The logo looks good, but there is some discussion about maybe changing the main hackspace org logo at some point to designate that we’re a group of groups, and differentiate it a bit from a lot of other hackspaces what have used the giant H - but this is unlikely to affect you really. Especially as that logo looks rather good.
We’re at the moment starting up the org, so we will be working on fees etc, and we plan to implement them in the future to allow us as a group to use funds to further work that should benefit all members (such as working with insurers, going to maker events, etc. But at this point, nothing has been tied down on how or when exactly we will be doing this.
What is needed to join the org is that you need to follow our hackspace guidelines, which can be found here:
https://www.hackspace.org.uk/foundation/define.md
The major points, since you are proposing to have a hackspace on a military base, will likely be:
“is member owned/operated,”
“has a democratically elected board of at least 3 directors”
“encourages engagement with, and opening to, the public”
The latter one is our major concern, as we understand the levels of security required on military bases, and the other two are concerns about the hackspace and the org its self being separate from any major company, government body, etc, in the main, and being democratic.
As for help setting the space up, what are your ideas so far? Have you visited another hackspace or two? Are you aiming for 24/7 opening (like Manchester and London), or more “express time and when a keyholder is available” like Newcastle and Richmond MakerLabs? I believe you’ve talked about having some fairly niche tech areas such as medical and aeronautical in your space, so then it comes down to equipment sourcing, etc.
The first step for most hackspaces is finding a group of interested people who are willing to pay membership, and then finding a space that fits that budget minus a bit for equipment, maintenance, etc (if the MOD can supply a space, that can bring down dues a lot, or make the money available to spend on equipment and upkeep).
Equipment can be sourced from members (older tools, tools that were bought for one purpose but have been left in the attic, tools from family members who have passed away), aquired from companies in exchange for advertisement etc, or bought - sometimes a hackspace can just buy a cheap piece of equipment out of its budget, but more frequently it’s a question of a load of members pledging £10+ for a shiny tool that they all want. Manchester’s A2 laser was bought this way (http://wiki.hacman.org.uk/Pledges/Frikkin_Laser).
What other advice do you want? What information would you find useful?
Thanks,
Chris
