Lessons from 3 Years Running A Local Community Space - Jesse Evers & Richard D. Bartlett
Jun 26, 2024
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Jesse Evers and Richard D. Bartlett discuss lessons from running a community space in Brooklyn. They touch on balancing facilitation methods, building a purpose-driven space, governance, financial sustainability, transparent collaboration, and reflections on closing a space. The importance of supportive networks and collective effort is highlighted.
Clear purpose is vital for effective prioritization in community space management.
Establishing a cohesive community with shared values is crucial for success.
Exploring diverse revenue sources and creative business models enhances financial sustainability.
Deep dives
Experience as a Space Organizer in Brooklyn
The speaker details their experience as an organizer of a community space in Brooklyn, housed in a warehouse that serves as a multifunctional venue for concerts, workshops, and events. Starting with a minimal plan and a desire to create a space for various activities, the organizer transformed a warehouse into a community hub, emphasizing modularity and welcoming diverse events and guests.
Organizational Structure and Financial Aspects
The community space operates with a volunteer-based organizational structure, where the speaker's name is associated with funding and operational responsibilities. Despite limited explicit organizational structure, volunteers contribute to running events and tasks. Financially, the speaker addresses challenges of monetization, highlighting a transition from attempting profit-making through events to questioning the sustainability of converting the space into a business.
Lessons Learned and Future Considerations
Lessons from the experience include the importance of defining purpose clearly to avoid inconsistencies and prioritize efforts effectively. The significance of creating a cohesive community with shared values and commitments emerges as a key aspect in running a successful community space. Exploring potential financial models like memberships, benefactor support, or integrating a business component aligned with community values for long-term sustainability is highlighted.
Creative Business Models and Material Literacy
Alternative revenue sources such as offering classes and workshops instead of focusing solely on event profits are considered for financial viability. Innovative business models, including restoring old machinery and teaching repair skills, aligned with promoting material literacy and hands-on learning, are proposed as potential avenues for future community initiatives. Exploring creativity within business frameworks to align personal interests with sustainable revenue generation is emphasized.
Building a Community Model Based on Open Source
Creating designs freely accessible and charging for their implementation encourages both DIY enthusiasts and those preferring ready-made solutions to engage. The model discussed in the podcast focuses on open-source contributions leading to consultancy opportunities, aligning philosophically and resonating with the community.
Navigating Challenges in Transitions and Closing Well
Transition periods in projects can be complex, requiring transparent communication and delegation of responsibilities to prevent burnout. The podcast highlights the importance of explicit task management, acknowledging discomfort in managerial roles, and promoting open dialogue to sustain community initiatives through thoughtful closure and transition planning.
Jesse Evers is the founder of Highside, a workshop / events venue / community space in New York. He sat down with Richard D. Bartlett to discuss what he’s learned from 3 years running the space.
Chat with Jesse on Twitter: https://x.com/_jlevers
Info about Microsolidarity summer camps: http://microsolidarity.cc
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