Level 2: NoM Connector:
Connect & Help Grow the Nation of Makers

Who is this level for?

• If you’re at this level, you’ve already completed the work of Level 1, which means you understand the mission, vision and goals of Nation of Makers.

• Level 2 is for those volunteers who want to make a deeper contribution to Nation of Makers at the local town/city/region community level

• Any volunteer who wants to become a NoM Representative 

Goals/Benefits for each Connector:

• Level 2 is about making connections, raising awareness about the work Nation of Makers does within your local community, building connections within your local community, and growing the Nation of Makers where you are at, through general engagement and the hosting of events to bring together your local community around the work that makers are doing within that community. 

• You will create partnerships with at least three local organizations and host at least one Nation of Makers’ event per year, to introduce and further the work of Nation of Makers.

• You will  work with your colleagues  across the Nation of Makers’ Connectors and Advocates group to share best practices, pain points, and to promote a sense of community across the Nation of Makers.

• A secondary goal of your work will be to garner local advocacy and media partners in order to secure partnerships and funding for the program locally and nationally. 

• Learn about Nation of Makers

• Connect with other NoM Advocates, Connectors and Representatives

• Identify spaces, organizations, and partners in your local area

• Participate in Nation of Makers’ all-community calls

• Encourage other organizations to join NoM and NoM projects

• Be recognized for your work to help grow the Nation of Makers!

• Note: There is some limited microgrant funding available for Nation of Makers’-specific programming and advocacy (this can include hosting an event or attending a conference to further the goals and mission of Nation of Makers) 

ACTION ITEMS:

Right Away:

• Engage: Fill out this form to indicate your interest in being a NoM Connector

• Engage: Set up a call with Dorothy to discuss your application and to get plugged in to NoM

• Engage: Encourage other organizations to join NoM and NoM projects, such as the Annual Survey of Makerspaces

Within Six Months:

• Plan: Identify potential local partners within your geographic region in the following areas:

  • Maker Organizations

  • Government

  • Chamber of Council/Tourism Board

  • Arts Councils

  • Manufacturing and Defense

  • Industry

  • Educational Institutions   

• Map your network - Resource: Connector Network Template (duplicate the template, then title the new file  “Last Name_City_State_Network”, and make sure to save it to the NoM Connector folder

Within One Year:

• Engage: Fill out form to indicate interest in hosting a local NoM event

• Engage: Set up a call with Dorothy to discuss your outreach strategy and any plans for a local NoM event

• Engage: Coordinate date and time for any planned local NoM event; add the date to the NoM Community Calendar

• Act: Host an event or attend a conference to share the mission and vision of NoM

• Document: Document successes, feedback, and areas for improvement

• Dialogue and Report: Report back outcomes of the meeting and follow up/action items to Nation of Makers