Open Works
Open Works COVID-19 Update 3/27/2020
A LOT has happened since we last posted, so please buckle in and get ready for a deep update . . .
First off, we have launched a collaborative emergency response effort to manufacture face shields for health care workers in partnership with Innovation Works and We the Builders. People from all over Maryland are 3D printing parts at home and we are assembling, packaging, and distributing them to those who need through an order portal here. We are making these available at cost to healthcare providers and asking for donations to keep the lights on and the staff paid at Open Works while we rush to fill a critical need. This project has really brought out the best in our maker community! If you’d like, you can donate here, or sign up to print at home here.
Our Executive Director Will Holman even offered to shave his beard if we raised $25,000 towards this project by Friday . . . so, folks, having hit a total of $32,655 as of this morning, here he is bare-faced! Head over to our Instagram page to see some other beard-related shenanigans that will hopefully provide a laugh at a time when we could all use one.
Last week Governor Hogan shut down non-essential businesses indefinitely. We will not be billing for membership until we know that we are able to be open. However, we’re not sure what normal will look like at Open Works when we return. We had to furlough all of our part time staff this week, and that has been really really tough for all of us. Further, we have been hit with unexpected bills like a full decontamination deep clean of the building that took place on Tuesday.
When we reopen, things may not be the same as they were when we left, largely because your membership fees and grants cover the cost of staffing and operations each month. And both of those revenue steams are taking a huge hit in the past couple of weeks.
We also understand that many of you may be facing financial uncertainty as well right now and we want to do what we can to work with you to make sure you have access to all that Open Works has to offer. Concerning memberships we want to give you a few options. If you can keep your billing active this month, it would be a huge help in making sure the shops are stocked and staffed when you get back
- Continue My Billing in Support of Open Works
- Suspend my membership until Open Works reopens
- Cancel my membership
Need to get in to get your stuff or mail? We had to suspend scheduling visits until we got our facility cleaned. Please email office manager Tiersa Sullivan to set up an appointment to come in. We have gloves available, but please ask that you wear a mask.
Onto the fun stuff!!
The hardest part of getting through these trying times is being isolated. We’re with you. We miss you all. And we hope that you are doing well and staying healthy. We are can’t wait to hang out again — but in the meantime we’d like to carve out some digital space for you. We’ve set up a private Facebook Group and Slack Channel for members.
This month we’re bringing Tipsy Tuesday back…virtually! Join us for a community happy hour over Zoom. Let us know if you can make it by RSVPing here.
While we’re making face shields around the clock, we’re pleased to bring you “Making in Place”, at home DIY video tutorials from our education team as a part of our #makersUNITE initiative. Multiple times a week, our education staff will bring you at home DIY ideas for tiny and grown makers! We’re also highlight what some area makers are doing during this time to help #flattenthecurve.
Check out our YouTube Channel, Facebook Live, and Instagram streaming fo ra variet of #makinginplace content.
We can not do this without you. This community would not be the remarkably vibrant place that it is without each and every one of you. Despite this pandemic, we hope to stay engaged and keep building the bonds that has made Open Works so special all along.
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