[matilda] defining...

[gavin at cyber-rights.net]

Here's the common place's defining statement. Just food for 
thought:


Welcome to the Common Place. But what is it?

The Common Place is an independent, collectively - run social 
centre. It is called 'the Common Place' because we want a place 
that we can share; where we can talk about and take action on 
'common' issues affecting many of us. It is run entirely by 
volunteers - nobody gets paid, and nobody is making any profit. 
Instead, our aim is to create a place in the city centre that 
rebuilds some of the things that have been lost in our lives - a 
sense of community, affordable food and entertainment, a place to 
relax, talk, meet or find information on many issues affecting our 
lives.

The Common Place is run horizontally - that means without leaders 
or hierarchies but by it's members for its members. There is no 
"executive". The weekly member's meetings on a Thursday are the 
sole decision making body. There are a number of collectives within 
the Common Place who have responsibility for different areas (such 
as the cafôUbookshop, maintenance, art) that have open meetings and 
their own finances. But these collectives are ultimately answerable 
to the weekly meetings.

Anyone who likes the above can apply to become a member.

An atmosphere of tolerance and respect is of the utmost importance 
here. Any kind of discriminatory, aggressive or violent behaviour 
is not welcome. The Common Place is open to all individuals to use, 
but representational political parties, profit-focused or 
repressive organisations may not use the space.

This is an inclusive place where we ask members and guests to 
respect diversity. We want everyone to feel comfortable here.

Enjoy this space. If you want to get involved in helping run the 
centre, come along to the weekly organizing meetings on Thursdays 
at 8pm.



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