June 18, 2014 is the National Day of Making

2014 National Day of Making Badge
2014 National Day of Making Badge

I found out late about this year's National Day of Making, but I still managed to find somewhere to go and something to make: Local Motors down the road from me is doing an Arduino Build Night, Wednesday, June 18 from 6 PM to 9 PM in their Chandler, AZ lab. Here are links to the Facebook invite and the blog article:

Blog Article: Local Motors Arduino Build Night for National Day of Making 2014

On Facebook: RSVP for Local Motors National Day of Making Arduino Build Night

Arduino Yun
Arduino Yun

From the Facebook invite:

Learn to work with an Arduino, check out our Open Source Data Controller, and see the 3D Printed Car test mule up close. This is a FREE event at the Phoenix micro-factory.

Day of Making Logo
Day of Making Logo

Also, Dale Dougherty from MAKE asks you to join him and sign the "Build Maker Communities" pledge, if you're so inclined. Get your "I'm a Maker" badge (see top of page). Here's a snippet from an email sent out by Dale and MAKE the other day:

On June 18, 2014, a special-edition Maker Faire will take place at the White House where the nation will join together to celebrate a Day of Making. During the White House Maker Faire, select makers will show off their projects and talk with the President about making and it's impact on their lives.

Zero to Maker by David Lang
Zero to Maker by David Lang

As a bonus for signing the pledge, you get a PDF version of the very excellent book by David Lang, Zero to Maker and an electronic badge like the one at the top of this article.

If you're capable, head to your local maker space and contribute some brain power. If you're new to it or even slightly interested or curious, head to your local maker space. Making stuff is fun and educational. You don't have to be a kid to learn, either. I kept putting off learning electronics from childhood until I was in my mid to late 30's. It's never too late.

Hope to see some of your local makers at Local Motors Wednesday night!