Hackerspace Governance in a Box
A complete governance framework for hackerspaces, based on do-ocracy principles and community-driven decision making.
Welcome to Your Governance Framework
This site contains everything you need to run a successful hackerspace: bylaws, community standards, decision-making processes, and operational guidelines that actually work in practice.
Adapt This for Your Space
While this framework is tailored for HeatSync Labs, it’s designed to be easily adapted for any hackerspace. Replace our name with yours, adjust the specifics to match your community’s needs, and you’ll have a complete governance system ready to go.
Core Principles
Do-ocracy
If you want something done, do it. Authority comes from taking action, not from titles or elections. Those who do the work make the decisions.
Be Excellent
Respect everyone’s right to exist and make things. Take care of the space so others can use it. Handle conflicts directly when you can.
Community First
The space exists so people can make things. Every decision should support that mission. We protect the community’s ability to create.
Iterate & Improve
Our governance isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. We continuously update our systems based on what works and what doesn’t.
How This Framework Works
- Bylaws
The legal foundation required for 501(c)(3) status. Minimal and empowering, designed to meet legal requirements while maximizing member autonomy.
- Community Standards
Clear expectations for behavior and a transparent accountability process. Protects everyone’s ability to participate safely.
- Do-ocracy Guide
How to actually get things done. When to act independently, when to seek feedback, and how to document your work.
- Decision Making
When meetings are needed vs when you can just act. Designed for 9-14 day proposal cycles, not months of bureaucracy.
- The Board
Limited to infrastructure and conflict resolution. Board members are “wardens” not leaders, maintaining the space without controlling its direction.
Getting Started
Whether you’re a new member, a board member, or starting your own hackerspace, here’s how to use this framework:
New Members: Start with the Community Standards to understand expectations, then read the Do-ocracy Guide to learn how to contribute.
Active Members: Reference the Decision Making section when proposing changes. Use the Do-ocracy Guide for daily operations.
Board Members: Focus on the Bylaws and Board sections. Remember: your role is to maintain, not to lead.
Other Hackerspaces: Jump to “Adapt This” for a guide on customizing this framework for your community.
About This Framework
This governance framework synthesizes best practices from successful hackerspaces worldwide, particularly drawing from the Hackerspace Blueprint and decades of community experience. It’s licensed under Creative Commons for sharing and adaptation.