Liverpool Social Centre Meeting 7.30 in Next To Nowhere 21/10/2007

Postie's Hardship Fund

Proposed that proceeds from a future night be donated to the striking postal workers hardship fund, if such a fund emerges.

It would be possible to bypass the union via a chipin.com account which will be set up by postie shop stewards, which should mean that support goes to striking workers, especially those on wildcat strikes.

General agreement

Arts and Culture Fund Grant Application

We need a child protection policy for this.

K could get Woodcraft's policy for us to adapt for our own purposes. Also report on insurance companies.

Disabled access may come under child protection.

[Some discussion omitted from minutes for obvious reasons – a page and a half of notes!!! - it would be an idea to sort this out somehow]

There is a fire safety half day training run by Centrica on Wednesday 7th November.

Problems Within the Group/Patriarchy Within the Group

The Problems

We have problems. Unacceptable behaviour on the opening night, and elsewhere, went unchallenged. Behaviour that is unchallenged is behaviour that is condoned.

What happened on the night is a political issue and not just a personal dispute – we need to learn how to handle this shit. Members have read stuff online that has made sense and seems applicable.

We have a serious and escalating communication problem. People simply are not listening to each other.

This is not just an issue of group dynamics. This is an issue of patriarchy and sexism within the group. The behaviour of many of the men in the group is creating a situation where women do not feel welcome and do not feel that their, substantial, contributions are valued or even acknowledged. This is as well as physical threats that have been made and the connected issue of male violence raised at the previous meeting.

Others felt that this was not necessarily the case and instead the group is simply dominated by loud people and that there are personality clashes.

This was responded to by saying that problems of patriarchy often appear as personal issue. The personal is political.

Gossip is also an issue. Malicious rumours are being spread and there are a number of individuals who are particularly guilty of this.

Rumours are divisive and destructive. It has to stop.

Privilege

Some felt that men are raised to be privileged, to feel themselves superior to women. This is a problem, but women need to make allowances for this and be aware that men might be shits without realising it. Men can't always address their privilege.

Others rejected this view completely. It is not up to women to deal with men's bullshit. It is up to men to sort themselves out. No acceptance that women need to make allowances. If we're opposed to hierarchy then we should be opposed to it wherever it is, and deal with it.

Some people feel like they have developed a sense of ownership over the place due to the amount of work that they have done. Feel they have difficulty letting go. Even whilst accepting that this is not appropriate.

It was pointed out that those who have done a great deal of the building work were paid at least something for that work. Others have done a great deal entirely voluntarily. There is no hierarchy of contributions and if one is developing we need to do something about it.

Many people have worked hard on this project, and not just on the fabric of the building, but in doing all the support work that makes the building work possible.

One woman who had done a lot of building work and who is highly skilled felt that her contribution to the fabric of the building was not valued. Her commitment was questioned because she couldn't give as much time and she felt patronised.

Problems with the building group – impossible to get information when its needed. Decisions made without consultation. A feeling that the work of others is being derided and skills are not being shared. - This is privilege and patriarchy in action.

Possible Solutions

A collective action might bring us together. However, some people do not trust others enough to go on actions with them.

Mediation?

It was felt that having specified mediators might create another internal hierarchy, certainly if only one person person. A mediation group is a possibility, but it should aim to spread the skill of mediating as widely as possible.

Some kind of conflict resolution group or policy is necessary, even if only for when we're running events. There are draft policies circulating that people should consult.

Mediation is not about difference of political opinion. This is what the consensus process in meetings is for. Mediation is about facilitating a process by which two parties resolve their conflict.

Sessions on Male Privilege
It would perhaps be useful for men to get together separately and discuss the issues of male privilege, to reach an understanding of our own.

Jay took on organising this.

Side Issue – Drugs policy

It is not clear whether we have a drugs policy or not, although this confusion suggests that we need to discuss it again.

So far, alcohol has been the biggest cause of problems, not drugs.

This is an issue we need to revisit.