Looking for space for meetings

[hrafn.livejournal.com]

Hello, Davis Square.

I'm looking for space for a couple different types of meetings:

1- Space for meetings for Occupy Somerville. I expect we'll need varying sizes - large rooms, for General Assemblies (we had about 50 people at our first, but that was outside, so I expect we'll get more people in indoor spaces), and smaller spaces, for working groups (though groups that are relatively small can definitely easily meet in coffee shops). Proximity to Davis Square is not required; in fact, suggestions for good meeting spaces all over Somerville would be good! Our first priority is finding a big space for GAs.

Preferred times - probably evenings.

2- Space for a group of crafters and artists to meet, once or twice a month. Doesn't have to be in Somerville at all, though I am personally biased towards not having to commute into Boston. If we could fit 30 people in to a space with tables and chairs, for working on sometimes messy stuff, that would be ideal! We promise to clean up thoroughly.

Preferred day/time - Saturdays, midday/afternoon/evening, but other days and times may be possible.

In both cases, we're looking for space that is available for no charge or for very low fees.

(Wow. I don't even know what to tag this.)

Comments

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

The Unity Church on College Ave and the Nazarene Church on Elm Street are both wonderful spaces and great groups to work with varying groups. I believe they both charge a fairly standard $30ish per meeting.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

It would help if you supplied your desired times (evenings/days? weekdays/weekends?).

[hrafn.livejournal.com]

Good point. I knew I was missing something. (Will update the post, too.)

For 1 - evenings or weekends.
For 2 - probably Saturdays, but alternate days/times will be considered.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

There's a potential for 2 at Pandemonium in Central Square. There's a big space downstairs that is often unused on Saturday afternoons, noon - 5 pm or so. It's also unused most weekdays during that time too. However, occasionally the space is used for events, so the availability would change on a monthly basis. Likely there would be a small fee.

[in-water-writ.livejournal.com]

Democracy Center in Harvard Square?

http://democracycenter.org/meeting-room-faq

[ron_newman]

Could the crafters meet at Artisan's Asylum?

[grapefruiteater.livejournal.com]

The public library has a meeting room (most do, so you might also try Cambridge and surrounding towns too): http://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/meeting.html

[hrafn.livejournal.com]

The Cambridge library - at least the big branch on Broadway? or is it Cambridge St? - has NOT been a welcoming place, in my experience, to groups that are not 100% based in Cambridge. :\

[etain.livejournal.com]

In my experience trying to use library space: CPL wants proof you're a non-profit, and Somerville will let you reserve space if you have a library card.

[eustaciavye.livejournal.com]

For small working groups, the community room at the Eastern Bank branch in Davis might work.

I've used meeting space at Harvard-Epworth Church on Mass Ave at no charge once or twice. They have a few spaces of different sizes. The one I used could accommodate about 30. There's at least one bigger space there.

[ron_newman]

No way could 30 people fit in the Eastern Bank room. Also, at least when it belonged to Wainwright, you had to be a non-profit organization with an account there. I don't know if that's still true.

[etain.livejournal.com]

Have you asked the Parts and Crafts people (http://partsandcrafts.org/) about using their space?

[progressnerd.livejournal.com]

For the General Assemblies, the third-floor Community Room in the VNA on Lowell St is probably your best bet. I'm surprised it wasn't already mentioned.

For the craft space, some good options were already mentioned, but I'll throw in a few more. I've never been inside, but it seems like a good use of Sprout's Studios (http://thesprouts.org/studios). Also, the basement space at the First Church of Somerville on College Ave would be very good.