[hackerspaces] Interviewing prospective space members [was Re: Members under 18]

[Randall Arnold]

Ben your comment about vetting makes me wonder-- does anyone on the list
actually interview prospective members?  And if so, can you briefly describe or
point to a process?

Randy

> 
>     On November 7, 2014 at 9:16 AM Ben Brown <ben at generik.ca> wrote:
> 
> 
>     We still vet any new members so the worry that we'd let an immature teen
>     become a member was about the same as an immature adult. That said, we
>     have done the latter before.
> 
>     The main barrier in our space was about insurance as we didn't want to
>     upset that apple cart. After our broker assured us that there was
>     basically no distinction between teens and adults as far as our policy
>     goes (and reminded us our insurance also covers us on public events
>     involving even younger minors), we decided to lower the barrier to 16.
>     We've always operated with the idea that if there was a serious accident
>     where insurance had to step in, we'd likely be forced into closing our
>     doors anyway.
> 
>     Since then we've had some additional interest from teens, and our
>     youngest member was 17 when they joined. The only thing an under-aged
>     member can't do is become a director, but that's dictated by provincial
>     law as opposed to our own rules.
> 
>     Ben
> 
>     On 11/6/2014 7:19 PM, Pete Prodoehl 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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