About

USFLN Mission

The United States Fab Lab Network (USFLN) promotes responsible collaboration in digital fabrication. It evolved in November 2009 from the regional Midwest Fab Lab Network (MFLN, formed in December 2006).

The mission of the USFLN, in the spirit of the MIT Fab Charter, is to support digital and personal fabrication in academics, business, and community outreach:

  • In academics, the USFLN encourages Fab Labs to engage students and teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
  • In business, it promotes invention, entrepreneurship, and skills needed for a 21st-century global economy.
  • In community outreach, it makes resources available to empower underserved and non-traditional populations.

The USFLN fosters innovation and creativity that contributes to the nation’s well-being. Membership is open to any person and any  organization that follows the MIT Fab Charter.

USFLN Membership Guidelines

A member of the USFLN is an individual and/or organization working collaboratively with the leadership and other members of USFLN.  In most cases, members have or are in the process of installing fab labs in their communities/organizations.  In other cases, however, where members do not have fab labs, the member is otherwise engaged in USFLN activities – on committees, providing resources to other groups, organizations, and individuals seeking information on fab labs – in addition to pursuing the development of a fab lab in the member’s community or organization.

USFLN Members are strongly encouraged to:

  • Participate in the annual USFLN symposium.
  • Participate in USFLN webinars and seminars.
  • Mentor other USFLN members who are planning or considering fab labs.
  • Make themselves available to be subject-matter experts to others.
  • Provide a nominal amount of time to the USFLN initiatives as required.
  • Share and offer advice and suggestions to others in project information (including instructions, plans, etc.).
  • Mentor other USFLN members who are planning or considering fab labs.
  • Attend the annual MIT global Fab Lab network meeting as often as possible.
  • Provide regular updates on your progress and activities to the USFLN executive leadership team for distribution to others.
  • Follow the MIT Fab Charter.