Election 2017

Nominees for Board of Directors

• Alec Beardsley
• David Henry
• Jan Henry
• Jody Raiford
• Joseph Baumann
• Matt Carpenter
• Matt Huber
• Matt Switlik
• Mike Williams
• Paul Frick
• Tony Slover

Board nominee survey

How long have you been a member of i3?

Jan Henry

Since December 2014.

David Henry

Since October 2014

Joseph Baumann

Since approximately May 2014

Alec B

I've been a member since January 2016.

Mike Williams

About a year

Matt Huber

Nearly six years (since November 2011)

Matt Switlik

2009 (since the coffee shop planning meetings.)

Matt Carpenter

Since September 2015, almost exactly two years!

Paul Frick

Since around Feb 2013 I think

What types of personal projects do you work on?

Jan Henry

I make 1:12 scale miniatures with polymer clay, paper or fabric. I sew... especially costumes, like replicas of film versions. I'm two years in to a gown project from the live action Cinderella. I might finish in 2018! I always have a project waiting in the wings. My list is long.

David Henry

I've worked on projects using nearly every zone at i3, but the wood shop, laser zone, and electronics lab are the ones I most frequently use.

Alec B

My favorite projects tend to involve Table Top Gaming in some way. Making boards, pieces, accessories, etc.

Joseph Baumann

Small projects that reflect the needs in my personal life. One of my first projects at i3 was sandblasting a separatory funnel ring, and laser cutting a platform to hold a liquid nitrogen Dewar with Kevin Flory. Beyond that, i3 has been tremendously useful in modifying/making better daily problems I am faced with.

Mike Williams

Mostly woodworking or helping out with the space infrastructure

Matt Huber

Various things as my mood/needs demands. Most often something eLab/Laser/FabLab zone related.

Matt Switlik

Electronics, Woodworking, and lasercutting mostly. AR War gaming table tops and Robot Fight Club are my main projects these days.

Matt Carpenter

Electronics, some web development, CAD, 3D printing

Paul Frick

Current projects: cosplay stuff, electronics, building computers into ammo boxes, and a lot of 3D printing

What appointments have you held/do you hold now at i3? (previous board, officers, zone coordinators, committee chairs, etc)

Jan Henry

I am on the 2016 board of directors.

I have been Craft Room Co-coordinator/Sewing since May 2016.

Sewing SIG organizer - SIG became active in spring 2016

David Henry

Currently I am on the board of directors, previously I was the secretary.

Alec B

I am currently a VP of Membership-Member Advocate, the Zone Coordinator for the Commons Area, and a Board Member.

Joseph Baumann

I have served the longest as the Sky Zone Warden (cleaning up the ceiling of unnecessary storage, and lighting), but I have also been an assistant coordinator for the Kiln Zone.

Mike Williams

Bike Shop coordinator

Matt Huber

I have twice previously been elected to the Board of Directors. I am also the coordinator for the HAM-SIG and i3Motorsports-SIG. I was once the Zone Coordinator for the fablab.

Matt Switlik

I was the first i3 Secretary. This was before we became a 501c3 and the officers and board were one and the same. Honestly, meeting note taking was not my strong suit.

Matt Carpenter

I took over as VP of Onboarding last year. Since then I have worked hard to revamp several aspects of i3's new-member processes (see next section).

Paul Frick

I am new to this

What projects have you worked on to improve i3?

Jan Henry

Cleaning -- I help keep our clean spaces clean and organized. I try to keep the craft room and classroom presentable for our guests who come for sewing and craft events. And everyone else!

I have been beefing up the sewing options -- advocating industrial machines, large tables, useful tools. In preparation for the future, I have some ideas that I think would make us a great destination for people who sew and expand their skill set with the shop equipment we have here that goes beyond what is normally available to them.

I've added custom curtains and ironing board cover to the craft room.

David Henry

Convertible whiteboard / cutting mat for the classroom.

Table for the mini mill and drill press in the machine shop.

Planer repair in the wood shop.

Getting the Juki industrial machine operational.

Numerous other minor tasks during pot lock events with other members.

Joseph Baumann

I have improved i3 by contributions to lighting. Over the past two years I have re-lamped the space with assistance from Evan and a handful of individuals, a project which has been budgeted more than $15k. Previously, the space was dimly lit, leading to unsafe working conditions in several areas. I have also contributed to the space by leading a handful of kiln zone classes, training sessions, and more generic classes such as butter churning and compounding. I have improved i3 by representing the organization in a public settings, such as DIY Ferndale, raising donations at events like Pig and Whisky, and done publicity at Maker Faire for several years. Also, I have organized parties alongside Samantha Letvin.

Mike Williams

Helped with the fablab build and tool crib reorganization

Matt Huber

Aside from several PotLocks over the years, I've helped with zone layouts/space requests/etc in my previous tenure with the board, as well as converting the old chem lab into the now-ex-fab-lab.

Matt Switlik

I've been scarce around the shop for the last year or so. I want to put more time in over the next year at potlocks etc. The last thing I can think of was identifying structural issues with the class room and outer wall. But that was just me bringing in a building expert and friend of the family to see how screwed we were.

Matt Carpenter

Since taking on the role of onboarding VP I have built on Nate's "membership scavenger hunt" to challenge new members to learn more about the space in the run-up to getting their own set of keys. On the back-end I've also worked hard to compress the amount of time for applications to be processed, improved tractability and begun tracking metrics. Finally, I also updated the scholarship program at i3 to make scholarships more meaningful and to build buzz about the space through our scholars.

Alec B

I haven't worked on any specific projects instead I try and help out whenever someone needs a hand.

Paul Frick

Nothing specific, some help with the FabLab specifically 3D printers and whatnot

What qualities do you look for in a fellow board member?

Jan Henry

The ability to listen to what a fellow board member is saying and wait for a finish, than listen to talk. Everyone has input and it should be respected and valued. It's also important to be able to make decisions that support the goals of i3. Fairness is important, as much as possible. And be excellent.

David Henry

The ability to discuss difference in opinion as a team and not take disagreements personally. Having multiple viewpoints is a great asset to have as a team.

Joseph Baumann

The ability to concisely communicate with each other on important issues, despite any underlying politics.

Mike Williams

Human, living preferable

Matt Switlik

Some one who is calm yet passionate about the organization. A thick skin helps. When the accusations of i3 being taken over by a cabal crop up (and they do about every couple of years or so) you have to be able to roll with it.

Alec B

I think that a strong ability and willingness to work with others is key. I like people that have a lot of ideas that don't mind if some of those ideas don't take root.

Paul Frick

As long as they're not in a bad mood all the time and are willing to consider other opinions

What qualities do you have to be a board member?

Jan Henry

I am a good listener and respectful of others. I like to get things done. I am organized and detail oriented.

David Henry

I am a patient and calm person. I am open to hearing multiple points of view before deciding. I feel that it is reasonable and expect to have a civil discussions with individuals with differing points of view and working together to find common ground.

Joseph Baumann

Accountability. If you are willing to state that you will tend to an issue, do so in a timely manner.

Communication. While it is something that I have demonstrated with poor etiquette (perhaps by making silly/poor taste comments in public) in the past, I am maturing toward professional communication when public facing. I have actively worked on this when dealing with sponsors and donors, and vendors of i3.

Matt Switlik

I don't get riled easily by issues with i3 Detroit and its membership. I feel respected by all my fellow members and try my best to be a peace maker when needed. I also won't hesitate to do what is necessary to protect and further our organization's goal of enabling and spreading knowledge.

Alec B

I think my most useful quality as a board member is to see things from multiple points of view and help find a peaceful solution to the problem at hand.

Paul Frick

I am a warm body, and can sit in a chair

Why are you interested in being a board member?

Jan Henry

I want to help shape i3's future and help to make the decisions that both protect us, our members and community and position us as a space for makers to find what they're seeking. I am seeking financial support either way, but as a board member I would be making contacts within the communities around us to help build out for expansion and in the addition of equipment.

David Henry

I would like to further contribute to i3, and serving on the board is one of the ways to accomplish this goal.

Joseph Baumann

If it is not obvious, I do care about our makerspace. I want to see us advance to the next level by making a greater impact on our surrounding community. I wish to do so by attracting funding, by partnering with members of the community and businesses.

Matt Switlik

Because it was asked of me again. I turned it down once before. I also gave a "please don't vote for me" speech one other year. This year I feel it's time for me to step up again. I honestly feel every member should be an officer or on the board at some point. Especially before they criticize the board.

Matt Carpenter

Since coming on as an officer I have attended lots of board meetings and had a chance to learn about how the space is run and the type of concerns the board deals with. I find this very interesting!

Alec B

Put simply, I want to do what ever I can to help i3 succeed and grow.

Paul Frick

I'd like to help out more with the leadership of i3. Also I got tired of Evan nominating me every time

What is your stance on rules/organization vs pure do-ocracy in the space? When/where is there a place for each?

Jan Henry

Rules are an important piece of an organization because they establish a protocol for what should be done. It doesn't mean that rules limit or penalize people unnecessarily but I think in a 24/7 organization without staff, it's important to know what the boundaries are. Whatever rules are set, they should be applied consistently. Yet there is definite room and need for the do-acracy, because there should be the freedom to make decisions, the best of which are made in clear communication with anyone affected.

David Henry

I prefer that rules are kept to a minimum some rules are required to provide clarity and direction which helps to keep thing moving in the right direction.

Joseph Baumann

Each has their own time and place, and it is necessary to develop a community understanding of this. Following are generic examples.

A do-ocracy is great for small things like taking out the trash, repairing a shelf when it has collapsed, or skilled labor if you are fully trained and aware (ie leveling concrete without using the correct supplies, generic etc.). A do-ocracy is terrible if you want to setup a paint booth because you need it for a long term project, without asking anyone. Rules and organization are necessary for driving the business end of the organization, and minimizing the muckiness of a shared community space. Rules and organization can be used as a poor excuse for not taking care of small things , like replacing a trash can liner ('I didn't know where the trash bags were so I didn't take out the trash,' or 'I was the last person in so I didn't know how to shut down the space').

Mike Williams

Need enough rules to protect the organization and members without getting in the way of progress

Matt Huber

Every system has rules. The rules are there largely for the situations that "do-ocracy" does not (and in many cases cannot) cover. Neither can be all-encompassing (the extremities on both ends of "rules vs do-ocracy" will be the death of any organization) and so there is a careful dance of balance between the two.

Matt Switlik

Like an earthquake rules happen even if you don't want them to. We started i3 with a absolute minimum of rules. Yes, we have added a lot more over the years but I feel like we add them only when needed. I see our current set of rules as covering us very well and don't expect much of that to change.

Matt Carpenter

In some areas clearly written, rigid sets of rules are important for maintaining order (how directors and officers are selected, what to do when members are disrespectful to each other, etc.). For everything else, I believe a good policy is when in doubt, leave it to the do-ocracy. If an issue arises where a lack of structure results in things not being done, rules can be added to remedy the problem. This strikes a good balance between having enough rules to prevent chaos, while still giving members the freedom they deserve as responsible adults.

Alec B

I think it boils down to how many people will be affected and how. Small issues and needs can be easily handled with a do-ocracy approach but larger issues need to be addressed by the organization as a whole. It's important to understand how changes you are making/things you are doing will affect the other members before you decided to do them.

Paul Frick

We need a base of rules so the space doesn't devolve into a power struggle/chaos. Aside from that, if we don't have enough of a do-ocracy mindset then we're just a TechShop

What is the biggest issue at i3 that you hope to address in the next year, whether you serve on the board or not?

Jan Henry

I'm planning to seek grants to support both i3 in general for the expansion and for sewing and crafts as they seek to serve more in the community with improved spaces.

David Henry

Expansion planning and/or crowd funding (either internal or internal/externally) for space improvements or equipment.

Joseph Baumann

To be blunt, i3 has a diversity issue. We have a disproportionate population of upper middle class white males who are engineers. I would like to listen to the community thoughts on if this is a barriers issue (worst case scenario), or strictly a tribalism/word of mouth issue ('hey engineer buddy, come check out the cool thing I do at the place'). Having an understanding of the problem would allow us to explore addressing the issue, and hopefully find a successful mechanism to engage different members of society.

Mike Williams

Outreach

Matt Switlik

Managing the (likely) space expansion. More room means more zones, more people, more projects, more physical space management issues. We will need mediators.

Matt Carpenter

Member engagement. It has been mentioned many times in the past. Our members love to come to the space to work on their projects, but the tasks that need to be done to keep the space operating tend to fall to a small subset of the group. This puts lots of stress on those members and can burn them out. Nobody wants that. Encouraging members (especially new members) to take on leadership roles, champion projects, and get involved is something we should work on in the near future.

Alec B

First and foremost I want to ensure that the planned expansion goes well and meets the needs of as many members as possible.

Paul Frick

I will do my best to help out with and assist the project manager for the expansion

What are your long-term (5+ years) goals for i3?

Jan Henry

Increased membership of like-minded community makers and an expanded space, perhaps with an additional classroom/clean workspace and room for new zones and for smaller zones to expand into, and storage for member materials that don't fit well in homes. It would include increased membership by people in the arts, such as glass, paint, textile, jewelry, etc. More classes in all zones and even classes aimed at creating a crossover of skills... for example pulling people into the woodshop who might otherwise not consider it, whether they are from the outside community or within i3. Cross-pollinating the use of these zones, inside and outside of i3. Using grant awards to expand, researching equipment (purchased by budget or grant) that could be cutting edge for the maker community and being that place, where people can come to learn to do.

David Henry

I would like to increase the i3 community. I think the current member on-boarding changes are an excellent way to increase members that are interested in being part of the the community.

Joseph Baumann

I would like to invest further in programming and community outreach. To do so, I believe it is necessary to employ a 'shop director' who would be responsible for

• reigning in members and people from the community to teach classes,
• PR
  • social media
  • social mixers
• pursue external funding
  • grant writing
  • community sponsors

Personally, I plan to use the credential of Director to engage community leaders and funding opportunities to drive the growth of i3.

Mike Williams

More member activity and a cnc router

Matt Huber

More member community. We have had so many great people join in the past few years, I'd like to get to know more of them better and to increase the "cross-talk" between zones/interests more.

Matt Switlik

More outreach projects like solar cars, highschool robot teams, various classes, and workshops. I'd also to do more to partner with local libraries. I can see us at 200+ members in 5 years.

Paul Frick

More members, try to get the cosplay community involved finally instead of constantly saying they'd like to but not doing anything

Alec B

I would like to see regularly scheduled training, classes, and workshops to help everyone make the most of the space.

What makes i3 great? Why did you join/why do you keep coming back?

Jan Henry

i3 is great for community collaboration, for inclusion, for teaching and encouraging people to do for themselves and providing educational access to machines to do that. There is support of goals and dreams... I'm happy to do some work for my business here, I feel the energetic vibes of the incubator it is. I'm thrilled to be an active participant in the community and care for it like a piece of myself is attached to it, because it is.

David Henry

The ability to discuss and interact with others that have an interest in creating and learning.

Mike Williams

The community

Matt Huber

What initially attracted me was the facilities and equipment, but what has kept me here has been the friendships and the interactions with others. i3 is honestly one of my favorite places to be, and even when I'm here without a specific project/task to work on, I can find someone interesting doing something cool.

Joseph Baumann

I come for the community, stay for the tools. Which I believe is fantastic as I have connected myself with the community so well, but from the outside looking in may be discouraging to an potential incoming members.

Matt Switlik

i3 Detroit breaks down barriers for creating nearly anything you want. Tools can be expensive, so we share the costs. The best part is talking to a fellow member about a problem when they give you that missing search term you didn't know you didn't know. Knowledge is priceless.

Matt Carpenter

To me the most exciting and valuable part of i3 is the community. Other (especially for-profit) workspaces in the area have lots of tools and space but don't have the spark i3 has. That spark is brought in by our members. The conversations, wide range of skills (and willingness to share them!) is what makes this place so great.

Paul Frick

The people. How I can go to use a tool, not know how to use it so I ask someone, then get a lot more help and information with how to best use the tool and other things I can use to make what I'm working on better. Also the camaraderie

Alec B

I like having a familiar place to go and be social with familiar people. It's like a high tech version of Cheers.

What isn't i3 for?

Jan Henry

It's not a personal workshop/garage for leaving piles or a mess, it isn't for paid staff, it isn't for customers.

David Henry

i3 isn't a job shop.

Matt Huber

If all you're interested in is "I can pay some $$ and use $TOOL without having to socialize" then i3 is probably not a good fit for you.

Joseph Baumann

i3 is not to be used as a personal workshop. Individuals can not leave unattended messes (or attended for extended periods of time), we can not abuse or dominate equipment, etc. We need to continue to 'be excellent to each other' in order to be excellent as a whole.

Matt Switlik

A bar. Don't get me wrong. I like to have a beer while board gaming or brain storming on a project but hanging out and drinking at the space when not working on anything else leads to problems. Please enjoy responsibly. Also i3 isn't your storage locker, basement, or garage. In the end square footage is our most valuable asset.

Alec B

It's not for getting other people to do your work. It's not a place for people who don't like following safety rules and who don't have a sense of common decency.

What will you do if the board or members pass a decision you disagree with? Will you enforce it?

Jan Henry

The time to oppose and communicate a different viewpoint is during the discussion phase but once something is approved by the majority, the board must follow it, and as a member of the board yes, I would enforce it. Maturity is important as not everyone will always agree.

David Henry

The board makes decisions as a team. Once the team has decided it is one of the responsibilities of all team members to support the decision.

Mike Williams

Likely, would depend on the decision

Matt Huber

I would (and have) enforce(d) a decision I didn't agree with that passed the board. There will always be disagreements about how things should be done, and I will not always be right. The board is a group of individuals, but all together the board is usually able make good decisions that benefit the space and community as a whole.

Joseph Baumann

This is a very broad question with unlimited possible situations, but what I can say is that it is necessary to enforce the defined structure to avoid claims of favoritism, damage to out name/equipment, etc.

Matt Switlik

I will enforce any rule the membership stands behind that does not endanger the organization. If the board makes a decision that goes against the wishes of the membership I will enforce said rule for as long as that board stands. I would however seek out the membership that disapproves and try to replace the board using the rules we already have established. I will do my best to never let us get to that point.

Matt Carpenter

I would enforce any rule passed by the board and membership. I have faith in the mechanisms set forth in the Bylaws to ensure that new rules are sufficiently supported by members and the board. One aspect of leadership anyone can practice is maintaining a level head even when things do not go your way. Enforcing rules the organization agrees are in its best interest, even if you do not agree, is an excellent example of this.

Paul Frick

Yes

Alec B

It's hard for everyone to agree on everything. There are going to be decisions that I don't like. It's still my job to enforce them regardless.

Should we work to make i3 more inclusive and diverse? How can we?

Jan Henry

I think our inclusive nature is one of the great things about us. Every organization has a culture about it, and as long as a person fits with the spirit of be excellent, teach/DIY, and community, they would be a great asset. Diversity in skill comes from being present in multiple disciplines in the community so people know we're here for them. We should always strive to be open to the community in terms of people and skills.

David Henry

Yes. We should encourage diversity and be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The wide range of backgrounds and talent among our members is one of the things that makes i3 great.

Matt Huber

While I believe that we should always strive to be more inclusive and diverse, I am unsure on what steps should be taken to achieve that. I look forward to the future conversations about it.

Joseph Baumann

The question is not 'should we,' but 'how can we?' This is a serious conversation which has been held in large and small groups within i3, but we need to generate a short list of actions in order to do so.

Matt Switlik

Yes, this is a continuing goal that will never truly be 100% done. How? That's a lot harder. Targeting college students with scholarships, recent college grads that just lost lab access, community colleges, and trade schools would be a good place to start.

Alec B

I think it's important to be as inclusive as reasonably possible. There are going to be times when someone just isn't a good fit and that's okay. As long as we do our best to try and make things work before getting to that point then I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I'm not a fan of being diverse just for the sake of diversity.

Do you agree with i3's current Harassment Policy?

Jan Henry

I do agree, as it is clear and sets boundaries for expected behavior and the steps taken if it is crossed.

David Henry

Yes.

Matt Huber

Absolutely. I have seen in the past where the board has had to enforce this, and I think we as a community are better off for having this.

Joseph Baumann

Absolutely, I believe that it is clearly written based on societal expectations, for those who are not observant of the norm.

Matt Switlik

Yes. It's an excellent example of making a rule when we actually needed it.

Matt Carpenter

I do. Clearly spelling out what is not okay and how to get help if you feel unsafe is vital in maintaining a space where all feel welcome and included.

Paul Frick

Yes

Alec B

Yes.