The hackerspace movement is in many ways a physical manifestation of the open source software and hardware movements. As such, we borrow patterns and ideas from other hackerspaces whenever possible.

Do-ocracy

In the spirit of borrowing, FamiLAB ascribes to the Do-ocracy model as described by our friends at Noisebridge. Rather than reproduce it here, we ask you to read the page on Do-ocracy at Noisebridge's website.

If you want something done, do it, but remember to be excellent to each other when doing so.

Consensus

Don't wait for consensus when it isn't needed - go read the Do-ocracy stuff again. (Do tell another person what you're doing and what has changed.)

Sharing of ideas and gaining support is an essential skill - try it. Need help selling your idea - find someone who seems good at it, partner with them.

If it is expensive, seek it

If it is hard to undo, seek it

If you are unsure of legal, ethical, safety limits, seek it

Responsibilities

If there's one way to make sure a hacker does something, it's to tell them that they can't do it. In that spirit, we'd like to tell you what you CAN (and MUST) do at FamiLAB.

Our Positive Paths:

• Remove barriers to creativity (especially self limiting ones) - and realize that some "barriers" promote, enhance, or support creativity. (For example - Safety rules - it is hard to be creative when you blind yourself...)
• Promote the ideas of others
• Financially support the ideas of others - if they have a great idea, offer to kick in some cash, or some parts you aren't using
• Thank people for their efforts to make the lab more awesome - or when they keep it awesome.
• Let's educate our neighbors on Network Security by talking to them, not by interrogating their networks
• Find another place for your illegal, unethical, or unkind behavior if you must do it.
• We are a Family lab, lets keep the environment welcoming to significant others, spouses, kids, etc. Doesn't mean the lab has a "G" rating 24/7
• Seek consensus (but not unanimous decision) if it cannot be easily undone
• Seek consensus (but not unanimous decision) if it costs more money to do or undo than you'd be willing to donate
• Keep ourselves and each other safe
• Respect locks, even if you know that they are impractical, vunerable, etc.
• Respect member-ratified lab rules and decisions - if you don't like them, lobby the board in a positive way - if you've got a great point, we will figure it out!
• Clean up after yourselves and others - an awesome looking, organized lab makes learning and projects go faster
• Volunteer to teach - either 1:1, workshops, classes, etc. The best way to learn is to teach.