What was my motivation for the Inventors:Force initiative?

 
This is an idea which was popping up in my head multiple times over the last couple of years. I always excused myself with reasons like I don't have the knowledge, I don't have the time, etc. and it was always like a roller coaster between the feeling I’m going to do that – raising my energy level dramatically up – and the excuse I’m too busy – leaving me with a little bitter taste because deep in myself I was sure I should just do it.
This month I decided that it is time to take off from my usual work and spend my time and energy with my son and this project.
So, this is all new to me and I’m sure I’ll have a good challenging task in front of me – I’ll have to learn while walking the path  – I’m sure there will be a lot of positive and negative feedback  while I’m trying things out.
Most of us understand the importance of tinkering, making and engineering which are resulting in a rich set of experiences our children have access to and can share with others for collaboration.  Especially with the new technologies available like 3d printing, CNC-Cutters, laser cutters,PCBs , OpenHardware etc.  Children can experience the complete manufactory cycle from design to the physical object -fast prototyping is now available for children.

It is our responsibility to ensure our children and schools have access to those technologies.
The schools and our children will need our support,creativity and enthusiasm so they can be part of these new fantastic learning opportunities.

Here are the first objectives I have drafted for my Inventors:Force initiative:

1.) Support children to "Learn by Invention"
2.) Provide schools with voluntary Inventors:Force Lab sessions
3.) Provide children with access to material, technology, training and mentorship after school
4.) Building a strong Inventors:Force Community with the mind-set “We share and do it together”
5.) Recycling concept to provide children with free access to materials for their inventions

My next steps will be to get in touch with one school for prototyping, learning and developing my Inventors:Force initiative.

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I'll keep you up to date,
Ralf