Terms and Conditions

   WARNING! THIS PAGE IS A LIVING DOCUMENT. NOT ALL AREAS ARE COVERED, BUT MOST ARE - CHECK WITH ANOTHER MEMBER IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS.

HackRVA Terms and Conditions

Membership

Becoming a HackRVA Member

Go here to join - Membership Signup

Being an Active Member

• Paying dues makes someone a member of hackrva.
• The stopping of paying dues stops membership.
• We ask that members contribute to the hackrva community in one or more ways as possible.

Ways to Contribute

• Visit the New Members area.
• Volunteer by asking another member what opportunities are currently available.
• Teach or attend a workshop by using our Meetup.com page
• Come to a Saturday Hackathon - 1pm to 7pm every Saturday.
• Participate on a HackRVA group project (hang around on Saturdays).
• Bring a project in and talk about it.
• Show up and help out on any of the special nights or events.
• Help work the HackRVA table at an event.
• Just show up and talk!

Membership Agreement

The membership agreements spells out some specifics - a must read (and sign when becoming a member).

• Membership Agreement (pdf) (word)

Billing

• All members are billed on the first business day of the month using the credit card they have on file.
• All billing is handled via credit/debit card through Intuit Merchant Account Services

• We don't use cash billing. Any cash given to us will be happily accepted as a donation, but we only take cards for membership. We know this may not be ideal for some people but in order to stay solvent we've found recurring billing by card is the best way.

Changing Membership Level

• Membership levels are defined here
• Email us at [email protected] at least 2 weeks prior to the next billing date
• Please try and keep this limited to 1-2 times per year.

Cancelling Membership

• Notify us by email at [email protected] with 2 weeks prior notice to the next billing date
• Notification is considered an email with a confirmed reply.
• Remember that we are all keeping the makerspace alive and thriving in our spare time. We're volunteers instead of a business so please keep that in mind.

Makerspace Guidelines

Security

Doors

• Be sure to lock the door if you are the last member to leave
• Do not make copies of hackrva keys

Personal Belongings

• Personal belongings/equipment are left at your own risk.

Non-Members and Guests in the Makerspace

• Don't bring anyone into the makerspace that you don't wholly trust

Housekeeping

• All tools and supplies should be returned to where they belong after they are used
• Turn off lights when you leave
• Do not leave small electronics on, especially things like soldering irons, etc.
• Take out the trash and recycling when it is full
• Clean up after yourself.
• Anything not in your storage box may be mistaken as donations. Larger projects and items should be labeled with your name to avoid confusion.
• Larger projects and items should not be left at the space for than 2 days without consent from hackrva leadership - infoAThackrva.org
• Thumbs Up/Down rule on loud music and video
• Do not make changes or modifications to the building or facilities without clearing it with hackrva leadership. This includes making holes in the walls larger than a screw hole.
• Do not remove equipment from the space. Some smaller tools (owned by hackrva soley) may be allowed with permission from hackrva leadership
• If a tool is broken or working improperly, contact the HackRATs so they can asses repairs needed.

Damages

• A member is responsible for any damage done to the space, equipment or other people's belongings done by them or their guests.

Consumable Supplies

• We have a small budget to provide consumables to the space. But we greatly rely on member donations, so if you have extra of something please consider donating. You can donate freely or if you'd like a receipt, go here.
• Screws, Nails, Bolts are welcome
• 3D Printer Stock (especially if you plan to use a lot - it may be best to keep your own roll)
• Stock pieces (wood, metal, plastic, etc.)

Events, Workshops, Meetings

• Events, workshops, or meetings can be scheduled by contacting hackrva leadership at hackrvaATinfo.com or contacting same on Meetup.com
• The hackrva schedule is publicly available for all to know at http://www.hackrva.org/blog/calendar/
• It is the members responsibility to be aware of the calendar.
• Free-hack days have been established so that no events are allowed on those days in order to balance the needs of events, workshops, and meetings against individual members who need times to work with out restriction. check the calendar for Free-hack days.
• Use of the any part or all of the space may be restricted because of an event, workshop, or meetings. This is at the discretion of the organizer.
• Disruption of events, workshops, or meetings should be avoided. The organizer will decide what is disruptive and if that activity should stop.
• If you're hosting something, please clean up any mess you make in the Meeting Room
• If you leave something, the people who clean up after you reserve the right to claim and/or trash anything you leave

Guests

• Guests are allowed
• Members are responsible for their guests
• Guests are not entitled to storage or access to equipment
• Guests should be supervised at all times
• Guests that cause disruption can be asked to leave at anytime
• Guests are discouraged during schedule events and workshops unless they are there to participate in that specific event or workshop

Photography

In general, don't post things to the HackRVA slack, flicker, facebook, or any other HackRVA thing that you don't want posted other places. If you're at HackRVA or a related event, we'll potentially take pictures of what you're doing. This is our norm as we are dedicated to documenting our activities. You're welcome to decline photos, but don't be offended if someone attempts to take one. We don't do attribution of photos on our blogs or anywhere else unless specifically asked. We will take any photo down after the fact by request.

Minors

HackRVA Policy on Minors

Kids are awesome! HackRVA sponsors many special events that focus on learning for a younger age group, such as Maker Camp and Maker Guild. We also realize the need for safety and clear guidelines regarding minors. We've created this policy to make HackRVA a stronger organization that caters to a diverse set of needs while keeping in mind the limitations of our organization.

Our age guidelines are as follows:

• Saturdays are typically adults only. The exception being a minor focused event held on Saturday, which would be in the description on the calender/meetup page.

• Members should have no more than 2 minors with them at any time unless it is a minor designated event.

• There should be no more than 5 minors at the space at a time unless it is a minor designated event.

• 0-5 years old - Wait until they're older to bring them to the space.

• 6-12 - Welcomed at special "kid-friendly" events only. Must be accompanied by a guardian at those events. The fab-lab is restricted for this age group.

• 13-14 - Welcome to the space anytime with direct adult supervision(except Saturdays). The fab-lab is restricted for this age group.

• 15-17 - Welcome to the space anytime with direct adult supervision(except Saturdays). The fab-lab is available on a case by case basis with proper training and consistent guardian supervision.

We've also created a guide for young makers in Richmond, see here: Young Makers.

       Kid-Friendly Events       General Use          Fablab         Saturdays
         (makerguild)           (w/ Guardian)     (aka ToolRoom)    (hackathons)
        (LEGO leuge, etc)     (except Saturdays)    (aka Shop)      
 AGE 
  0-5      NO                       NO                  NO              NO  
 6-12      YES                      NO                  NO              NO
13-14      YES                      YES                 NO              NO
15-17      YES                      YES            case-by-case         NO

Donating

We accept donations by credit/debit card or PayPal via a donation button on our website that links to here. We also accept donations by check in person. Checks must be made out to "HackRVA Labs"

Tools, Materials, In-Kind

If your donating tools, materials, or other in-kind objects you don't have to do it officially, but if you'd like a receipt for your records please email a HackRVA managing member at [email protected] or in person.

Membership for Donations

HackRVA doesn't trade membership for donations of tools or goods.

Junk Donations

Please be mindful of donating things larger than say a toaster or a laptop without confirmation. Donations should *usually* go to the back of the Tech Room (tall white room with soldering equipment) in the donation area. And if there's not room there, organize that area to make room or take the donation back home. Our space is small and has a tendency to get inundated with people's well intentioned but often not needed donations.

Things we generally don't need:

• CRT Monitors
• TV's
• Speakers
• Outdated computers
• Home entertainment equipment (think VCR's)
• Broken shop equipment
• Broken desktop computers (esp carcasses)
• Computer printers
• out-of-date computer cords (USB and HDMI we do need)
• couches or other furniture

There's exceptions to all these, though typically we don't need too much of the things listed above (unless you know it has a specific purpose, need, or is going to be hacking in not-too-short a time).

If you have a doubt, you can ask [email protected]. And, if you coordinate a drop-off/pick-up exchange on the mailing list, please follow-up on it.

Safety

• If you need training, ask a person in the space or contact the HackRAT's and we'll coordinate a training opportunity.
• Common Sense rules the day at the makerspace.
• Please do not run with scissors, stick things in electrical sockets, or endanger anyone at any time

Proper Ventilation

• Please ensure you have proper ventilation when your project needs it. Work outside if fumes are dangerous.
• Filling the makerspace with fumes and smoke will not earn you friends or cool points.

First Aid

• There is a first aid kit in the makerspace for use when needed

Fire Extinguishers

• There are multiple fire extinguishers in the makerspace
• Please be familiar with their locations for use when needed

Damages

• Members are responsible for their guest's damages as well as their own.

Alcohol

In the Makerspace

• We know many of us enjoy a cold beer while hanging out. That's fine.
• HackRVA doesn't (typically) pay for the beer.

Intoxication

• Members reserve the right to ask anyone to leave who is intoxicated, high, or not in a fit state to be around heavy machinery.

FAQ-Like-Thing of Additional Information

FAQ:

- I read the above, but, what are you exactly, whats going on?

We're a makerspace/hackerspace(wikipedia). Sometimes we're referred to as a gym for the brain, a clubhouse for nerds, a mad-scientists layer, or a preeminent basement . We're essentially a space filled with tools, computers, and people interested in knowledge and hands-on experience. Members pay dues and that provides the money to keep the space going. We are run by volunteers who are also members. No one owns the space and everyone contributes as they are able to see it flourish. If you're interested in a hobby or subject of knowledge that is technology or "makery" related you will likely find comradery here and a place to work on projects.

- Whats a good way to find out if HackRVA is a good fit for me?

First Thursday open house nights are a good time to mingle. Workshops are possibly even better since learning and doing is going on. Join our HackRVA Meetup group and watch for a workshop or event that interests you.

- What kinds of stuff are you mostly into?

We are broad-spectrum - interested in all forms of making. But, we tend to tilt toward computer related activities (code, networking, video games, digital creations), electronics, woodworking, metalworking, mechanical stuff, and adjacent nerdery. Tools, craft, code, engineering, science, and invention are at the forefront, but we also enjoy art, design,and all things fabricated and creative. For a complete-ish list, see the bottom of this page.

- I don't know how to use these tools (*thing), will someone teach me?

Yes. We do this through workshops on a fairly regular basis, but more often we do it as a natural part of our community through one-on-one experiences. If you become a member, contribute to our organization, and are around enough to get to know people, someone will train you, show you, help you. Typically people get what they put in. Also, Saturdays are great day to learn tools - there are almost always knowledgeable people around willing to take 20 or 30 minutes to show you the basics. Watching youtube videos, reading about our tools on our wiki, and being willing to try new things also help and show initiative.

- I've never made anything before, will I fit in?

Yes and absolutely. Many of our most active members have never made anything before joining HackRVA. Some have since become maker addicts. You've been warned.

- Where are you?

Scott's Addition behind the Dairy bar at 1600 Roseneath Road - Suite E, Richmond, VA 23230.

-Do you have open hours for the public?

Not really. Our members have keys and use the space at their discretion. No one works at HackRVA and we don't keep regular hours like a business. If you'd like to visit, come by our First Thursday Open House at 7pm OR contact us and we can possibly arrange for someone show you around.

- Can I donate tools or materials to HackRVA?

Yes!

- Can I teach a workshop?

Yes - most workshops are presented by HackRVA members, but we love any opportunity to learn. HackRVA is as much a place to teach as it is to learn, improve skills, and make stuff. Contact us if you'd like to host a workshop.

- What about kids?

HackRVA is adult oriented but we do have kid related events as our members are available to host them. We also support Richmond area STEAM related programs with support and promotion as well as contribute through events such as RVA Maker Fest.

- What are the rules of this land?

Complete Details - How being a member works.

- Where do I go to learn lots of other things about HackRVA?

Go to our wiki - its not always complete or up-to-date, but its where we huddle together to digitally organize the space. We've also littered the web with our offerings, most of which can be found by clicking through the links on the right side-bar of this website.

- Does HackRVA do projects for money for other people?

No. We're not a prototyping business or service.

- Can I invent and prototype something at HackRVA?

Certainly. It happens fairly often with varying degrees of success.

- I'm a professional 'X' looking for a workshop, is HackRVA for me?

Possibly, but expectations should be managed. The place isn't always clean (depending on standards), things get moved a lot, tools break and don't get fixed until a member volunteers to fix them - stuff happens. HackRVA isn't a professional shop. We aspire to ever better tools and organization, but with over a hundred members, things are always changing. On the other hand, we love it when industrial designers, maker-pros, artisans, artists, and other professionals of the maker world join our space. We revel in your shared knowledge and skills. And there are typically enough tools here to make most things with some patience. It's not uncommon for our hardcore makers to keep a personal set of bits and blades around so they know it will work. Or even bring in their own tools.

- Your space isn't giant and there's a lot of people. Do you get crowded?

Typically, no. During the weekdays we are fairly quiet, some people come here for a co-working experience as they mash buttons on computers. Weekday evenings are often quiet, though we do have regular events you should check on before coming. Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to be busy and sometimes crowded (come in the morning to get the place to yourself). Sundays can be quiet or quite the ruckus. In general, we have enough room to do most projects, but we often have to get creative and some work is just best done outside, either because of scale or fumes or heat.