Access

Needs and Concerns
Here is a list of specific needs and concerns about access to the space, including the general public. There may include analysis, reflection, and potential responses:

From david brazil's "open to the public" manifesto

 * Need to establish a framework now, before we are "open to the public" and before it may become a problem.

hours
https://omnicommons.org/wiki/Proposal_Package:_Opening_Omni_%28DZB%29_2014-08-20#Hours.


 * Hours should be fixed, e.g. 12noon - 6pm, 7 days a week
 * Hours should be extended as exceptions, e.g. for special events held at special hours
 * DK: Staffing and hours should be differentiated
 * MS: Rectify hours with Welcoming committee "door shifts": 10am-2pm, 2pm-6pm, 6pm-10pm
 * https://ethercalc.com/omni-front-desk

public areas
https://omnicommons.org/wiki/Proposal_Package:_Opening_Omni_%28DZB%29_2014-08-20#Public_Areas.


 * What does "public area" mean?
 * DK: Concerns include:
 * what it means legally to be "open to the public"
 * the use of terms "public area" conflicts with specific uses and zoning for areas, e.g. the basement
 * Areas that are "unstaffed" should not be called "Public" or "Open"
 * Public Areas should be:
 * La Commune
 * the basement
 * the upstairs kitchen and hallway
 * the upstairs den and ballroom

staffing

 * In order to be open to the public, Omni Commons should be staffed.
 * Any "staff" should actually be volunteers, namely from member collectives.
 * Staffing requirements should pertain to a member collective's status (as a member), as well as size.
 * Staffing exists to address crime and antisocial behavior, related to being open to the general public.
 * Any discrete major area / room within Omni deemed 'open' or 'public' should be staffed in order for it to be considered 'open' or 'public', except:
 * A member can use 'open' or 'public' areas when unstaffed
 * A guest of a member can use 'open' or 'public' areas as long as the member hosting the guest is physically present with them in that room (or area).
 * Omni Commons should have open hours
 * If there are open hours, then Omni Commons should be staffed for those open hours.
 * La Commune, as the primary entrance to the Omni Commons, is the most important location to be staffed for any open hours.
 * There should be opening and closing procedures, which may include participation from La Commune members
 * The Welcoming Committee should coordinate any volunteer staffing.

ground rules

 * The Omni should have clear and posted rules
 * Rules should pertain to what is not permitted in the space, which should include:
 * NO DRUGS
 * NO SLEEPING
 * NO STORAGE
 * NO VIOLENCE
 * NO HARASSMENT
 * NO THREATS
 * NO SHOUTING
 * NO SOLICITATION
 * NO UNLEASHED DOGS
 * NO MATERIAL DONATIONS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL
 * Signs should be posted in prominent posts at each entrance, in the bathrooms, and in other places as appropriate
 * Signs should be direct, and clear.
 * We have to implement rules.
 * Regardless of intent, we have to handle harmful or hurtful behavior with compassion and love.

expulsion

 * If there are ground rules,
 * Members of the general public may be required to leave for violation of the ground rules.
 * Volunteer staff will be expected and prepared to expel, at their discretion.
 * Expulsions may be appealed to a conflict resolution group
 * Reasons to expel people include:
 * violations of the ground rules
 * good judgment of the volunteer staff
 * Omni Commons reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason, at any time.
 * Volunteer staff should have greater liberties and discretion in terms of expulsion, than the average omni commons member with respect to existing policies.

bathrooms

 * Bathrooms are an essential element of the Omni Commons
 * Access to bathrooms is a human rights issue.
 * It is integral that our bathrooms remain functional
 * Issues of safety and comfort in the space extend to the bathrooms
 * Bathrooms with individual stalls do not need to be locked.
 * Bathrooms without stalls should be close-able.
 * If any bathrooms are locked, volunteer staff and others should be able to readily access a key to unlock such bathrooms.

after-hours access

 * After closing, the omni commons will be accessible to members of collectives and their guests.
 * Members of collectives should be given a key sufficient to regularly and effectively access the space, including common space and areas relevant to their membership.

signage

 * Finalized access policies should be displayed through signage in Omni Commons
 * The Welcoming Committee should be responsible for signage.
 * Signage should balance between a safe and a welcoming atmosphere.