We've been quiet the past few months, but we've been busy behind the scenes!
These. Are. Crazy. Times. And it's requiring a lot of rethinking, patience, and strength to take even one step forward. You know what we mean, right?!
Well, we've found that making something, ANYTHING, can really go a long way to keep us calmer, focused, and productive... Turns out, the bread-making, gardening, and crafting you've been doing actually helps! Keep it up!
IS DECATUR MAKERS OPEN FOR MAKING?
We have moved forward with the Beta Phase of our re-opening! Following CDC recommended protocols, our paying members can schedule supervised visits in the makerspace; We're not open to the public yet. Our Board and Staff are continually assessing the pandemic situation. With the safety of our members and staff of utmost importance, we will cautiously move forward with less restrictive phases as we can. Stay tuned!
WHO'S NEW TO THE TEAM?
We're excited to share that we hired two new staff members! Woot Woot!
With Chris in this new position, we're able to move forward with our Making Spaces teacher professional development program pilot. This program will focus primarily on underserved communities who are bearing the brunt of the current upheaval in the educational environment as well as ongoing racial injustice.
NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP?
We strive to foster a community and space where ALL makers feel welcomed and accepted regardless of background, race, gender, lifestyle, skill sets, income, experience, or age. And so, we've begun the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism work with a long-term commitment to making a difference. This includes partnering with the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights on their "Art for the People" project.
Maya Angelou said it best: "All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us all that we are more alike than we are unalike."
HANG IN THERE...
We're in this together, and we will get through it; Better times are coming.
Wear your mask, socially distance, wash your hands, be kind, laugh often... and make things!
Warmly,
Irm Diorio, Executive Director, and the entire Decatur Makers Team
|