Build our Social Justice Makerspace in Minneapolis

Do you want to join us in making a difference? We're raising money to help DIVAS for Social Justice open a social justice makerspace in Minneapolis, and every donation helps. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

About DIVAS for Social Justice: DIVAS (Digital Interactive Visual Arts and Sciences) encourages and empowers youth in underserved communities to use technology towards social change & bridge the digital divide.

History of DIVAS for Social Justice

DIVAS (Digital Interactive Visual Arts Sciences) for Social Justice has been on a 17 year journey to bring STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) programming to underserved communities. Since its inception the organization has provided a platform for people of color to use their voices for social change. By providing access to learn emerging technologies juxtaposed by creating space for critical thinking about community issues the organization has successfully launched youth led multimedia projects in the issues of environmental and reproductive justice.

The Social Justice Makerspace Model

In 2019, DIVAS for Social Justice acquired its first storefront in Bedford Stuyvesant. Rather than turn the storefront into an administrative office the organization opted to develop a social justice makerspace model. The storefront space was connected to an affordable housing unit and DIVAS saw it as an opportunity to not just reach youth but the greater community. Traditionally makerspaces are membership driven and can cost members $50 to $300 a month to participate in a makerspace and gain exposure and access to machines such as 3D printers and laser cutters to realize product design and entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be challenging in a working class community that may not have disposable income. DIVAS for Social Justice partnered with NYU to conduct participatory design workshops that focused on bringing in community members (families, community based organizations, local governments officials) to design what a social justice makerspace would look like in Brooklyn and how it could effectively serve the community.

A makerspace for the people by the people

We want YOU to help us a design a social justice maker space that is reflective of the community of Minneapolis. Your support and input will assist us in:

Your support will help us grow this movement in the following: