Membership

Are you interested in the activities that Laboratory B does? Want to work out your geek brain more? Want your own set of keys to the Lab so you can hack at 3 in the morning?

Consider becoming a full member! You’ll pay a monthly flat rate for 24 x 7 X 365 access to Lab on a sliding scale. A space to put your project. The right to vote on official Lab business. Invited to members-only events. The honor of wearing you own Lab Coat!

Potential new members are encourage to come by the Lab and get to know and be known by the membership. New members are sponsored by existing members, and applications for membership are introduced at the monthly members meeting, then voted on via the Lab Loomio.

Lab dues are currently set by contributing members on a sliding scale (ability to pay). Minimum rates are $30 and the current maximum is $90. Membership dues go directly to cover the monthly operating expense of the Laboratory, and dues paid above the minimum rate are tax deductible!

Member Code of Conduct:

As a member of Laboratory B, I, _______________________, agree to the following, as well as to terms in any future version of this agreement as amended by the organization’s membership:

Financial Accountability

The Lab maintains our autonomy and flexibility through the core of our funding coming from member dues. Therefore I will…

• …make every effort to pay dues on time.
• …make a good faith effort to pay the appropriate dues on the sliding scale relative to my income and wealth, and will reassess my dues level relative to my means regularly.
• …remain in open and responsive communication with the Treasurer to make arrangements if dues become outstanding.
• …contribute to supporting the terms of our lease.

Operational Accountability

The Lab is an all-volunteer organization that requires active member participation to function. Therefore I will…

• …make good-faith effort to attend the monthly member meetings, to participate in asynchronous decision-making on Loomio, and to keep up on operational conversations on Slack.
• …make every effort to maintain the cleanliness of the Lab and common spaces.
• …be responsible about the use of shared space and leaving project spaces clear when I leave the space.
• …be responsible for the actions of any invited guests.
• …be willing to share efforts in running Lab activities, such as hosting regular public hours, offering skill-shares, volunteering at community outreach events, etc.
• …shut off lights, lock doors, turn off power strips, and follow shutdown procedures when leaving the building.

Social Accountability

To maintain a healthy community, Lab members take accountability for their behavior towards both their fellow members and the community at large. Therefore I will…

• …advance and exemplify our mission and vision.
• …maintain the active sponsorship of a Lab member for issues of mediation and dispute resolution.
• …contribute to a goal of restorative justice. I will participate in good faith in a restorative justice process if asked to by the Lab community.
• …maintain confidentiality about information and conversations if asked to by a fellow Lab member, and about topics designated confidential by the membership as a whole.
• …abide by the Lab Code of Conduct with the following elements, and as may be amended in the future by the Lab membership:
  • Generally: Be excellent to each other!
  • Curiosity: Cultivate a culture of curiosity and exploration. Don’t discourage enthusiasm and exploration of a topic by others because it does not interest you.
  • Respect: Treat fellow Lab members & visiting community members with respect.
  • Disagreement: The Lab encourages the free exchange of ideas, while respecting others’ experiences and perspectives. We agree to work together to cultivate an environment that creates space for approachability and for resolving disagreements safely and productively.
  • Boundaries: Respect the boundaries of others, and be clear and explicit in the communication of your boundaries if you feel uncomfortable. If you have trouble communicating your boundaries, seek assistance from your sponsor or another trusted Lab member. An ounce of awkward conversation is worth a pound of festering resentment.
  • Reputation: Do not sully the good name of the Lab. Operate with respect and conscientiousness in the community in public-facing contexts, and be cognizant of the Lab’s social clout and the ramifications of that identity out in the wider world. Agree to report ASAP any personal or observed actions that might reflect poorly on the Lab community to the Lab President (or another Board member).
  • Humility: As a member, I agree to admit that there will be times that I am wrong. The Lab is full of sharp folks, but intelligence is not an excuse for arrogance.