FlyingSquirrel CommunitySpace 1.35

Mission: We exist to provide a welcoming space that will cultivate and sustain long lasing relationships between activists, artists, and community members in Rochester so that we may work together to create positive social change.

What our space has been used for in the past: Our multi-use space operates as an all-volunteer, donation-based, democratic meeting space that has been used as gallery space exhibiting regional and local art, a place to hold community workshops and skillshares, a free school, a poetry venue, practice space for musicians, a venue live music, dance, and performance art, film festivals, community craft fairs, academic conference space, and has a community kitchen that has been used by many.

In addition to ongoing meeting space for different groups organizing around social, racial, and economic justice, we rent out our space for private events like birthdays, retirement parties, baby showers, music events, and so much more. You can find out more about renting the space and seeing what events are happening by going to our website, TheSquirrel.org.

How our collective operates: In our meetings, we sit in a circle because we want everyone to see each other. We don’t have a president, director, or chairperson. We have rotating roles that everyone shares such as facilitator and note taker. We raise our hands to speak so everyone’s views are heard and respected. We use consensus process to make decisions. This means that any decision made is one we’ve all agreed upon. If concerns are raised, those are addressed before moving forward. That could mean a new proposal or modification of an old one. We’re either all in agreement with the final synthesized proposal or no decision is made and we go back to reformulate our proposal.

Our meetings are open and anyone can become a member. We have a list of principles of unity that can be found on our website. If you agree with these principles and can spare some time to work at the space, then membership is something for you! Send us an email, give us a call, or stop by one of our meetings to find out more!

1st Monday of the Month: Monday Mayhem! The Flying Squirrel offers special public programming on this night. 7-9PM
2nd Monday of the Month: General Meeting—come and find out more about us! 7-9PM
3rd Monday of the Month: Working Groups / Working Space to discuss specific issues or do physical maintenance on the building
4th Monday of the Month: Our second General Meeting
5th Monday of the Month: We don't meet if there is a 5th Monday of the month. We also take some holidays off as well.

Funding: Because we are funded by the people who use the space, no one gets paid here, we started a campaign called $25 @ 25. If we can get 25 sustainers to give $25 / month for a year, then our budget is covered. Come to a meeting to find out more! Thanks for your interest!