[hackerspaces] Members under 18

[matt]

I remember this debate has gone down in history as one of the only times
NYC Resistor membership was completely divided and actually rated on the
drama-o-meter.

It's become something of a running joke.

We ended up disallowing below 18 membership.  Ultimately we didn't want to
be liable, and more to the point we didn't want to see a kid get hurt.  So
we don't have much advice on how to be kid friendly.

-Matt



On Thu, Nov 6, 2014 at 7:19 PM, Pete Prodoehl <raster at gmail.com> wrote:

>
> Our space is currently in a discussion about allowing people under 18 (16
> & 17 year olds) to become members.
>
> We've got some people who are against it because it would "ruin" their
> favorite hangout space, or make them uncomfortable in some way.
>
> We've got some people who are convinced that the legal/insurance aspects
> will cause us to lose our insurance policy and have to shut down.
>
> We have some that think that while we can trust an 18 year old, a 17 year
> old is in no way to be trusted and will do completely stupid shit.
>
> We've even discussed specific rules for 16 & 17 year olds, which would be
> much more limiting than members 18 or older. (They would need to have a
> family member as a member, not be allowed in the space without the family
> member that is a member, etc.)
>
> Anyway, I'm sure there are spaces that allow people under 18 to be
> members, or guests that can use equipment, etc. and I'm looking for real
> cases especially if you've got an insurance policy that addresses minors.
>
> thanks!
>
>
> Pete
>
>
>
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>
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