Dear Omaha Maker Group Members,
Things have gotten stagnant at OMG lately – the weekly open shop time is sparse, there are a lot of things that need attention in the space, and the culture that made OMG great has started to wane. We’ve been wanting to figure out how to renew that “spark”, and we think you’ll be excited to hear what’s happening for the future of OMG!
After some initial conversations and board meetings, we are excited to announce that the Board of Directors of OMG has entered into an agreement to merge with Made New Makerspace (MNM), both logistically and as an entity. MNM has been around for over 8 years and has been focused on programming and support to empower foster and under served youth. They have a strong infrastructure in place, with an Executive Director, but very few adult members and have been looking for ways to grow their membership. This merger essentially gives both organizations the “best of both worlds”. OMG gets a better makerspace with an established program for maintenance and upkeep, and MNM gets an established membership program. And you, as a member, reaps the benefits of all of it!
The MNM makerspace is at 53rd and F Street, not too far from the OMG space. Jim Clements, the Founder and Executive Director, has developed the space over the past 5 years. As we start the merger process, the OMG and MNM Boards will review all of the equipment and supplies at both locations and ensure that the best equipment from both organizations ends up at MNM. So, for example, the OMG band saw, table saw, and air compressor will be kept, and the MNM laser cutter, sewing machines, and 3D printers will be kept. And so on. The OMG workbenches will be moved, as will your bankers box. These are but a few small details in a full merger plan that the Boards are refining and getting ready to present.
Of course, I know you have questions:
What are the advantages to the MNM shop?
- Key card access
- A larger place to work with a sound roof and reliable heating and air
- Better welding space
- Larger 3D printers and laser cutter
- More textile and sewing equipment
- Full-time staff to maintain the space and equipment
- A much-better back parking lot – at ground level – for outdoor maker adventures!
How will this impact my membership?
All current members of OMG will become members of MNM with the same dues structure. In fact, we guarantee your dues will not be increased for at least 3 years. You will have the same 24-hour access to the MNM shop as you have now at OMG (as long as you maintain your membership). About the only thing that really changes, other than the address, is switching from a physical key to a key card (something we’ve wanted to have at OMG for many years anyway).
What changes as a MNM member? Not a whole lot. But there is one consideration – since Made New Makerspace serves youth and has youth in the space on a regular basis, we need to be cognizant of their well-being and safety. MNM will run a background check on all transferring members (at no cost to the members). The check looks specifically for any infractions related to minors. In addition, while you will be able to enjoy alcohol at MNM, there will be a couple of restrictions to ensure that alcohol does not become accessible to youth.
How will this impact my access to the equipment I use at OMG?
We are planning a phased equipment move that should minimize the overall downtime. We’ll get certain sections of MNM up and running and then shut down the same section at OMG. Of course, we’ll publish that schedule before the first box moves and we’ll be updating you throughout the move.
Will I have the same storage space at MNM? Yes, the clean shop benches and banker boxes will be moved to MNM and will be available. There may be some small lockers available as well.
What happens to the OMG history? Our founders, Board, and members all know the value of OMG and its place in Omaha (and the Maker nation, for that matter). We are going to be sure to continue the OMG brand while preserving the things that have made OMG what it is today. MNM has a couple of existing branded programs, like their excellent “Laptop for Learners” program, and intend to make Omaha Maker Group the “brand” for the MNM membership program. We’ll be “Made New’s Omaha Maker Group”.
We will have an open house at MNM on Tuesday, February 24th. You can tour the space, meet Jim and some of the MNM Board, enjoy some refreshments, and, of course, ask questions!
At the end of all of this, we will have a much better place for our DIY and Making activities. Combined, we will have professional staff and board that have connections throughout the Omaha area and beyond, and we will have created a place that can satisfy your maker requirements and attract the next wave of Makers. OMG is not going away, it’s growing to make a stronger Omaha Maker community.
Yours in making,
Dave Thacker and the entire OMG Board of Directors