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One first question I always have is... what is the goal/reason for a policy? (Any policy)
Personally I don't have an alcohol problem. No really, I don't. I swear. But I DO have a licorice problem, I can't stop once I start even after the point of feeling my stomach cry for mercy. Other people can have just one piece, most don't care for it at all and think its gross, but not me -- I am an insatiable fiend.
We are all different, with different problems. It is important to note that, for the most part, this is a non-confrontational crowd. We would rather get along than not. Which also means sometimes we hide behind policy as opposed to having those hard/difficult/challenging/painful/emotional/scary/etc. individual conversations. Conversations that frankly would be better in the long term for the group AND most certainly benefit that individual. But the key is to approach with a genuine caring.
For example, "Jonathan, can I speak to you in private? About licorice? We bring it to the meetings for everyone, but you don't share and eat it all, then spend the rest of the meeting unproductively in the bathroom. It is setting a bad example for everyone else. Is everything ok? I care about you, we all care about you -- and we want to help."
Call me a big hippy, but hugs sometimes work better than new policies. That being said, there does come a point ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar%27s_number) when groups become too large to be maintain "community", at which point, strong leadership/policy or division is a necessary step. There are also real concerns and laws regarding alcohol and minors, don't be negligent, but most importantly use your judgement and discretion.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Morrison c: 801-688-0183
On Wed, Jul 30, 2014 at 3:26 PM, momoko saunders analyst@bikefarm.org wrote:
Hey all,
We at Bike Farm recently had a proposal to ban alcohol at our general meetings. We already have a strict policy against alcohol during open shop hours.
I'd love to know if other shops have policy around alcohol during meetings or in the shop off hours. Do you have concrete examples of how this effects the shop and it's patrons/volunteers?
For those who do not have alcohol, do you notice an difference in time spent hanging out with other collective members, did it change the social dynamic? How does it affect your volunteer pool?
For those who have alcohol, do you discuss it often? Do you think it adds or deters from your collective? What is the role of alcohol?
The arguments in my mind seem to revolve around safer spaces and regulation. I believe in having as little regulation as possible, but I also respect the need for safer spaces. I wonder if there's a way to not introduce policy while still making an inviting space for all.
Your thoughts and experiences would be appreciated! -momoko
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