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Big Society HQ now open!

Big Society HQ | 24.03.2011 15:34

CONVERGENCE SPACE // PLACE TO CRASH

FIRST MEETING 8PM

61 CURZON STREET, WESTMINSTER (NR. MAYFAIR) W1J 8PD

THIS SPACE IS NOW BEING SQUATTED AS A CONVERGENCE CENTRE.

THE SPACE IS NON-AFFILIATED AND WELCOMES ALL ACTIVISTS GROUPS (AS LONG AS THEY ADHERE TO THE ‘SAFER SPACES’ POLICY).

3 MINS WALK FROM GREEN PARK TUBE STATION.

There’s loads of space to SLEEP and have MEETINGS – bring your own sleeping stuff.

There’s a designated quiet chill out space.

FOOD? Bring some & there might be an activist kitchen.

MAP!
MAP!


The Big Society HQ is a space for everyone. This means that it is a space free from negative actions and behaviour where everyone can feel welcomed and respected. Making this space positive is everyone’s responsibility. The BSHQ is also a space to be free of oppressive behaviour. This includes, but is not limited to: aggression (verbal and physical), homophobia, racism, sexism and transphobia and offensive humour. If you don’t feel that you will be able to help create such a space, please do not come in. The BSHQ is a space to be free of drugs at all times, there will be a designated space to consume alcohol. If concerns should arise, then they should be dealt with collectively. If you have experienced negative behaviour, then talk to the others – don’t feel you are on your own. Expect to be challenged on any behaviour contrary to the above, which might mean being asked to leave. If all this happens, together we can help to maintain this as a positive space for all!

Big Society HQ

Comments

Hide the following 4 comments

Language, Rules

24.03.2011 18:36

I agree with all the things we wouldn't want to experience or constantly mediate in any social centre however there needs to be a think about how we present these 'safer spaces' ideas. This reads totally like a list of rules which is not the best thing to be confronted with as the first point of contact. I find it off-putting myself despite working in a place for many years that has dealt with all these issues and problems numerous times. It reads like you need to be in a certain mindset before you come to the space and to be familiar with a list of behaviours and attitudes that are not totally common currency outside of political scenes.

Who does and how do we agree what 'offensive humour' is? How do deal with people who are 100% perfect with their language or attitudes. I can see an argument that says it's very tiring to deal with this all the time (hence the 'safer spaces' policy) but there is another argument that seeks a co-learning of what makes a collective space esp when we are welcoming all to the space as tiring as it is.

@


Rules

24.03.2011 23:28

I dont mind a few rules, but they need to be consistent. Why no drugs but a special place for drinking alcohol? Ive always found alcohol to be one of the nastiest drugs and of course, the one the state favours.

Barney


Work it out....

25.03.2011 11:02

The presence or potential presence of drugs gives the police an the excuse to raid the space, arrest people.... also people want to sleep.

anon (not involved)


Wishlist!

25.03.2011 14:33


Toilet Roll
Food, Tea, Coffee
Mugs
Paint Brushes, Paint
Banner Material
Wheatpaste, Bluetac, Markers
Any info for the info-tables
Cleaning Equipment, e.g. bleach, cloths, brooms
Bottles of water
People :) (especially if you have house skills)

Claws