Getting Involved

The 3 Hour Rule

If you have an idea about what might make the space better, it's best to discuss with several other members, but we do have an unofficial rule that we refer to as "the 3 hour rule"

It is generally acceptable to make a change to the space as long as it can be undone in 3hours or less (by you,) if it is deemed to be an undesirable change.

Forming a Committee

You may notice a need or have a desire to change something at HackRVA. We have found that one effective way to make big changes is to form a committee. This committee will take it upon themselves to make informed decisions and plan how to execute changes. The committee will then report to the Monthly Membership meeting before enacting the changes.

When large build outs or large HackRVA projects are presented to the monthly membership meeting. We should encourage a committee to be formed to plan and execute. This will reduce the planning that happens at membership meetings and allow for more than just one topic to be discussed at the meeting.

How To Form a Committee

• Attend a member meeting (last Wednesday of the month) or join the #leadership channel on slack
  • state your idea/plan and declare that you would like to form a committee to accomplish the goal,task,project, and/or change.
  • share with membership that the committee exists and what its goal/purpose is.
• Start a Slack channel (This is optional, but can be a great way to communicate)
• Schedule meetings to plan or discuss entirely on slack channel
• Schedule time to execute plans

Be sure to report progress back to the membership (either at a member meeting or the #leadership channel on slack)

Some examples of successful committees:

• Room swap - Swapping the woodshop with the techlab
• Purchasing the laser
• Planning for secondary clean space
• Building arts and crafts area/cabinets & counter in main room
• XCarve restore and station build out

If you have further questions about how to start a committee join the #leadership channel on slack.

Volunteering at HackRVA

See the tasks whiteboard in the space for tasks that need to be complete. Or email, infoAThackrva.org for more specific details.

(note: we've tried several iterations of digital management systems - so far a whiteboard kicks their butt)

If you are experienced with a tool or know how to fix it, consider joining the HackRAT program

Other Sweet Volunteer Activities

• Join the HackRAT Program (Repair And Train) to help keep tools running and train others on their use.
• Lead a workshop (contact us and we'll set you up with meetup and assist with lesson plans if needed)
• Start a new event (again, contact us, and we'll give you the social media tools to advertise)
• Improve the Wiki (just create an account, and start adding useful info)
• Post a project to the maker blog (anyone at HackRVA can be a blogger, just ask and we'll give you access)
• Research and recommend a purchase (add them to our acquisitions spreadsheet (link needed))
• Socialize with new folks during open house (Thursday nights)
• Attend monthly business/board meetings and help figure out the way forward at HackRVA (see the calender for dates)

Deprecated:

HackRVA KanBoard - Improving the Space One Virtual Sticky Note at a Time

We use the HackRVA KanBoard to do tasks around HackRVA.

It's a project management tool for groups to get things done. We use it for things like cleaning, fixing things, and all the rest.

Learn the details here - HackRVA KanBoard.

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Volunteer Sign Up Sheet (this is one of our attempts at getting more people involved and worked for awhile. it's being deprecated )