WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE FIELD?
The Field is an independent, co-operatively run social and educational project, that is not-for-profit and run by its members. Through local political action, radical education, mutual care, solidarity, shared resources and collective service provision, The Field creates a space to explore alternatives to the inequality, competition and exploitation of capitalism. We have negotiated the use of the space for a 5 year rent free period. The Field acts as a collective of members who work together to organise events, workshops, campaigns and projects as well as serving as a venue for groups, events and projects that share our purpose.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT THE FIELD?
We make preference for activities that explore our purpose, and that are free or donation based, that offer opportunities for local people to participate, that respond to the needs of the local area, that are led by and for groups facing oppressions, and that are organised non-hierarchically.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
- Organise your own events and projects
- Help out at Field projects such as the Wednesday Kitchen or Dr Bike
- Join a working group to support The Field
- Attend events
- Become a co-op member.
WHAT ARE THE WORKING GROUPS, WHAT DO COORDINATORS DO?
There are 7 working groups that cover different aspects involved in running The Field. These are Maintenance, Projects, Finance/Admin, Communications, Fundraising, Outreach and Care. The coordinators of each working group are individual members who take the lead on important tasks and make sure everything gets done. They don’t have more decision making power or votes than any other member.
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP INVOLVE?
- Being able to make decisions
- Have a say over which groups can use the space
- Being part of a supportive and collaborative community
- Helping to design and develop Field projects
- Mucking in to help run the project through one of the working groups
All groups that use the space regularly are expected to have at least one person as a member of The Field co-operative. Individual members are also welcome to apply.
HOW DO YOU MAKE DECISIONS AT THE FIELD?
Decisions are made by members of The Field Co-op. There are three levels of decision making. Within working groups, online, and for more important decisions, or decisions that are hard to agree on, at the monthly meeting. On all three levels, decisions are made by attempting to reach consensus initially, but if this is not possible and one or more members object to the proposal, we move to a vote that requires a two thirds majority to pass, on a one member, one vote basis.
I HAVE A PROBLEM CONCERNING THE FIELD. WHAT DO I DO?
Please email The Field with any problems you have relating to the building or the organisation as a whole. We have a code of conduct on display in the building and online. If you have a problem relating to a breach of the code you should speak to the person/s running the event/activity at the time, or email/speak to the care working group co-ordinator, who have a procedure to address such issues. We also have an anonymous comments box. If necessary, the issue can be discussed at the monthly meeting.
IS THE FIELD ACCESSIBLE?
The Field main building is accessible via a wheelchair friendly ramp. The garden area is accessible via a side entrance. We also have a wheelchair accessible (compost) toilet, found to the rear of the building.]