With 4 years under our (tool)belt, we're looking to the future! We have big news to share! |
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First, thanks to everyone who came out to the AGM on Tuesday to discuss “The State of the Toolbox”. It was great to see so many members, volunteers, and supporters join us at the event. We got a chance to feature all of the programs and services we offer at the OTL, and some of the changes ahead. The OTL has grown and matured since we opened in 2015. In addition to our regular programming, this year we expanded our footprint to include an on-site workspace, we partnered with MakerSpace North to continue to offer our Community Demo Nights, we’re in the middle of executing eight Repair Cafes, and we recently announced that, with the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we'll be running an OTL Tinkering School to teach practical skills to kids! At the AGM, we also discussed the challenges of running a volunteer-driven non-profit. As co-founder and Executive Director, Bettinaadministering the OTL. From keeping our filing in order, to covering volunteer shifts and training new volunteers, to writing grants, finding partners, and dreaming up new ideas, you can imagine how quickly the work piles up. So, here's the big news - drum roll please! |
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With the support of ourBoard and management team, we’ve decided that we need to hire someone paid to coordinate and train volunteers, update our procedure manuals, and improve every-day processes. This will leave time for Bettina and the management team to manage and implement the OTL strategy, continue building our community partnerships, and dream big!! To make this exciting new phase of the OTL viable, we need to make some changes to our fees structure, which hasn't changed since we opened in 2015.
So, here's the part that's about you! |
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We’re introducing a $40 monthly membership for those with short-term projects as well as a 20% discount on annual memberships for students.
We will continue to offer our volunteer membership, providing free memberships to those that regularly contribute their time to support our operations. |
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Finally, we’re unveiling the OTL Community Fund membership. This pay-what-you-can option will help to keep the OTL affordable to everyone in our .
To apply to for this membership, individuals will be invited to fill out a form on our new website (coming soon!). |
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Here's the best part, ready? Memberships at the OTL will now have newadded benefits! will now enjoy: - 20% off on our workshops
- 20% off OTL WorkSpace passes
- NO LOAN FEES! (except on a handful of in demand tools, including the jointer, planers, power washers etc.)
- We're also looking to increase the days that we're open in the longer term and improve our processes and operation (remember when we said we want to hire someone new? This will happen when they start working).
Importantly, all members will enjoy these new benefits immediately: whether you have four days or four months left on your membership, we want you to take full advantage of the OTL and everything we offer.
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| Perhaps what we’re most excited to share with you all - if you have a current or expired membership, we’re offering a 40% discount on membership renewal for the rest of 2019. It’s our way of saying thank you for allyour support over the last four incredible years. For anyone considering a membership for the first time, we're also offering 20% off until 2020. |
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There may be hiccups along the way, but we promise that we’re the same group of passionate volunteers we’ve always been and we’re working towards the same mission and vision that we always have been. We're busily updating our website and will soon launch a new one with this information and more. This new chapter willensure the OTL is a viable and sustainable sharing hub, resource,and community builder for years to come! Please get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions. Sincerely yours,
Bettina & the OTL team |
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