New Members

Welcome to HackRVA!

This is a quick guide for new members.

• Contact HackRVA Official-Like: Membership payment stuff, general inquiries, or almost anything else HackRVA can be resolved by emailing us at - [[email protected]] -. If in doubt, just send us an email.

• Intro: For a primer on what makerspaces are about, check out this link and this article on Wired

• Make Stuff: You're here to make cool and awesome things, or attempt and fail gloriously! Do it! Get started on a new idea, jump in on an existing project, take pics, share on the web. Even better, email us with pics and description and we'll feature it on one of our blogs.

• Culture, or This is how things work right now:
  • Hackrva is a collaborative community space. Members more or less choose their own level of involvement. There are no space custodians, no one is paid, and most of the work is completed by amateurs (This means you!).
  • Everyone is expected to contribute to some degree. In general, if you see something you don't like, you should attempt to make it better. As a collaborative space, we need to be considerate of others. This means if you're changing something at the space that has the potential to effect everyone, you should send an email or speak to one of the more active members. (This sounds ambiguous, but if you come to the space on a Saturday, it's obvious.)
  • We don't have a perfect way to make decisions and not everything at the space works all the time. Part of the point of the space is to enable members to adapt and work together. Hackrva is generally forgiving of mistakes. We would like to limit the time spent repeating work, but we're here to help and we would rather you try and fail than not try at all. You should also expect things at the space to change and evolve.
  • This space is what we make of it. We sincerely hope you feel a sense of ownership and the space becomes a valuable resource for you.

• Volunteering: If you're interested in the improvement and upkeep of the space, go here: Getting Involved

• Mailing List: Sign up for the mailing list. This is the place where most of our online communication takes place.

• Social Media: Follow us on twitter, facebook, googleplus or Meetup. Links to these can be found under the "links" sidebar of the main webpage: hackrva.org. Meetup is probably the best way to keep up with larger events and upcoming workshops.

• Calender: if you'd like to follow our calender, find it on the main website and do this. This is the most comprehensive resource for officially scheduled events, though people do come together in impromptu ways using the mailing list.

• Donating: We're incredibly thankful for your monthly contribution as a member. For those that are able and would like to donate additional money or items see our Donating section on the wiki.

• Classes and Events: Attend a class or event by signing up to the HackRVA Meetup group or checking the calender. Want to give a class or host an event? Email us and we'll get you set up. Here's the wikipage for more info - Classes

• Buying Stuff at The Space: If you'd like to recommend a purchase for HackRVA, go here - Acquisitions

• To-do and Ideas List: Check out our idea list. If you can help with any of these things or have something to add, get in touch with us!

• Board Meetings: If you'd like to become even more involved you're welcome to attend a board meeting. We're always looking for great people with good ideas. You can check the calender or email at the below for dates.

• For Parents: Please read the HackRVA policy on minors at the space - Minors at HackRVA

• Additional Info:You definitely want to swing by the [Terms and Conditions]. Also clicking around in the wiki is a good way to learn more. (This, Special:AllPages, is a fun one for exploring).

Thanks and happy hacking everyone!