Dear Members,
Based on recent exciting conversations, and a tour a few weeks ago, we are excited to announce a significant step forward in our efforts to grow our group and provide greater access to resources and learning opportunities. We are initiating a six-month trial membership at the Associate Level with Nova Labs, a state-of-the-art makerspace located in Fairfax, VA (www.nova-labs.org). This represents an opportunity for our organization to expand our reach and serve the community more effectively.
Why Nova Labs?
Nova Labs offers a facility equipped with advanced tools, workshops, and collaborative spaces designed to foster innovation, creativity, and learning. With this membership, we gain access to:
- A centralized and consistent public location for member meetups, classes, and hands-on projects.
- Access to equipment for formal classes, including 3D printers, soldering tools, reflow machine and pick and place.
- A community of makers with similar passions.
Sustaining the Vision
To offset the cost of dues for Baab, the primary DC540 representative who will hold the membership, we are introducing an optional dues-based membership program. These contributions will directly support our ability to host regular classes, facilitate community outreach, and cover the costs of this trial partnership. Memberships can be set up quickly and easily via PayPal subscription buttons, (link in right column of website) with the following levels:
- Observer: $10/month
- Supporter: $20/month
- Driver: $50/month
- Hidden Hand: $100/month
We are not officially requiring membership dues, or tying membership to dues payments at this time. This is voluntary at this stage. By supporting at any level, you help us lay the groundwork for consistent meet-ups and our longer-term vision: establishing our own independent hackerspace.
We chose the Paypal subscription model because (a) Paypal already recognizes us as a nonprofit, and (b) the subscription model allows us to focus our limited efforts on generating content and activities rather than hounding people for dues. If you’re in, you’re in. If you’re not, you’re not. If we get enough buy in to sustain this, yay. If not, boo.
There is an alternate, privacy-focused option for membership as well, for those with concerns. However, payment info will not be published or released by us either way.
Join Us in Building the Future
This six-month trial is our first step in exploring what’s possible with the right resources and support. With your involvement, we aim to offer regular classes, foster collaboration, and extend our community outreach. At the end of this period, we’ll evaluate sustainability and work toward the exciting possibility of launching our own dedicated space.
We invite you to become a dues-paying member or attend our upcoming events at Nova Labs. Every contribution strengthens our mission to make creativity, innovation, and learning accessible to all.
Gather your questions for upcoming meetings, including tomorrow night’s virtual meeting.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we are building something truly special!
Respectfully,
Treasurer
DC540