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.