Organizational Structure

From Circus Coop Wiki

Nonprofit

Member operated

Community managed

Resources:

Questions to answer:

  • How is exec board chosen?
  • Who has voting rights in the org?
  • Who can become a member?
  • Are there different types of members?

Membership Ideas

Initiation fee + annual dues (with monthly installment plan available)

Members get access to space during set hours when equipment is not in use for classes[1]

- Vetted membership level with key access?

Classes

Open to public

Members get discounted or some # of classes free / week

Taught by members or outside instructors

Stringent requirements for all instructors - demonstration of skill / dedication to continuing education

Consistent core curriculum

Maybe design some general fitness classes which can be learn to taught in a day (stretching, general conditioning) which any member can easily get cleared to teach

  1. Possibly need to guarantee certain number of available hours per week

Culture Priorities

  • Democratization of information - knowledge is to be shared, not gatekept. Everyone should understand the why of what we do not just the how
  • Provide everyone the environment and resources to progress, according to their own definition of progress

Other orgs for inspiration

NYC Resistor - Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn based maker space with tools, equipment, and community

  • All members have key access
  • Membership is invite-only
  • Variety of free and paid events open to public
  • Members pay monthly dues
  • Hardship rate available for members who cannot pay
  • Artist-in-residence available for transient people who are not members but need key access
  • Only paying members may vote
  • No paid positions, but anyone may teach a class. Teachers get 1/2 gross class income.

Madison Circus Space - Madison, WI

Wissahickon Skating Club - Philadelphia PA

  • Voting structure unknown
  • Memberships cost $850 per season (September through March) plus program fees ranging from $200 to $2100 depending on sport
    • Example: $200 program fee for adults 21+ entitles the member to attend member Freestyle skating sessions + 1 lesson per week
  • Public can enroll in limited offerings during the season
  • Off season is a la carte for member and non-members