On the surface, a maker space would seem to be about the space and the tools, but at Knox Makers, we strive to center community, lifelong learning, and mutualism. What you can learn from others in our community is as valuable as having access to tools.
We foster community by hosting regular social events such as our Tuesday night show/share events, including a cookout on every third Tuesday of the month. We invite members to teach classes, to share talks, and to think of Knox Makers as a “third space” — one of those places where people know who you are, you feel at home, and you want to be there because it’s fun to share your creative journey with others.
As a small business owner, Knox Makers provides an encouraging and supportive community that takes an interest in my success. Their classes have also taught me the technical skills I need to turn my ideas into tangible products for my customers.
— Knox Makers Member
We also host a chat server that members use to discuss a wide variety of interests ranging from weird things found on the internet, specific skills we teach in the space, camping and fishing, books, and many others. While we all joined the space because it was a haven for making, many have built lasting relationships around shared interests as well.
By mutualism, we mean helping one another as a positive end in its own right. We are an all-volunteer organization, and so any positive experience members or guests have at Knox Makers is the result of a desire to create positive experiences for people. When a member teaches a tool or technique class, they are helping their students develop practical or even just fun skills for the sake of imparting the knowledge. When someone brings a dish to our cookout, they are doing so to benefit others in the community. That’s a form of mutualism.
While we impose no rules around volunteering, we sure do like to welcome people who are keen to volunteer in ways that help strengthen our community.