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Current Woodshop Champion Current Member At Large (BOD)
Contact Info: rick.melton@milwaukeemakerspace.org rickmmsmke@gmail.com 773-414-3147 - Cell
I've been a tinkerer for as long as I can remember. Focused mostly on wood projects and all things tech. I thought I knew a lot about both, but have been humbled seeing all the amazing projects coming to life at MMS!
Adding my Fall 2024 stump speech so folks can get to know me a little better:
I wanted to allow members to get to know me a little more before they cast their vote for member at large. I am currently the Woodshop Champion overseeing both Lenox and Norwich shops with a great crew of co-champions and trainers.. The Woodshop has the largest member utilization of all areas, with about 75% of our 700 members trained in it.Throughout my few years as a champion I’ve helped overcome many challenges and pursued many changes in the woodshop.
When I took over, two members that had been holding onto receipts submitted them, totalling just over $13,000. Through fundraising and good financial decisions, I resolved that debt expeditiously. I’ve also developed working relationships with JPL through member connections, getting us about 8k worth of tools for free. And most recently we worked with the board to acquire a SawStop saw to work towards making some of the dangerous tools in the woodshop a little safer.
Speaking of safety, I also was a champion for installing the air cleaners in the Norwich woodshop. While we only have two up currently, the amount of debris they collect is staggering, and once the electrical is done, having all 4 up and running will be even better for the health and safety of our members not just in the woodshop but all over the eastern side of the Norwich facility.
Outside of the woodshop, I was a member of the Ad hoc Committee dedicated to resolving and mitigating conflict within our organization. We met numerous times and hosted multiple member surveys, and the oft talked about World Cafe discussion. Upon the completion of our timeline, we submitted recommendations to the board of directors. Some of which were adopted; some not. I would like to see our board be more focused on resolving the challenges of our organization, and looking into issues before they become conflicts in the extreme.
My goals with joining the board are:
To develop more structure:
This will help alleviate the burnout so many members talk about regularly. By dividing and assigning tasks, building up more committees, and getting more voices heard, the board can focus more on building the organization, and less on disputes between members.
To focus on congeniality and community, and less on conflict:
Too often we’re being reactive to situations that could be resolved before they become issues.
Looking for solutions, adopting a positive attitude.
By looking at the best in people, and working with them, many issues can be resolved.
Lastly, I have been a volunteer and member at numerous not for profit organizations, including a chapter of the Illinois Jaycees as Individual Development Director I managed a budget of over 2 million dollars. As Vice President, and President I was responsible for multiple yearly projects that primarily focused on engaging member retention, and community involvement & engagement in addition to the day to day responsibilities of each of those positions. I do not come into the At Large position lightly; and know that it will be hard work. But I am up to the challenge.
