Proceed With Caution --- Brainstorm Zone Ahead

Making a stable and horse jumps.

Yes, this post comes with a warning label. Because you may find that, like me, you will discover absolute and unending delight in brainstorming. It, quite frankly, consumes much of my awake hours and, I might just as well admit, my sleeping hours as well. The process of allowing my mind to wander freely and then latch onto and develop some of those random ideas that float through is, in fact, addicting. I adore the challenge and thrill of envisioning, evolving, and then sharing these new ideas and possibilities with others.

I firmly believe that brainstorming allows our natural and innate curiosity to become the principal means of investigating concepts by delving deeply into all of those things that spark our initial interest. This is, indeed, the basis for self-directed learning.
Deep Root Center not only supports the brainstorming process, we actually foster it by providing an open, enriching environment filled with tools, equipment, resources, and supplies, as well as the emotional space and time each student may need to safely develop, investigate, and implement their theories.

Within this supportive setting, each student member has a completely unique system of accessing these powerful tools. Some students share their ideas and work with others. Several kids generate fantastical storylines together through their cooperative and creative play. Many work quietly on independent projects. And others create spontaneously as they examine, investigate, and play with all of the supplies and materials.

One Deep Root Center student member, as you have probably seen, has even been recognized in the local media (with potential national coverage on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon) for a project he brainstormed and then designed and built at DRC.

​One of my latest personal brainstorm includes creating a Maker Space with the essentials for all of these fantastic hands-on projects, right here in Canton. For those who have never heard of Maker Spaces, they are operations, ranging in size, that are trending in larger cities around the world. They offer the space, a variety of tools, materials, and equipment for the public to use, as well as skilled employees (facilitators) who can provide assistance. Some have monthly fees, others are part of existing businesses and some have a per use rate.

I am sharing my idea with the community to get your suggestions, feedback, and your assistance to devise and implement a plan.

The following is what I have imagined so far:

• The Maker Space would be a separate entity (DBA) from DRC, however, it would be under the Whole Learners, Inc, not-for-profit umbrella. Ideally, we could recruit a lawyer (volunteer) who understands not-for-profit law and would be able to guide the legal process of forming a DBA under the already existing structure of Whole Learners, Inc.
• It will have four or five distinct specialty areas (kitchen, small scale wood and metal workshop, technology center, fiber arts, visual and media arts, sound studio, etc …).
• We could likely use the large available space (several rooms) that is adjacent to DRC.
• It would be open to the public (for a fee) when DRC is closed (evenings, weekends and summer). DRC student members would have full use of the space (with supervision) to create anything they can possibly imagine.
• We are actively seeking community partners. These are individuals and organizations who would be excited to contribute their skills, talents, and resources, as well as ideas to build and fund this community space.
• We are also soliciting additional talented individuals who are experts in their fields and who would enjoy offering technical advice and assistance to facilitate the design of the distinct areas and then volunteer to help students and members once the Maker Space is up and running.
• My dream is to have this Maker Space open for operation by this September.
• Please get in touch, if you are interested in becoming a community partner in this exciting endeavor, or if you know of a talented individual who may be able to help.
• Send us your ideas, suggestions, and your feedback. And, please share this idea widely!
  
  

Now it is your turn ---- Ready, Set, Brainstorm! You will never know the full potential of all those amazing ideas floating around your head until you share them with the world. Just remember, in one kid's case, that seemingly insignificant kernel of an idea, that occurred while he was making a cardboard robot, may catapult him onto a national audience.

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