About

Nelson, BC, is set to experience a renaissance of creativity and self-sufficiency with the establishment of a new community maker space co-op. At its heart, this innovative hub will champion fine carpentry, providing enthusiasts and professionals alike with access to essential tools and machinery for woodwork. Beyond woodworking, the space will expand into advanced manufacturing, empowering locals to design, prototype, and produce a broad array of goods right at home.

The inception of this co-op maker space signifies a move towards economic revitalization and ecological responsibility. By nurturing local production, it aims to bolster Nelson's economy and alleviate some of the burdens imposed by global supply chains. Furthermore, it will enhance community resilience, equipping residents with the resources and knowledge to meet their needs directly. Embracing a model that values inclusivity and community involvement, the space will welcome all who wish to join, fostering a diverse environment where innovation flourishes.

The community of Nelson, BC, is grappling with significant economic, environmental, and social challenges due to a lack of infrastructure to support its woodworkers and makers. Recent graduates from Selkirk College and existing professionals face the prohibitive costs and inefficiencies of setting up individual workshops, which stifles their ability to contribute to the local economy through upcycling and value-added manufacturing. The absence of a community-focused maker space not only leads to heightened waste and the export of unprocessed raw materials but also forces young talented artisans to relocate in search of viable opportunities. This exodus undermines the town's potential for economic resilience, diminishes its creative capital, and interrupts the continuity of community and cultural development. A co-op maker space is evidently crucial to enabling these artisans to live and work within Nelson, enriching the local community by keeping skills and knowledge in town, and strengthening the economy through sustainable practices and local manufacturing.

The project 'Nelson Needs a Maker Space' aims to foster a renaissance of creativity and self-sufficiency in Nelson, BC, through the establishment of a community co-op maker space. Here are the detailed objectives for the project based on the suggestions that resonated with the user:

1. Woodworking Component:

   • Provide access to high-quality woodworking tools and machinery.
   • Host educational workshops for skill development in woodworking.
   • Implement waste reduction strategies through upcycling programs.
   • Promote local crafts by creating a platform for selling woodwork products.
   • Encourage collaborative projects to harness collective talents for larger works.
   • Establish mentorship programs connecting experienced carpenters with novices.

2. Advanced Manufacturing Expansion:

   • Equip the space with diverse high-end manufacturing tools.
   • Support local entrepreneurs with prototype and product development facilities.
   • Offer training programs for the use of advanced manufacturing equipment.
   • Advocate for sustainable manufacturing practices and materials usage.
   • Create an incubator for start-ups centered around local manufacturing.
   • Launch community engagement projects that leverage advanced technology.
   • Foster partnerships with local businesses to streamline the supply chain.

3. Inclusivity and Community Involvement:

   • Initiate outreach programs targeting underrepresented groups.
   • Implement sliding scale fees and scholarships for equitable access.
   • Organize community collaboration events for collective ideation and participation.
   • Engage youth through educational initiatives and school partnerships.
   • Design the maker space with accessibility for all, including those with disabilities.
   • Offer resources and signage in multiple languages for diverse community members.
   • Provide volunteer opportunities in exchange for access to facilities.

These objectives are crafted to address the economic, environmental, and social challenges faced by the Nelson community, by reducing barriers for woodworkers and makers, enabling local production, and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

The Jam Factory Maker Space project will embrace a Distributed Leadership model, aligning with its core values of inclusivity, community involvement, and innovation. This style is premised on the belief that every team member brings valuable skills and perspectives to the table, and leadership responsibilities should be shared rather than centralized.

• Shared Decision-Making: All major decisions will be made collectively, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. This democratic approach fosters a sense of ownership and commitment across the team.
• Role Fluidity: Leadership roles will be flexible, allowing team members to lead initiatives or workgroups where they have particular expertise or interest. For example, a member with extensive woodworking experience might lead that component, while another skilled in business development could spearhead efforts to engage with local entrepreneurs.
• Mentorship: Experienced team members, likely alumni from the Selkirk College maker space program, will mentor less experienced ones, promoting skill sharing and continuous learning.
• Transparency: Open communication will be a cornerstone of operations, ensuring every team member is well-informed about the project's progress, challenges, and changes.
• Continuous Reflection: The team will regularly review its achievements and areas for improvement, allowing for real-time adjustments in leadership roles, project strategies, and operational processes.

This leadership structure is designed to promote a highly collaborative and adaptive environment, where innovation can flourish, and community needs are met more effectively. By leveraging the diverse talents and experiences of its members, "Nelson Needs a Maker Space" aims to become a beacon of creativity, self-sufficiency, and economic revitalization in Nelson, BC.

Currently, the organizing team is:

Natasha Carolan, Blaine Cook, Deryk Wenaus, Cameron Wenaus, Matt Wynne, Anna Wynne, Rik Logtenberg, Sonja Logtenberg