organizational mission and values
land acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Talent Maker City is located on the ancestral homelands of the Shasta and Takelma peoples who lived here for millennia. Members of these Tribes were the original “makers'' here in Southern Oregon, engineering and designing the very first tools from obsidian and rock, weaving baskets from willows, and utilizing sugar pine logs to construct canoes for transport.
Between 1851 and 1856 they were forcefully displaced. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians identify their members as living descendants of the Takelma and Shasta peoples of this area. We are grateful and inspired by their innovation, self-reliance, and resilience despite their forced removal from these lands.
We acknowledge this not only in thanks to the Indigenous communities who have held a relationship with this land for generations but also in recognition of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonialism. Additionally, we acknowledge this as a point of reflection for us all as we work towards dismantling colonial practices.
Know the indigenous tribes of southern Oregon or wherever you are in this Native Land map.
Our Mission
To build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and STEAM-based learning. STEAM = science, technology, engineering, art + math.
Our goal is to create a positive, safe, inclusive, and welcoming maker space for all. We provide workshops, community events, educational programming, and small business support that brings the community together to create, collaborate, and connect. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity so we are building a culture where every maker is valued for their unique contributions.
We provide programs through a network of public and private partnerships that include Rogue Workforce partnership, Southern Oregon Educational Services District, Phoenix-Talent School District, and other community organizations throughout the Rogue Valley. Our hands-on, project-based programs expose students to rewarding careers and help them develop marketable job skills. Our Summer STEAM Camps provide students with opportunities to discover their potential and find their future.
TMC is an advocate of economic development throughout Southern Oregon and supports our creative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local makers. Our Makerspace includes a complete woodshop, technology (3D printing, laser engraving), screenprinting, sewing, ceramics, CNC, and vinyl cutters for students and community members.
OUR ethics and Values
At Talent Maker City, we strive to demonstrate and inspire the following professional values, both in our own work and in that of the people we serve:
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity: TMC believes that diversity drives innovation so we are building a culture where every maker is valued for their unique contributions. We strive to make our commitment to diversity and inclusion evident in our organizational structure, policies, board of directors, staff, volunteers and vision. We welcome people of all backgrounds and seek to foster a culture of respect, openness, learning, integrity, honesty, and fun.
Excellence: TMC works to achieve excellence by advancing a culture of responsibility, accountability and sustainability as we continuously enhance both the quality of our program experience for the people we serve and the efficiency of our operations.
Teamwork: TMC recognizes the value of teamwork among our participants and program providers, within our staff and with our ever-expanding network of public and private partners.
Respect: TMC respects, supports and encourages the diversity, talent, creativity, energy and dedication of our participants, staff and program providers.
Commitment: TMC is committed to impacting and engaging our participants, staff and program providers with meaningful, hands-on opportunities for personal and professional growth, and to positively impacting the schools and communities we serve throughout Southern Oregon.
Innovation: TMC demonstrates innovation and leadership by providing new opportunities and experiences to those who participate in our programs, and by encouraging our staff and program providers to develop, share and implement best practices.
Anti-Racism
Systemic racism and violence against Black, Indigenous, and people of color are issues that demand our collective attention. Racism, violence, and hate have no place in our shop, much less the world. Today and every day, we stand in solidarity against racism and with our Black communities.
Black lives matter. And silence is not an option.
Today and every day, we stand in solidarity against racism and with Black communities. As an organization, one of our goals is to bring STEAM-based education to all students, regardless of race, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to being part of the support system for marginalized students, and we will do everything we can to make systemic, institutionalized racism a thing of the past.
Our work with incarcerated youth at New Bridge High School in Grants Pass has provided us with unique insight into the all-to-common struggle of those who grow up marginalized and who society expects to fail. This work has shown us first-hand how much more we have to learn about issues of inequality and equity, and it’s why we are 100% committed to making positive changes in our systems, policy, and service here at Talent Maker City.
We want to learn. We want to be more proactive and less reactive. Together, our staff, members, instructors, partners, and supporters have a unique opportunity to address racism at a community level.
In an effort to do our part and secure equity in STEAM/STEM-based programming, we commit to:
Continuing to develop and implement consistent staff training on Restorative Justice practices, Trauma Informed Practices, and Equity and Culturally Responsive Programming.
Work alongside our community to create resources for our instructors and staff that ensure the language we use in our educational materials is inclusive and elevates the voices of our underserved and underrepresented youth.
Actively seek out partnerships with organizations that can assist us with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and also help us achieve our mission working to build a more connected, more prosperous community through hands-on creativity and STEAM-based learning.
Develop policies and practices that promote equality and diversity at all levels of our organization.
This is just a start. As a young nonprofit organization, we consider this an opportunity to look at our practices and to put in place lasting policies that promote equity in our programming and that fight racism in any form. While we have always held these values, now is the time to put them in writing and establish policies that will last beyond our current staff. While there is plenty more that we can and will do, know that our actions will not stop here.
Talent Maker City believes every person of every race, identity, experience, and ability, should be able to make, create, and prosper safely in this community with the skills that they learn in our programs. Talent Maker City must do better. We all must do better.
You Make Talent.The Team at TMC
