An introduction to the rise of the independent workforce and the ways coworking and makerspaces support this economic shift. Closes with a few thoughts on how community development goals can be advanced by embracing this shift.
4. The independent workforce, frequently referred to as the gig
economy, is a growing and important part of the US economy.
Less frequently discussed is that this workforce doesn’t just
consist of on-demand workers (like Uber drivers), or tech
workers in Silicon Valley. Self-employment represents a major
structural change in the way America works, in every
industry and in every part of the country.
The Hill, April 2016
A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
5. Thanks in large measure to innovation in recent decades
there, the American workforce is experiencing profound
changes. It’s not just the growth of new technologies, but also
the rise of entirely new industries and new job structures.
That’s why I’m excited to announce that our Bureau of Labor
Statistics is working with the Census Bureau to rerun the
Contingent Worker Supplement to the Current Population
Survey. It will give us reliable, credible insight into what’s
going on across a range of work arrangements – from
independent contractors to temporary employees to workers
holding multiple jobs at the same time.
U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez, January 2016
A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
18. In the same way that the Internet and cloud computing have
lowered the barriers to entry for digital startups, the
democratization of the tools need to design and prototype
physical products can support entrepreneurship and a
renaissance of American manufacturing. As the maker
movement grows, I continue to call on all Americans to help
unlock the potential of our Nation and ensure these
opportunities reach all our young people, regardless of who
they are or where they come from.
President Barack Obama
A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
20. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
A growing community of makers in Vermont.
21. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
225
Members
17
Businesses
30
Volunteers
18
Studios
7
Workshops
22. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
A sample of products brought to market.
23. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
Features of success for Generator
Dedicated board
City support
Rain makers
Community partners
Low-cost real estate
Numerous donors
Earned income
Community ethos
25. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
1.
ACTIVATE
DOWNTOWN
PROPERTY
2.
CONCENTRATE
WORKERS
DOWNTOWN
4.
STIMULATE
LEARNING AND
TRAINING
3.
CREATE NEW
BUSINESS
REVENUE
6.
CREATE JOBS
AND NEW
EMPLOYMENT
5.
FOSTER
INNOVATION
DOWNTOWN
7.
A VISIBLE
CREATIVE
CLIMATE
8.
GENERATE
POWERFUL
MARKETING
9.
ENHANCE
VIBRANT
COMMUNITIES
Nine supports for community development goals.
26. A NATION OF INDEPENDENT CREATIVES
How to unlock creative potential in communities.
Connect leadership
Convene creatives
Seek out champions
Take risks
Facilitate markets
Communicate
Celebrate
Pool resources
27. Community Development in the New Era of
DISTRIBUTED CREATIVE
PRODUCTION
Presentation to the
Vermont Community Development Association
THANK YOU.
Special thanks to references, including:
MBO Partners
The Hill
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Management and Budget
The White House
DeskMagazine
Global Coworking Unconference
The Grommet
MAKE Magazine
Lars Hasselblad Torres
www.generatorvt.com
802-540-0761 | director@generatorvt.com