Vancouver Hack Space Helps Makers Making Change Build Over 30 LipSyncs

We were in need of LipSyncs, and Vancouver Hack Space (VHS) answered the call.

While we’ve been hosting many successful virtual builds during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve found that the LipSync is one of our more complex builds and doesn’t translate as well virtually, especially considering that builds often feature first time makers.

VHS member Janet Martin's finished LipSyncs. (Image Credit: Janet Martin)

Of course, LipSync demand has remained high.

So we reached out to our old friends at VHS. They’ve been long-time supporters of Makers Making Change, and having held many LipSync events in the past, so they’ve got the experience.

While we would have been happy to get 10 LipSyncs, we were amazed when many volunteers at VHS put their hands up to do multiple LipSyncs. Now we’ve got 34 LipSyncs ready to go out to people across North America.

“Makers Making Change has always been very supportive of the Hack Space, which we’ve appreciated very much, and when [they] put out a call to get help making LipSyncs, it really aligns with our goals in terms of enabling community development. And it gave people a way to give back during COVID and also just enjoy making the LipSyncs, which are an amazing design and really fun to build,” says Janet Martin, a Python programmer and children’s literature illustrator who’s been a member for eight years.

A Great Community of Makers

Maker Mimi Xia showing off her LipSyncs. (Image Credit: Mimi Xia)

Founded in 2008, VHS is a 4,000 square foot space for makers, providing a good working space for over 180 members and tools and equipment to use.

“[Members] come from all kinds of backgrounds, artistic to coding to woodworking to electronics, and we have all kinds of skill levels from beginner to experienced. We share lots of knowledge and tools, and it’s a great place to take advantage of opportunities like this, to give back to the community but also learn more about electronics,” says Janet. “It’s a place where I’ve been able to learn a lot of electronics skills and a lot of other things.”

“What really drew me into our Vancouver Hack Space specifically is the community around it,” says Mimi Xia, a member of over four years with a background in engineering. "Once you build that community it becomes more than just the tools and physical space.”

VHS is a great place to pick up new skills, and share knowledge with others.

“If you’re really into self-directed learning, a hack space is absolutely for you,” Mimi explains.

VHS members have been making the LipSyncs both at the hack space and at home.

Jim Stamper printing his final rear housing for the LipSync. (Image Credit: Jim Stamper)

For Janet, it was her first full LipSync build.

“It was just a joy to build, and also being able to build and test the whole thing really gave me a sense of how amazing the LipSync is, and what it does for people,” she says.

Mimi has been involved with Makers Making Change since taking part in the Access Makeathon in 2017, and relished the chance to take part in a LipSync build.

“For me, it’s about using what skills I have to be able to make a difference in other people’s lives,” she says.

Mimi will be hosting a workshop at the New Media Gallery in New Westminster on prosthetic design, an opportunity she credits in part to her involvement with Makers Making Change.

“It has helped me open other doors.”

Looking to Join VHS?

Through the pandemic, Vancouver Hack Space remains open. Members continue to work on projects, adhering to a COVID safety plan.

While they’ve limited public access, they are offering tours for non-members and people interested in joining.