Board Meeting Minutes Summary: August 2024
Financial and Operational Updates
New Banking Account: A new banking account is being set up, which will involve a rigorous process to transfer existing arrangements and ensure external donations are properly updated.
Women Leading Technology Class: No significant progress has been made on the “women leading technology” class, previously discussed. The plan is to explore temporary “pods” to maximize access while encouraging class sign-ups.
North Texas Giving Day: The organization is signed up for North Texas Giving Day. Efforts are needed to schedule social media traffic around this event. Employers or businesses matching donations are encouraged to reach out.
Plano Quilting Guild: Interest remains in discussing win-win opportunities with the Plano Quilting Guild and local shops, but this will only proceed once a “working thing” (presumably a relevant project or offering) is in place.
Financial Stability: The leadership emphasizes the importance of financial stability for the makerspace.
Future Initiatives and Considerations
Maker's Market: There's consideration for participating in the Maker's Market, acknowledging it might be an effort with an unknown outcome (“a lot of effort and get nothing out”). However, it's viewed as a potential opportunity to accrue “failures” that can eventually lead to success.
Booth Game: If a booth game is created for external events (like Maker's Market), it could also be repurposed for internal use within the makerspace. This could involve using QR codes in different rooms for people to find and scan for “robot parts” as part of an interactive game.
Ten Commandments: The “Ten Commandments” (likely referring to a specific set of rules or guidelines for the makerspace) are not planned to be implemented or discussed further at this time.
Facilities and Support
Electronics Flip-flop: The electronics area has been reorganized.
Guest Check-in/Showcase: A guest check-in area is being established for sign-ups, billing, and information, including a binder with QR codes and prices. A showcase area will be adjacent.
Robot Fund/Scavenger Hunt: The “robot fund” activity from Fin Con will be updated for ongoing use within the building, serving as a “get to know your local makerspace” activity this fall.
Ongoing Assistance: Appreciation was expressed for Doug and Chris's ongoing work to clear out remaining items from the yard sale and reorganize the space. Members are encouraged to offer assistance to them if extra hands are needed.