Event:2014/08/30 Challenging Dominant Cultures

11:00am at the Omni!

Agenda

 * Safer space & conflict resolution policies
 * Current bans
 * Future goals for the CDC
 * Members present: Jordan, Scott, Brel, & Sarah P.

Future goals for the CDC

 * We discussed what we would like to see the CDC focus on in the months ahead. Some ideas include:
 * Working to build solidarity among Omni members. What is it that we're organizing around? If the building were to collapse tomorrow, would there still be an Omni Oakland Commons?
 * Facilitating more Omni-wide conversations about values and political vision.
 * More skill-building opportunities for Omni members to learn facilitation skills, non-violent communication, etc.
 * More informal get-togethers.
 * Examining how decisions are made at the Omni, and the ways in which money influences our decision-making processes.
 * Omni open mic!
 * Facilitated fishbowl conversations on various topics.
 * Giving Omni members a platform outside of the Thursday meeting to discuss issues.

Safer space & conflict resolution policies

 * We went through the concerns brought up recently on the email thread with regard to both policies and did our best to respond to them by making changes.
 * We decided that the current versions of the safer space and conflict resolution policies are sufficient to be voted on at the delegate meeting, with the understanding that both policies are living documents that we expect to change and evolve as we continue to learn.
 * At the same time, we would like to facilitate conversations within the greater Omni regarding the need for a safer space policy.
 * To that end, the CDC will host the first fishbowl conversation on Saturday, September 13 at 1 pm. The topic of the fishbowl will be intersectional feminism. Scott and Yar will co-bottomline the event.

Current bans

 * Scott will check in with Timeless Infinite Light regarding the current ban on Zach Houston.
 * The CDC is available to support TIL in whatever conflict resolution process they determine is appropriate in this situation. One potential process could be to convene a group of folks skilled in mediation (similar to an ombudsperson) to help move toward resolution.

Next meeting

 * Saturday, September 6 at 11 am at the Omni!