Multiple Maker Spaces: In Close Quarters
Chances are there’s already a hacker-, maker-, or coworking space near you. But what happens when there’s more than one of these spaces within throwing distance? During the Open UP forum in Seattle, WA on Aug 18, 2010, Willow Brugh explained why we should fling aside our competitive instincts in favor of cooperation – fostering new inter-space partnerships to build a stronger overall community and share all our resources, including human participation.
“We have this really weird sense of scarcity, especially when we view somebody that goes to a separate space as not being willing to come to our [space], “ commented Willow at the talk. “Instead of becoming antagonistic towards other spaces, we should reach out to them.” If we can make it easier for people to become members of multiple communities, this enhances the lives of our individual members and the community at large, so everyone wins!
Willow Brugh is a co-founder of the makerspace Jigsaw Renaissance and the director of Geeks Without Bounds, a non-profit program of the School Factory dedicated to bringing together hackers to create applications and projects aimed at assisting humanitarian efforts around the globe. She speaks at conferences and un-conferences across the US, and is passionate about empowering people to build community.
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