Hi all,
Those of you out there who have started or currently runa DIYbio space, I have a question: how do you keep people coming back?
Long story short, I started a small lab out the makerspace I'm a member of about 4 years ago. We have a dedicated space and have acquired some pretty nice equipment along the way. But from the beginning I have struggled to keep people engaged. I've hosted events, classes, workshops, etc.; connected with local universities and makerspaces; built a social media presence, but still it's just me. I do have regulars that come out to events but beyond showing up for a meeting or a class I can't seem to get much more interest. Even people who are excited and enthusiastic to offer help don't want to respond to requests for it.
The lab is not nearly as far along as I was hoping it be this many years in and I'm getting burned out always being the only person making an effort. I have a full time job and family and try to dedicate as much time as I can to it, but all my time goes into planning events for others I don't have time to pursue any of my own interest. I'm considering shutting the thing down and giving up, but if that happens we'd loose the only DIYbio effort being made in my state.
Anyway, enough complaining! The ppint of my post is to ask for advice. I'm out of ideas on how I can get people interested and, beyond that, involved enough to use the lab on their own. I want people to be excited to prove to me that all my effort is worthwhile and I want people to take the lead on some things so I'm not the only one advocating for this. If you run a successful lab I'd love to hear your experiences. What have you found works to get people engaged and what doesn't? How did you get started? And how do you get people to come back?
Thanks!
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