[hackerspaces] Refugee Memberships...

[algoldor at openmailbox.org]

Are we sure we want to allow these people to come in? They could make a
bomb or something worse.

Thank you,

Frantisek Algoldor Apfelbeck

biotechnologist&kvasir and hacker

http://www.frantisekapfelbeck.org

"There is no way to peace, peace is the way." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

-------- Original Message --------
I think that if a hackerspace is offering itself as a resource to
refugees, or in fact recent immigrants of any kind, that the primary
resource it will be providing is social -- the possibility to connect
with friendly locals who might have shared interests in informal ways
that can help them feel at home.

Which might not be how the hackerspace thinks of its mission
("education" or "democratizing technology" or "providing access" or
whatever) -- but it might still be really wonderful and helpful for
someone.  A meaningful social connection and a community-space to feel a
part of are huge things for someone newly in a strange place.