cross-disciplinary ideas and projects that allow people out of their comfort zones. I joined because thanks to everyone here I can learn whatever skills I need in almost any subject simply by finding the person who's passionate about it and letting them know I am too. Similarly I take great benefit from teaching other members things they are interested in that I happen to know.

Mike Fink

There’s a high concentration of smart, respectful, helpful people with diverse skillsets and experience. Plus all the tools that I could never afford/justify buying on my own, and seeing all the awesome things people do with them that expands my ideas of what I can do.

Jamie Burdeski

I joined i3 for the community. I love coming here and seeing people being creative, it inspires my own creativity. Being able to be creative is really relaxing for me, a nice counterpoint to my job as an engineer. As a more established member, I like that i3 is a microcosm that I actually have the ability to shape and improve. It gives me a sense of purpose to see it grow and develop before my eyes.

Matt Arnold

We don't have a "customer/business" relationship, where the customer says "I paid for my experience-- now provide it for me" and the business employees can't wait to clock out on Friday. Instead it's a community of passionate participants with a shared personal stake.

TJ Johnson

I have loved machining for as long as I can remember, and have been a member of several makerspaces throughout my travels to from Reno, to Washington DC, to Indianapolis, and finally to Detroit. I learned of i3 from was a fellow member and was thrilled to discover the quality and variety of the equipment and the depth of member knowledge. I am proud to be a member of the i3 community and plan on contributing to its continuing excellence.

David Henry

I really enjoy the community and having others to bounce ideas off of. It's a great forum both to learn and to teach.

Jan Henry

I came for the Halloween party, and returned because I wanted to see the place in daylight, and where David kept going to. I stayed because we were starting work on the dollhouse and I set up my clay in the craft room and worked for a while there. I stayed as a member, because I wanted to officially be a part of it. In those first months to a year, I appreciated the interested questions about my clay food but still worked quietly... that's what I do, I'm driven to work on stuff and finish it. I still wasn't really integrated into the space. I'd hear laughing in the common area. I'd wonder what they were getting done.... One day, this task-oriented person I am, sat in the common area. I observed, and I started to talk. And then I began to understand. i3 is great for community collaboration, for inclusion, for teaching and encouraging people to do for themselves and providing educational access to machines to do that. There is support of goals and dreams... I'm happy to do some work for my business here, I feel the energetic vibes of the incubator it is. Today, I'm thrilled to be an active participant in the community and care for it like a piece of myself is attached to it, because it is.

Alec Beardsley

The single most appealing thing to me is the sense of freedom and comfort I feel when I arrive. I can work on anything I want, or nothing at all. There is almost always someone familiar around to talk with and discuss ideas with.

What isn't i3 for?

Matthew Gardeski

We won't do your project for you. You must be willing to learn and to help others learn.

Leora Druckman

People who are knowingly and intentionally disrespectful of others’ property, space, and/or feelings

People who expect everything done for them and are not interested in learning

Personal storage

Evan Allen

i3 isn't a job shop, although I have gotten a contract job and my current full-time job just by hanging around here. i3 isn't a place where seniority trumps sense, experience is always useful but this is one of those places where age isn't a factor in intelligence. i3 is the place where you do things yourself, if all you have is suggestions for how someone else should do something don't be surprised when they do it their way.

Mike Fink

Jerks and customers

Jamie Burdeski

Like everyone else has said, i3 isn't a job shop, and it isn't for people who don’t play well with others. I would also add that it isn't for people who are terrible at communicating and don’t even try. Joining i3 means you are entering into a relationship with 100 other people, and you are going to have to stretch yourself out of your anti-social tendencies and ask for help, admit when you made a mistake, contribute to the communal knowledge pool, and resolve conflicts in a mature manner.

TJ Johnson

I3 is not a place where tasks are accomplished for you. Although members are generally happy to share their knowledge and assist you with the completion of a certain project, do not expect to sit back and watch someone else do it for you.

David Henry

It's not a job shop, nor a service.

Jan Henry

It's not a personal workshop/garage for leaving piles or a mess, it isn't for paid staff, it isn't for customers.

Alec Beardsley

i3 is not a daycare. It is not a place for people who need constant supervision. It is not a place to go to order others around. It is not a place to ignore the consequences of your own actions.

What will you do if the board or members pass a decision you disagree with? Will you enforce it?

Matthew Gardeski

After a decision is passed and becomes policy, the discussion is over we all must work together to adhere to it, otherwise we defeat the purpose of having the board as leadership. Enforcement is not the time to express disagreement with current policy.

Leora Druckman

I will support board decisions. Assuming that all appropriate information has been considered, it is my duty as a board member to support all decisions made by the board whether I completely agree with them or not. If there is additional information that has come to light or needs to be considered, it is my duty to make sure the board is aware of it and to suggest reasonable amendments and/or additions as needed.

Evan Allen

If a decision has already been passed then my time for discussion of the subject is over and it is important to adhere to the will of the membership. If it turns out I was right then there will probably be a backlash anyway and I can get behind the repeal of an unjust policy (but if I'm consistently the outlier, maybe there isn't a problem).

Mike Fink

All rules and policies should be enforced with equal weight, regardless of personal agreement. If a significant portion of the membership or board thought something was a good idea, in spite of arguments against, then it likely has merit. Varied enforcement leads to confusion of correct policy and often forces those who properly enforce the rules to take the unpopular role of strict enforcer. This turns potential conflict with organizational policy into personal conflict which can be far more dangerous for a group like i3.

Jamie Burdeski

I believe in arguing the finer points of a decision passionately while it’s under debate. However, once a decision is made, I will abide by that. A very important quality in serving on the board is being able to see the bigger picture and let things go when necessary. This is also kind of a silly question because no one’s going to admit to this during their campaign :-p

Matt Arnold

This is unlikely to ever happen, but if I'm not going to enforce something set down by the Board, I would say so during the deliberations about whether to pass the motion. I won't spring it as a surprise when the time comes to enforce it. If I don't want to enforce something which is the express will of the overall membership, I may either abstain, or step down. The group has the right to govern itself the way that it wishes. Participating in a group means accepting that.

TJ Johnson

The key to any board or group is a considered, well-reasoned thought process. I have no problem enforcing a decision made by the board, even if I personally disagree with it. The purpose of leadership is to create a better community for the members. If the group supports the idea or decision, it is the group’s opinion that the decision will improve the community and I would support the decision, even if I personally have a different view.

David Henry

The board makes decisions as a team. Once the team has decided it is one of the responsibilities of all team members to support the decision.

Jan Henry

The time to oppose and communicate a different viewpoint is during the discussion phase but once something is approved by the majority, the board must follow it, and as a member of the board yes, I would enforce it. Maturity is important as not everyone will always agree.

Alec Beardsley

As a member, it is important to understand that policies and decisions exist for reasons that may not be clear to everyone but are there because they are needed. As a board member, it is important to understand that regardless of your personal feelings, the board works most effectively when it can present itself as a unified front. Disagreements on board decisions should be handled as discreetly and politely as possible to maintain that unified front. Ultimately, if the majority of the board agrees, then it is your job to accept and enforce. If you disagree, seek to bring the matter up again at a future date when your opinion might be better received.

Should we work to make i3 more inclusive and diverse? How can we?

Matthew Gardeski

Absolutely. Diversity is what makes me come here instead of buying my own tools for my garage. I would like to dedicate more time to address who we are not doing a good job of reaching out to.

Leora Druckman

Yes. We have an unique and valuable ability to pull together people who have different skills, backgrounds and experiences, who then successfully work together on common goals. Our differences make us stronger, more creative and better able to handle a wide variety of projects. Supporting more zones with an ‘artistic’ bent in addition to those that are more ‘industrial’ will attract different members. Inviting more groups from the area (students from local schools , community organizations, businesses, etc) to events will bring in more potential members (and supporters) with diverse backgrounds. Diversity keeps i3 alive, interesting and constantly evolving.

Evan Allen

When I hear the term 'diversity' used about i3, I tend to think about everyone's differing interests and skillsets enriching the whole. In that way we are a very diverse group and I would like us to become more so. As a group we are one of the most inclusive I know, we will readily give anyone a tour if they show the slightest interest and let them use our facilities as long as a current member will attest to their integrity. I am heartened by our existing inclusiveness and excited by the prospect of increased diversity.

Mike Fink

Yes. In general, broadening the space's capabilities should make the overall skillset of the group more diverse. I'm eager to see how the Jewelery Zone turns out and what effect that has on membership. It is a good example of testing the proactive creation of a zone with the goal of attracting a wider range of members into the space. In terms of inclusivity, it's important to make sure that new members get that i3 is a community in addition to a workspace.

Jamie Burdeski

This is a really complicated question, and it’s not specific to i3, but to all communities. While the philosophy of “be awesome and don’t actively discriminate, and diversity will naturally happen” is appealing, I do think that more realistically, diversity does need to be actively sought after, just to overcome our own unconscious bias toward attracting people that we connect with, in whatever sense. Teaching more classes in the community, and partnering with other organizations that cater to different groups would be ways to increase reach. I used to think that diversity was a secondary goal, more of a "feel good" goal than one that would benefit the space in the day-to-day. But everytime I interact with other groups of artists and makers I feel inspired, and when members of those groups join the space, it makes a real difference in the overall level of enthusiasm and morale of the space. There's nothing i3 members like more than a cool project that they'd never thought of doing!

Matt Arnold

People like to hang out with others like them, and pretty soon they become an echo chamber. But they usually don't practice exclusion intentionally. Without meaning to, we would make entire groups of valuable people feel unwelcome, unless we take specific measures to avoid it. For starters, now that we have a jewelry zone, we will no longer restrict all the world's crafts to one tiny craft room. We can also specifically seek out women and minorities to nominate and elect to our offices and directorships to make sure their viewpoints are represented.

TJ Johnson

Always. Our differences allow us to accomplish greater things than any of us can as an individual. I feel we should promote diversity by encouraging those with unique interests and views to participate.

David Henry

Yes. We should encourage diversity and be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The wide range of backgrounds and talent among our members is one of the things that makes i3 great.

Jan Henry

I think our inclusive nature is one of the great things about us. Every organization has a culture about it, and as long as a person fits with the spirit of be excellent, teach/DIY, and community, they would be a great asset. Diversity in skill comes from being present in multiple disciplines in the community so people know we're here for them. We should always strive to be open to the community in terms of people and skills.

Alec Beardsley

I think diversity for the sake of diversity is often the right intention but the wrong direction. The goal should be to welcome all those who would do no intentional harm regardless of what societal class they may belong to. There is a heavy tendency in most to gravitate towards similar individuals with similar ideals. There is no easy fix for this. The best we can do as individuals is to be as welcoming, friendly, and helpful to others as we can be and hope that they will do the same. Someone that feels they are welcome at i3 is most likely going to try and bring others with them on future visits. A smile and a friendly greeting can go a long way.

Do you agree with i3's current Harassment Policy?

Matthew Gardeski

Yes, and I think we could communicate to the membership more clearly what specific actions to take so that everyone has confidence that i3 takes such matters very seriously and we will do their best to resolve them as quickly as possible.

Leora Druckman

Yes.

Evan Allen

Yes, although I think this question would be equally as important if it asked 'do you agree with the bylaws' or 'do you agree with the standing rules'.

Mike Fink

I do. It does a good job of making most expectations and responsibilities fairly clear.

Jamie Burdeski

Yes. It’s not enough to have a Harassment Policy though, the enforcement is key. The board has had a couple of experiences in the last few years enforcing the policy, and I think we're doing a better job of it each time, making sure that firm decisions are made and consequences are upheld. However, there is always room for learning and improvement.

Matt Arnold

Yes. I wrote it, I advocated for it until it passed in a vote, and I drafted its revision.

TJ Johnson

Yes, it is straightforward and appears to accomplish the desired goal of preventing harassment.

David Henry

Yes.

Jan Henry

I do agree, as it is clear and sets boundaries for expected behavior and the steps taken if it is crossed.

Alec Beardsley

I think it is a good policy as it stands. I think perhaps some additional language could be added to emphasize that those expectations don't stop at the door. Harassment is harassment regardless of where it takes place.