- Brief introduction of members presen: Why did you become a member? What do you enjoy about the space/community?
- Participant introductions: name, what you make/do, what excites you about the space
- Brief history of Waukesha Makerspace:
- Founded in 2012
- Secured our first space in 2019—a shared space
- We could only access the space once a month and only when the landlord was present
- In 2021, we moved into our own space located in the middle of a warehouse off Perkins Ave
- Members had to walk through other tenants' spaces to access ours
- This prevented us from offering public access, as millions of dollars in tools and equipment from others were at risk
- We did not have a dedicated restroom
- The layout occasionally led to personality conflicts with surrounding businesses
- Became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2022
- In November 2024, we relocated to our current facility
Mission:
- Make tools, education, and space accessible to all
- Empower people to learn, share, and create
- Foster a kind, and collaborative, community
Orientation Goals
- Understand the layout of the space
- Show where safety equipment is located
- Set expectations about how the space operates
- Demonstrate ways folks can get involved in the community
- Ensure liability waivers are signed
- Arrange access to the space (key fob and/or app)
- Activate necessary accounts (e.g., Discord, Wild Apricot, Ubiquiti, Windows)
- Help attendees recognize the value in our Unlimited tier memberships, which in turn supports the ongoing operation and sustainability of the space
- Conference Room, Electronics Lab, Print Lab, Fiber Arts, Restroom, Laser & CNC, Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Automotive, Assembly, Storage
- Emergency exits and fire extinguishers
- First aid kit location
- Restrooms and shared-use zones
- Storage areas and labeling expectations
- Labeling projects
- No label? Communal property!
- Who's is it? When will you be back to work on it?
- Put it on wheels - others need to move it
- Membership tier storage or pay-as-you-go storage
Prohibited Activities & Guidelines:
- No making of guns or gun parts is allowed
- No sleeping at the space
- Do not block fire lanes, electrical panels, sprinkler heads, or fire extinguishers
- Do not use the space's mailing address for personal shipments, forms, or correspondence, without approval from the Board of Directors
- Do not engage in any illegal activities at the space
- No guests under 18 are allowed in the shop, except during special events and/or with board approval
- Pets must be leashed or under full control at all times
- Tools may not be borrowed for offsite use without prior board approval
- Do not use power tools if you’ve consumed alcohol, are drowsy, or are otherwise impaired
Respecting Shared Resources:
- Anything left in the space without a name on it is considered community property (this is important)
- If you make things to sell, it's good form to contribute 5–10% (optional) of your intended sale price back to the space
- Use your own materials for commercial endeavors
Cleaning Expectations:
- Clean up after yourself and leave all areas looking as good as, or better, than you found them
- Cleaning supplies can be found near the sink and/or in the restroom — ask if you’re unsure
Speak Up for Safety:
- If you see something unsafe, say something where safe to do so
- Approach others with kindness and a helpful attitude
- We're all here to learn and keep each other safe
Labeling Personal Items:
- All personal tools, materials, and projects must be clearly labeled with your name and date
- Unlabeled items may be removed or repurposed by mistake
- Labeling helps avoid confusion and keeps shared areas organized
- Label projects and return date for continued work
Security Cameras:
- The space is equipped with security cameras to ensure the safety of members and property
- Footage is reviewed only when necessary for security or incident reports
Trash & Food Waste:
- If a trash can is full, please empty it — ask if you don't know where to take it
- Trash should be taken to the designated dumpster area behind the building
- Food waste must be removed from the building — do not leave it in trash cans overnight as it attracts pests
Storage & Cleanliness:
- Only store items in designated areas or on carts (others may need to move things)
- Keep walkways and shared workspaces clear
- Clean spaces make it safer and easier for everyone to work
Take Initiative:
- If you see something that needs doing, do it!
- Your effort helps keep the space welcoming and functional for everyone
Guest Policy:
- Guests are welcome to tour the space but may not use any equipment under any circumstances
- Only active members who have completed proper training are permitted to operate tools and machines
Neurodiversity Awareness:
- Many people in makerspaces are neurodivergent in some way
- Be mindful that personalities may clash even when intentions are good
- Practice patience, empathy, and clear communication
Hacker Mindset:
- We are hackers at heart and may modify equipment beyond its factory state
- Training ensures you get the inside scoop on how things may differ from similar tools
- Even seasoned pros must complete training before using certain equipment
- Always assume equipment has been altered — inspect it thoroughly before use
General Expectations:
- Work responsibly and clean up after yourself
- Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Respect shared space, tools, and others
Tool Use:
- All corded tools require training before use
- Ask a board member or experienced member for help
- Ask questions in #members
Dangerous Equipment:
- It is allowed to work alone, but encouraged to:
- Let someone know you’re in the space
- Post in #general
- Ask someone to check in occasionally
- Stay aware of others; avoid creating unsafe distractions
Emergencies:
- Dial 911 for emergencies
- Evacuate the building for fire, chemical spills, or hazardous conditions
- Report accidents, injuries, or near-misses:
- Email: info@waukeshamakers.com
- Or message a board member in #general
Culture & Respect:
- Everyone is learning – no judgment
- Be patient and helpful
- Assume good intent
Building Security:
- The building is not open to the general public
- Do not leave doors open or unlocked — always ensure they are secure when entering or exiting
Access:
- 24/7 access with key fob (based on tier)
- Respect quiet-ish hours for building neighbors during business hours (M-F 9a-4p)
Conference Room:
- Open to all if unoccupied
- Reservations only required for hosted events
Tool & Space Use:
- Use your own cart or approved shared carts for storage
- All carts must have working wheels or casters
Help Us Help You:
- This community only works if people help it work!
- We need volunteers to lead orientations, trainings, cleanups, and events
- Volunteering is a great way to meet people and build skills
- Ask in #general or talk to a board member to get involved
Discord Server:
- Primary platform for communication and updates
- Introduce yourself in #general
- Ask for help, share progress, and connect
Wiki & Website:
- Wiki: tool guides, policies, instructions
- Website: blog, donation links, events
Events & Volunteering:
- Monthly member meetups and open houses
- Check events page for future events
- Must be signed into the website to see
member only events (otherwise they are hidden)
- Always opportunities to help: cleaning, organizing, mentoring
Skill Sharing:
- Everyone has something to offer
- Even a beginner knows more than someone who's never!
- Sharing what you learn benefits the whole community
Donations
- We welcome donations of tools, equipment, parts, scrap, and other useful materials, HOWEVER…
- However, all donations must be approved by an area coordinator or the board prior to delivery.
- Until a donation is formally accepted, the responsibility for it lies solely with the member offering, transporting, accepting the donation.
- This policy exists because we've had well-meaning but unsuitable items dropped off in the past. Items that are broken, have no assigned storage location, or are not immediately useful quickly become obstacles, and burdens, for the rest of the community.
- Please help us keep the space usable and organized by respecting this policy—our space is limited, and we must manage it carefully.
How to Pay Dues & Manage Your Profile:
- Log in to your account at waukeshamakers.com
- Navigate to your member profile to:
- Pay dues or make donations
- Set up automatic renewal (optional)
- Update your contact information
- Change your membership tier
- Why are dues important to us
- They keep the rent paid!
- They keep the lights on!
- They keep the tools fixed!
- They ensure this space will be here for years to come!
- Even if you choose to suspend membership; when you return, the space will still be here!
- For help, email info@waukeshamakers.com
Connecting with Other Members:
- Use Discord to message members directly or chat in shared channels
- Use the Members Directory on the website (log in required) to find and message other members via their profiles
Tier Overview:
- Free basic tier with limited access
- Paid tiers unlock additional access and storage, supplies, etc
Billing & Renewals:
- Renewals may be automatic if set up in your account
- Payment options:
- online in profile
- mailing payment
- Dropbox in lab
- Grace periods before access pauses
- Open the floor to questions
- Encourage members to:
- Explore the wiki
- Say hello on Discord
- Ask for a tool walkthrough if needed
- Complete the required liability waiver if they haven’t already
- Test their key fob to ensure it works before leaving
Final Reminders:
- This is your space too — leave it better than you found it
- Be kind, be curious, be safe
- We’re excited to see what you make!