This letter is to serve as formal notification that I am officially submitting my name to run for election to the Board of Directors for Dallas Makerspace for the year 2017.
I have been a member at Dallas Makerspace since February 2013. My membership number was 167. Things have changed since then. I have supported Dallas Makerspace through the Public Relations committee. While I was chair, we had the largest open house with over 500 guests. It was not “my” work, there were many people who contributed time and energy to the event. I give tours most Thursday nights. I was also doing basic maintenance on the Freebie Shelf. I strive to leave the space better than when I arrived. (Cleaning a surface, sweeping, running trash, putting up tools, cleaning mirrors, restocking soap or paper towels.)
I am proud and excited by the idea that Dallas Makerspace has the largest membership of any makerspace in the US. I would like to see us continue to grow both in square feet and membership.
My goals for 2017 are:
• Logistics Committee – Break the Logistics committee into smaller pieces. Logistics, Storage, and Freebie Shelf, maybe more. The goal is to reduce volunteer workload and burnout.
• Health check on all committees. Audit to make sure they are in compliance with DMS rules. Rebuild or disband committees that are not in compliance. Also, join or split committees as their functions change.
• Clean up the By Laws – Create a more logical and consistent set of By Laws.
• Increase Dallas Makerspace visibility in the Non-Profit Community by supporting other Non-Profits projects. Example: There was a non-profit that needed help building shelving. We have the tools and the know how to produce the shelves.
• Create a stronger support structure for new members. Work to make sure new members feel welcome and have a 90-day plan to become integrated into the DMS community.
• Exit Interview Survey for members who quit. Become more aware of why people are walking away from DMS. Use that information to improve the DMS experience.
• Create a disciplinary process that is independent of the BOD. Each event would have a structure (members and rules) to follow and would be reported back to the board for approval. This would not be a committee.
• Help foster an attitude of “This is my DMS.” Fun projects, community outreach, pot lucks, and interesting classes.
• Financial Items
- Grant writing to increase outside funding.
- Solicit more physical donations by reaching out to large businesses
- Make sure we have enough money saved for the next space expansion. (5% to 15% monthly)
Endorsements: Luis Ruvalcaba, Benjamin Groves, Ken Purcell, Alyssa Pipe, Art Givens, Gus Reiter, Nicholas Schell, Heather Williamee, Stan Simmons, Cairenn Day, Autumn Jackson, Raymond Jett, Walter Anderson, Michael Smith, Adam Oas, Beth Banister, Chandra Washington*, Axeones Robertson, Mitch Cerroni, Rose Petefish, William Petefish, Chris Marlow, Lisa Selk, David Guill, Brooks Scharff, Kris Anderson, Ryan McCutcheon, and Britton Burt
As part of this Letter of Intent, I also agree to the duties and functions expected of me in this position that include, but are not limited to: Making every effort to attend the annual meeting(s) and regular meetings.
Perform the duties and responsibilities of Director as outlined in the Dallas Makerspace Bylaws as well as the Dallas Makerspace Rules and Policies. If elected, I am fully aware and understand the importance of my full participation as a productive and effective leader during my tenure on Dallas Makerspace Board of Directors, and I agree to the terms and conditions set forth above.
/s/ Steven A. Blanchard
