Creative Mentors and Hands-On Helpers for a maker space

Welcome to the Forge

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Idea Forge Creators Space, a hands-on maker space powered by Project Imo, a 501(c)(3) educational charity rooted in community, creativity, and change. At the Forge, we bring people together to dream, design, and build - and our volunteers are the spark that keeps it all running. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or someone just beginning to explore your passions, we welcome you to join us in building something extraordinary.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Volunteering at the Idea Forge isn’t just about tools and tasks - it’s about building community, sharing your time and talents, and helping others unlock their creative potential. We serve a diverse region where access to tools, training, and opportunity can make all the difference. Your contributions help ensure that underserved youth, adults in transition, and curious creators of all ages have a place to grow, explore, and imagine new possibilities.

When you share your skills, lend a hand, or help shape our programs, you’re not only developing your own knowledge - you’re giving back in a way that’s tangible, lasting, and deeply human.

What You’ll Do as a Volunteer

Volunteers help keep the Idea Forge thriving by contributing in a range of ways, including:

Supporting general operations (opening/closing the space, organizing tools and materials, welcoming new members)

Assisting at workstations based on your skills or interests

Helping lead or support classes and workshops

Creating items for fundraising drives and community initiatives

Advising or participating in visioning sessions and long-term planning

Mentoring youth and newcomers as they learn new skills

Our Workstations and Tools Include

• Jewelry Making: hammers, bailing pliers, bench blocks, wire, ring blanks
• Digital Design & Fabrication: 3D printers (Creality K1 Max), Cricut CNC, laser cutter
• Sewing & Textiles: domestic sewing machines, embroidery tools
• Crafts & Visual Arts: printmaking tools, cutting mats, paints, brushes
• Electronics & Prototyping: soldering stations, Arduino kits
• Upcycling & Mixed Media: materials library, adhesives, repurposing tools
• General Build Area: clamps, vises, basic hand tools, rotary tools
• Digital Access & Research Station: computer, internet, printing, design software
• Leatherworking
• Papercraft- cards, scrapbooking, stamping

Volunteer Benefits

Discounted membership to the Idea Forge Creators Space

Access to Pro Deals on outdoor gear through Project Imo’s partner networks

Eligibility for credit union membership

Invitations to special trainings, meetups, and community events

The personal satisfaction of supporting local creativity, education, and equity

Ready to Make Something Meaningful?

Check out our current volunteer opportunities on VolunteerMatch by searching for Project Imo or Idea Forge Creators Space. You can also visit us at https://projectimo.org/idea-forge-creators-space/ or stop by in person to see the space, ask questions, and get inspired.

Let’s build something great-together.