How to set up a community centre or social centre workshop by Phoenix
1) Find a space
– get in – squat it or ask building owners-direct approach – link to charity
ask for a building or
get on and liberate (take a building)
2) Getting In – The Mission -The Operation.
Scouting all around over a few days observation - research
find the weak point
the five T 's
Team -prepare agroup of people who have said they up for the mission.
Tools – prepare and bring every tool and equipment you may need.
Timing – Go in the early morning/late night or right time.
Typing – prepare a letter that can be shown to first contact,security/police/owner/neighbour
Tactics – How we going to do it ,whose doing what when where how etc etc.
Secure the perimeter – count the doors gates and entrances.Secure each point.Lock down.Barricade.
-negotiate from a higher window
-triple barricade entrance and exits before sleep.
-Video and camera shield./Legal Observer/Solicitors number.
Phoenixes longer Squatting workshop covers all in more detail.
3) Organising structure
-create a project organising meeting say Monday 6 PM
-Choose a facilitator: which is a revolving role and a note taker .notes can be typed up and networked
- Do a name round each person says their name and any links to a group or experience or skills that they have,also adding things for the agenda.This help build group involvement and networking.
-Explain direct democracy
-one hand up to speak
-two hands with two fingers for a direct point
-jazz hands for agreeing consensus
-tea shape hands for technical point
-rolling hands for move on
and signal for a block raised crossed fists
The weekly meeting is the decision making body for the project or
group.It is important to have a clear decision process.
- Remember action points are very important who is going to take action on an idea and make it happen then report back to group Or say we need more help or mission has changed
-Research a consensus flowchart on Internet
Talking circles are also very useful community Tool.
to create a circle pass a stick around the circle of people.
each person gets a chance to talk
but most importantly it is listening circle where everyone else listens to each person
this helps to make everyone feel part of it and everyone has an equal voice and is equal to each other and the provides diversity of opinions. It is a Native American tradition
4) Use of Space - Space Allocation
Cafe – events space – library – kids area – FreeShop swap shop – bike workshop – arts/creative space – cinema – accommodation needs separate space – info/networking area computer/tech area - gardening as soon as possible.Creates feeling of longevity.
5) Set up Working Groups
as soon as possible, this makes the whole project work more efficiently and effectively
Groups such as Admin – Events – Outreach/media – legal – Direct action – Food and kitchen – gardening and front of house – repairs and maintenance - caretaking.
6) Networking
Leaflet, website, contact number, email, Facebook, twitter, posters, banner outfront remember face to face is probably the most important form of networking and the most effective.
7) Negotiating with Owners
Letter introduction get contact number
Project proposal first contact with owners or the representatives get a contact number begin negotiations keep in contact keep sending letters go to visit tell them about new project be relentless. Get them to visit after safe dig in time aim to share tea or food.Become friends Keep networking
8) Health and safety
-Talk to the health and safety trained person for the festivals
Get an email checklist for health and safety
ALWAYS check fire exits are openable and kept clear at all times.
Fire extinguishers are kept on the rack next to the fire next door.Know fire evacuation plan - to which outside assembly point.
Trip hazards are removed from all corridors and Keep the gangways clear.
electric safety check check all plugs and areas for bare wires
wipeable surfaces in kitchen cleans hygiene
Buy stock of cleaning equipment and binliners and give out early at events
checking gas supply is safe.
Always remember the bin liner game get them out before the end of an event and give them out to people and always big up the backstage recycling crew with praise and reward.
9) Write a set of Caretakers guidelines
what is expected from a community centre/project caretaker.
to be welcoming friendly to explain to people how the project runs and how they can get involved
why you are doing it and where things are in the building such as toilets kitchens facilities
SAFER SPACES POLICY also needs to be created early and put up clearly around the space.
Basically : No violence or threats of violence,no racist sexist or homophobic behaviour.
No Alchohol or Drugs (if thats what group has consensed)
If you break this safer space you will be asked to leave by Tranquility team.
Good to deal with some situations in a friendly but firm manner.Sometimes it needs the whole group to come together and back eachother up with someone who say may be aggressive.Some situations are better dealt with a small number of diplomatic people.
Big question that needs to be addressed and dealt with early by the group is what is the attitude towards alcohol or not and drugs or not in the building.
Clear focus is set from the beginning and helps the project stay focused throughout this is a large debate.And there should be spaces with and without so there is a diversity of space for each flavour. - Designated smoking areas can help.
Caretakers Logbook and Visitors book
2 books that help run the project ,get a caretakers logbook
this is for any thing of note that happens during the day :
Ask caretakers to record important workshops- visitors -official visits - media -repairs and maintenance or communication to other shifts.Useful info to be networked.
Visitors book
Ask visitors to sign the visitors book when they first come to building this helps to build up the network and database and keep in touch with all project supporters.
The network should be used more effectively by looking for skills and helping them get involved.
visitors book should have 3 columns:
name /contact details phone or email/ and skills or comments you wish to leave
A cleaning rota is also helpful to keep the project clean and tidy and focused.
Coordinators for working groups and a clear time and place they meet will help get people involved each working group should have a things to do list.
Wish List should be written up early withy a list of items requested to help run/support the project. We usually start with food ,paint and tools, then furniture,bedding,rope, tents,climbing gear,supplies cake etc etc.
Court case
7 main points to adjourn always get your documents to www.squatter.org.uk which is the Advisory Service for Squatters
Adjournment points are
two clear working days notice of court - limit (Used to be 5 for residential)
names they knew are not written down (so tell them any names and witness statement)
the Map is not clear
incorrect address could include other land or buildings unoccupied
or there may be a tenancy that still exists on part of the reclaimed site
also license may possibly be given by Someone from the owners or company
European court of human rights articles 8,10 and 11 could apply.
Keep networking keep networking keep networking do it for the love
the people and the planet keep networking.We need an eco community centre in every area.
Worldwide
Never give up ' u cant kill the spirit'
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