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I would start by putting together a good, fact-based case for them to *consider* changing their stance. A one-page whitepaper listing the strengths of hackerspaces and how they're successful in large part due to AVOIDING heavy-handed impositions. I would also focus on liaison with specific individuals and departments that are already open to the ideas. Make it a bottom-up, grassroots culture change initiative. And even if the university as an institution refuses to change its stance, I'm betting you will still be able to find those select individuals/departments that will work with you as a partner.
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Randy
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On October 16, 2013 at 1:44 PM Florencia Edwards <floev22@gmail.com> wrote:
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Thanks Randall, you are right. I live in Santiago, Chile, Southamerica, and the education system is very tough here, it's awful. So I would never consider good to be ally with an institution like that... But I guess people can change
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2013/10/16 Randall G. Arnold
<span><<a target="_blank" href="mailto:randall.arnold@texrat.net">randall.arnold@texrat.net</a>></span>
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Florencia,
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Tarrant Makers is also exploring alliances with local traditional educational institutions. I disagree with the broad contention that "an alliance only makes this institutions try to use the hackerspace their way". That may be true in some cases but I don't think it's a given.
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In our case, the first university we approached recognized that they are hidebound by many bureaucratic limitations and they welcome our combination of expertise and freedom. Instead of imposing on us, they are asking us to act with them in ways that they cannot, and supplement their offerings.
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And so what if they *try* to impose? If that happened to us we would politely refuse and step back, making clear that behavior won't serve either of our purposes. I would think that any institution that wants to partner with a makerspace/hackerspace has at least some idea of what's involved and expected, and any that tries to force their will has no clue and makes a poor partner to say the least. I would wait for them to get their stuff together before trying again.
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Randy
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Tarrant Makers, founder and director
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On October 16, 2013 at 12:52 PM Florencia Edwards <
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:floev22@gmail.com">floev22@gmail.com</a>> wrote:
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I wanted to ask you what you guys think about this. At our hackerspace people who manage it are trying to make some strategic alliances with universities, schools, culture centers... But I think it's not good. A hackerspace is an alternative to this institutions and methods of education. Making an alliance only makes this institutions try to use the hackerspace their way (they have more power), trying to preasure us to adapt to their methods of education, what their students need, special workshops... I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong, . I love everyone to know about a makerspace or hackerspace and to come here to explore, but this institutions have a way of imposing or forcing things...
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Do any of you have experience with school or collages, are they good? Can you give me some advice?
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Cheers all
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