Our Mission
The mission of HackNCraftNJ shall be to promote, support, and advance technical, scientific, and artistic skills, innovation, and invention through individual and collaborative projects, community building, tool and resource access, education, and mentorship. Towards this purpose the corporation shall engage in charitable, scientific, and educational activities within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
Simply
HackNCraftNJ is a non-profit, family-friendly, community-driven organization committed to exploring new ideas in a creative, collaborative environment. We seek to help build community by enabling the passion to explore, create, invent, and learn.
Version 1.0 - Our Initial Makerspace
HackNCraftNJ's first Makerspace will be in the basement of the United Way North Jersey building at 60 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ (next to the Montclair Public Library). We expect our soft opening in January 2015. We have a limited time frame in this space as the United Way organization will be repurposing the space in June of 2015. As such, we will be in "proof of concept" mode and will be building for our full (Version 2.0) Makerspace to happen by Summer of 2015. Our key goals for Version 1.0 are:
We're in start up mode, and we need your help. We want our own space and to realize that goal we need your in evolvement and financial support. To learn how, you can help, please visit our Get Involved page.
The mission of HackNCraftNJ shall be to promote, support, and advance technical, scientific, and artistic skills, innovation, and invention through individual and collaborative projects, community building, tool and resource access, education, and mentorship. Towards this purpose the corporation shall engage in charitable, scientific, and educational activities within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
Simply
HackNCraftNJ is a non-profit, family-friendly, community-driven organization committed to exploring new ideas in a creative, collaborative environment. We seek to help build community by enabling the passion to explore, create, invent, and learn.
- We promote technology and making education by offering classes and lectures (like at Montclair High's STEM SLC above).
- We foster and encourage community sharing and co-working to expand the scope of our group and we strive to be inclusive of all who are interested in sharing or learning in Montclair.
- We want to establish and support a Makerspace in town and we are looking for supporters. Want to learn more about what a Makerspace is and why we want one here? See this article.
Version 1.0 - Our Initial Makerspace
HackNCraftNJ's first Makerspace will be in the basement of the United Way North Jersey building at 60 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ (next to the Montclair Public Library). We expect our soft opening in January 2015. We have a limited time frame in this space as the United Way organization will be repurposing the space in June of 2015. As such, we will be in "proof of concept" mode and will be building for our full (Version 2.0) Makerspace to happen by Summer of 2015. Our key goals for Version 1.0 are:
- Initial location as proof of concept and community demand. “A place to put our tools and call our own.” Projects, courses, and activities will be diverse to seek to quantify best target markets for growth. Membership may be limited to scale to our capacity and volunteer levels.
- The key requirement of this initial Makerspace in Montclair will be our shared goal of identifying and nurturing the development of communities within the Makerspace. When we speak of "communities" we mean those who are interested and engaged in furthering the growth of an interest group. For example, if there is a group of members interested in the 3D printing focus area, we will enable and facilitate the projects, workshops, and meetings to build that community. We also wish to empower those members to drive the growth and outreach of their interest group. Given the diversity and experience in and around Montclair, there are many possibilities for different communities to spring up. We expect these to drive the growth of the HackNCraftNJ Makerspace to its next iteration.
- Includes and open studio for those who wish to work on self-directed projects with Makerspace tools and equipment.
- Includes a space dedicated to local Fixit Popup for outreach to town members and associated PR. Coordination with http://www.popuprepair.com for assistance and start up guidance.
- Will have a base set of reoccurring and special classes run by volunteer Makers and members. Nominal fees will be charged to cover expenses and support volunteers (split 50/50).
- Offers talks and presentations by members to share technical knowledge and project information to enlighten and encourage projects. Presentations may be in conjunction with other entities (e.g. ASM) and at variable locations around town. Content will also be strategically selected to draw audiences both in and beyond Montclair.
- Will accommodate all age groups, and will require management of hours and staffing (volunteer) to support this. Hours of availability will be dependent upon staffing. Clear and documented policies for members and guests, including children and parental supervision.
- Funded through:
o Member fees
o Class fees
o Monetary donations to HackNCraftNJ 501(c)3 organization and founder contributions
o Donations of supplies and equipment (tightly managed and strategic)
- Equipment/tools/materials in base configuration to be flexible and portable. Possible starting options (dependent upon availability, demand, space constraints, and safety restrictions)
o 3D printers and CAD/CAM workstations
o Workbench and basic tools
o Microcontrollers (RPi, Arduiono, Beaglebone, etc.) with sensors, bread boarding, soldering stations
o Bike repair tools
o Sewing, crafts, and other materials station
- Creation and fostering of partnerships will be an early focus, including, but not limited to:
o Adult School of Montclair for classes and presentations
o Montclair Public Library for co-working and classes
o Montclair Community Pre-K for classes and co-working
o Montclair Public Schools (High School STEM SLC, Mt Hebron MS, etc.)
o Montclair Pop Up Crafting Organization
We're in start up mode, and we need your help. We want our own space and to realize that goal we need your in evolvement and financial support. To learn how, you can help, please visit our Get Involved page.
