Public Lab Wiki documentation



Start a Chapter

This is a revision from February 07, 2015 17:14. View all revisions
6 | 31 | | #7405

Chapters connect people locally working on Public Lab projects. They help build the foundation for a larger presence in the global Public Lab community.

Each chapter has its own personality but some things are universal:

How to start a Public Lab Chapter: Step by Step

First make sure that at least one individual (you!) goes through the basic steps of joining the Public Lab community!

Take a look through places, regions, and lists to see if there is activity in your area of interest

Finally, email the organizers to let them know you are interested in starting a chapter. An individual organizer will step forward to help you go through these detailed steps (order varies):

Chapter development and diversity

Welcoming new members and new organizational partners will be an ongoing (and fun) part of developing the chapter. Getting metaphorical for a moment, Public Lab chapters are sometimes thought of as going through stages, like “seed,” “shrubbery,” “flowering,” “canopy,” etc. To help chapters grow, look for individuals who could fill key roles in the chapter, like "activist," "technologist," "ambassador," "wrangler," etc.

Here are some overall best practices that have been compiled from chapters:

  • Discuss your goals individually and as a group
  • Schedule monthly or quarterly meet-ups
  • Share back to and connect with the global Public Lab community by posting research notes on what you're doing and thinking about
  • Host a regional barnraising in your community

Launching_the_rig-1.jpg

makerfaire