This is a GCEA draft proposal, which could be amended, based on feedback from the delegates at this meeting. Thank you for taking the time to discuss this proposal.
GCEA as an organization is working to establish itself on firm economic grounding. Unfortunately this has meant that GCEA hasn't been able to pay its rent for 5 months of 2018, as well as currently in 2019. GCEA feels that there is strong value for both parties in the relationship between GCEA and the Omni, and hopes that the Omni collectives feel the same way. To this end, we are making this proposal to change the status of GCEA's rent payment.
As an Omni collective organization, GCEA members appreciate the other Omni collectives’ willingness to work with us as we solidify our financial situation.
1) GCEA would like to pay its existing back rent to the Omni and is planning to conduct fundraising event to that effect. We propose that GCEA be able to pay the back rent at its normal rate, and propose that the Omni waive the late fees on rent payment. We believe this to be consistent behavior with many Omni collectives.
1a) GCEA organized a fundraising event, Out The Blue, on December 7th, 2018 in partnership with several University alumnae orgs and groups. We expected a portion of the funds ($1,100) to go towards GCEA's rent/youth trip to Africa. This portion would have covered our back rent from 2018 completely. We have been informed, after the fact, that the rules of the Commons Group prevent the funds from this event from going towards GCEA's rent. We believe this is a miscommunication and intend to have a conversation with the Common's Group in hope that our portion of the funds be allocated towards GCEA's rent. We will be appreciative if that happens, but if not GCEA intends to hold another fundraising event in order to pay for its back rent.
2) GCEA would like to propose that the rent be reduced to one dollar, for the ongoing period. We hope to be able to return to a larger rental rate in the future, but are having difficulty meeting this need right now. We understand that there is some precident in Omni history for an organization to have one dollar rent.
2a) We understand that there are organizations that exist at the Omni who make payments largely through paying a percentage of their donations directly to the Omni, rather than a monthly rent. GCEA would like to propose that it continue to support the Omni financially by giving a portion of its income from fundraisings and donations to the Omni. We would like to discuss that level with the Omni. Internally we have discussed numbers around 30-50% of GCEA donations, but are happy to discuss the appropriate level for this with the Omni Delegates.
3) GCEA has limited funds at the moment, but wants to continue contributing to the Omni Commons as much as it is able. To this end GCEA would like to propose that it take on a distinct project for the Omni. We have brainstormed an project: to take responsibility for a renovation of the Disco Room. This would involve organizing and taking responsibility for creating a working group to hold the meetings, organizing fundraising efforts (which should be easier as an Omni project, than direct GCEA fundraising), managing volunteer contractors, seeking input from the Omni Community, and ensuring that all legal regulations are followed.
4) The delegates have previously approved that GCEA and BAPS have priority use for the Small Classroom. Recently, some delegates requested that the lock be removed from the Classroom door. GCEA, in conversation with BAPS, propose to convert the small classroom from fully common space to semi-common. We propose to keep the door locked, in order to establish accountable common access to the room, and to keep it secure and clean. However, we seek to make the room available to any group that makes a reasonable request, except when GCEA or BAPS is already using the space. Please note additionally that we encourage that the Ticketbooth room be made more accessible to fully common use as soon as possible.
Thank you delegates for taking the time to consider this proposal. We welcome your thoughts and questions, and hope to be able to return at the next delegates meeting with a m ore formalized and informed proposal.