Running a New Member Orientation

This is the run-of-show for volunteers who lead a new member orientation. It takes about an hour. New members can read what to expect on New Member Guide: What to Expect at Orientation.

To be confirmed: how orientations are scheduled, how a volunteer signs up to lead one, and what the leader needs to set up before new members arrive (paperwork, app access, key fobs).

Before you start

• Have blank copies of the Participant Release Form (the liability waiver) on hand. Every new member signs one before using the space.
• Know where the emergency exits, fire extinguishers and first aid kit are, so you can point them out on the tour. See Shop Safety: Emergency Information.
• If you can, have a second volunteer along to help with the tour and questions.

Run-of-show at a glance

1. Welcome, introductions and mission (5 min)

Go around the room. Each person shares:

• Their name and what they make or do.
• Why they joined, and what they are hoping to get out of the space.

Then share the mission:

• Make tools, education and space accessible to all.
• Empower people to learn, share and create.
• Foster a kind and collaborative community.

2. History and what orientation covers (5 min)

Give a short history: Waukesha Makerspace is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and it moved into its current home at 2111 S West Ave, Unit 58 in November 2024.

To be confirmed: the founding year. The orientation guide says 2012; the old wiki and the standard descriptions say 2019.

Then tell people what they will leave with:

• They know the layout and where the safety equipment is.
• They know the expectations for using the space and how to behave in it.
• They have signed the liability waiver.
• Their access (key fob or phone app) and accounts (Discord, the member portal on waukeshamakers.com) are set up.
• They know how to get involved: volunteering and sharing skills.

3. Facility tour and safety essentials (15 min)

The tour

Walk through each area and say a sentence about what happens there:

• Conference Room
• Electronics Lab
• 3D printing area
• Fiber Arts (sewing, textiles, leatherworking)
• Laser and CNC
• Wood Shop
• Metal Shop
• Flex Space (vehicle and bike work, and the paint and spray booth)
• Assembly area
• Storage areas
• Restroom

Emergencies

• Point out the emergency exits, both doors, and the fire extinguishers.
• Point out the first aid kit.
• In an emergency, call 911. Evacuate the building for fire, chemical spills or other hazardous conditions.

Tools and training

• All corded tools require training before use. Even experienced pros complete training first. Check-offs are recorded in Journeyman (https://journeyman.waukeshamakers.com). See Training and Certification: How Certification Works.
• Hacker mindset: members sometimes modify equipment beyond its factory state. Training covers how a tool here may differ from one people have used elsewhere. Always assume a tool has been altered and inspect it before use.
• PPE is required. See Shop Safety: Personal Protective Equipment.
• Never use power tools while impaired: after drinking alcohol, when drowsy, or otherwise not at your best.

Reporting and working alone

• Security cameras cover the space for safety and security. Footage is reviewed only when needed for security or an incident report.
• Report accidents, injuries and near-misses to info@waukeshamakers.com or by messaging a board member in #general on Discord. See Shop Safety: Incident and Near-Miss Reporting.
• Working alone is allowed. If you are doing something risky, let someone know you are there (post in #general) and ask someone to check in on you. See Shop Safety: Working Alone.

4. Space operations and community conduct (10 min)

Building security

• The building is not open to the public. Never leave doors unlocked or propped open.
• Respect quiet hours for the building's neighbors.

Prohibited activities

• No making guns or gun parts.
• No sleeping at the space.
• No illegal activity.
• Do not use the space's address for personal mail, shipments or forms without board approval.
• Do not block fire lanes, electrical panels, sprinkler heads or fire extinguishers.
• No guests under 18 in the shop, except during special events or with board approval. See Shop Safety: Minors in the Shop.
• Tools may not be taken offsite without prior board approval.
• Pets must be leashed or under full control.

Cleaning, storage and shared resources

• Clean up after yourself. Leave every area as good as, or better than, you found it.
• Trash: if a can is full, empty it. Food waste must leave the building, never sit in a can overnight, because it attracts pests.
• Label everything you leave at the space (tools, materials, projects) with your name and the date. Unlabeled items are treated as community property and may be used, moved or repurposed.
• Store things only in designated areas or carts, and keep walkways clear.
• Put large projects on wheels so others can move them. Carts need working wheels or casters.
• Making things to sell: use your own materials. Giving a share of sales back to the space is appreciated but optional.

Donations

Donations of tools, equipment or materials must be approved by the Area Champion or the board before delivery. Do not drop off unapproved items. See Area Champions.

Culture

• Speak up for safety. If you see something unsafe, say something, kindly.
• Be patient and respectful. Many people in makerspaces are neurodivergent; personalities can clash even when intentions are good. Assume good intent and communicate clearly.
• Everyone is learning. No judgment.
• Take initiative. If something needs doing, do it.
• Guests may tour the space but may not use any equipment under any circumstances. See New Member Guide: Guests, Family Members and Pets.

5. Membership, access and getting connected (10 min)

Membership and dues

Explain the current membership options and what each one includes. Do not quote prices from memory; current rates are on https://waukeshamakers.com.

To be confirmed: the current wording for the introductory period for new members, how app access is activated, and when key fobs are issued. Membership rates change on 2027-01-01.

Show new members the member profile on waukeshamakers.com, where they can:

• Pay dues or make a donation.
• Turn automatic renewal on or off.
• Update contact information.
• Change membership tier.

Paying online in the profile is preferred. There is a 7-day grace period before access is paused for non-payment. For help with billing, access or the profile, email info@waukeshamakers.com.

Explain why dues matter: they pay the rent and keep the lights on, keep the tools repaired and maintained, and make sure the space is still here for years to come.

Getting connected

• Discord is the main place for help, updates and conversation. Ask everyone to introduce themselves in #general.
• The Members Directory on waukeshamakers.com (login required) lets members find and message each other.
• This knowledge base (https://docs.waukeshamakers.com) has tool SOPs, safety information, shop rules and how-tos.
• Get involved. The community works when people help: leading orientations, cleanups, Barnraising work days, open houses and teaching. Everyone has a skill to share. See Committees and How to Join One.

6. Questions and wrap-up (5 min)

• Open the floor for questions.
• Make sure everyone has signed the liability waiver.
• Have everyone test their access (fob or app) before they leave.
• Close with: this is your space too. Be kind, be curious, be safe, and leave it better than you found it.

If there is time, ask whether anyone already knows an area well and would like to be checked off on it.