The Collider announces shift to “volunteer-led collaborative network”

Newsletter from The Collider:

We come to you with good news about the future of The Collider. As you may have heard, The Collider has taken the past few months to explore our options for the future. We took to the streets and spent time with many of you, seeking ideas for potential paths forward. We heard words of praise for The Collider. We heard thoughts on how we could become more efficient.

Best of all, we heard from folks who not just offered ideas for The Collider, but stepped up to take a leadership role in executing those ideas.

As a result, The Collider is moving from a funded entity to a volunteer-led collaborative network. What does that mean to you? How will it change the way you engage with The Collider? This newsletter aims to answer those kinds of questions.

We are grateful for your support of The Collider and hope that support will continue as the world faces the growing challenges of a changing climate.

Q: Who is involved in leading changes at The Collider?
A: As noted above, The Collider is moving from a funded entity to a volunteer-led collaborative network. Jim Fox and his team at NEMAC (the National Environmental Modeling & Analysis Center, an anchor member of The Collider) has volunteered to lead the planning and organization of a network of climate-related businesses. Unlike past Collider leadership, neither Jim (who serves as Director of NEMAC) nor any of the NEMAC team will be compensated for this role.

Q: What will the new Collider network do?
A: The idea for the Collider network is that members will work together on joint projects, share and learn from each other, highlight and promote each other’s work, and build a climate services workforce. The intent is to create more demand for climate services generally and to establish Asheville as a destination from which customers can obtain high-quality climate services. The collaborative will be voluntary, cooperative, self-defined, and informal.

Q: Who can be part of The Collider network?
A: Currently, those who have cowork desks or offices at The Collider, or who pay a fee to be a “virtual” member are automatically considered members of the new Collider network. Learn about Collider membership here. As the network evolves, we will be reviewing policies, membership fees, and so on, and will update the website accordingly. See a list of current members here.

Q: Does The Collider still have staff members?
A: Because the network is volunteer-driven, the need for paid staff has been greatly decreased, so our previous staff has transitioned away from The Collider. The Collider now includes a part-time Community Manager, Mary Spivey, and a part-time assistant, Kelsey Hall, Both are familiar faces: Mary worked with us for several months at The Collider in 2016 and Kelsey has helped with events for some time now while she attends UNC Asheville. We are also seeking volunteers, interns, and part-time Operation Assistants. Contact us here if you’re interested in helping our mission-driven collaborative address climate change.

Q: Will there still be events at The Collider?
A: Absolutely! Event rentals contribute significantly to the revenue needed to keep the lights on at The Collider – plus, we welcome the opportunity to share our beautiful space with those who want to host meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, and receptions. For the immediate future we will be decreasing the number of public events we host ourselves, such as Movie Night and our Lunch ‘n’ Learn sessions. However, our neighbor downstairs, Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS), will continue holding the monthly Science Pub at The Collider, open to the public with a suggested donation. Contact us if you’d like to host an event at The Collider.

Q: How can I support The Collider?
A: As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Collider is grateful for your support and generosity. Some of the ways you can do that include:

1. Make a financial or in-kind contribution as an individual or corporate sponsor.
2. Volunteer your time or expertise.
3. Host your next event at The Collider.
4. Become a member: Lease an office or cowork space or become a Virtual Member.
5. Apply for an internship or part-time job at The Collider.

Q: Where can I learn more about The Collider?
A: The Collider will continue to evolve over the next few weeks and months. Stay tuned for newsletters like this, check our website for updates, follow us on social media. We look forward to your continued interest!