The Bridge

THE BRIDGE...UNITY COMMUNITY YOUTH COOPERATIVE ProposalA NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONMarion L. Wilkinson- Founder/Director Liz - Assistant Director Miyuki Wood - Assistant DirectorA cooperative space that embraces youth and young adults of all kinds to congregate, interact , participate and have a voice in the operation of the center, with emphasis on a proactive approach to a sense of self by way of community service, and the arts. An alternative place for young adults who don't care for the bar scene.Mission StatementTo provide the youth and young adults of our community a safe, drug , alcohol and violence free, stimulating environment to congregate, express themselves through mediums such as music, writing, theater, film, and give them an opportunity to take part in the shaping and direction of the growing community that will be their legacy. We will provide a bridge to eliminate the gap between young, old, cultural and social differences by working together through unity, tolerance, and the understanding that although we may be different in some respects, we are all beings residing in the same world and should all be treated with Respect. Our differences are what make us unique and oftentimes...we are not as different as we initially think.Location (proposed)Downtown Phoenix. This facility will enhance the Arts District and alleviate some of the congestion from the galleries and businesses already in existence in the neighborhood and downtown area. The Bridge will host art openings, film screenings, poetry readings etc. from its participants . We will work with the Arts District to coordinate events so that the neighborhood and its businesses continue to thrive and grow.The facility will be low impact "green" using and existing building . Off the Grid or passive solar electricity, solar cooling/heating, solar tubes for natural light, water harvesting, well insulated. An existing building, recycled building materials and furnishings will be used as much as possible.The FacilityMedia room: for movie nights, film screenings, poetry readings, guest lecturers....Music/Venue Room: For local musicians to rehearse, jam and network and mentor other locals, and a venue for shows. Touring musicians will be invited to give workshops and network with aspiring musicians. Benefit shows.Working Artist studio: Showings of art in all mediums providing young artists a venue. Working artists from the community will be invited to mentor or give classes.Library/Computer room: providing a space for study, reading. Poetry readings, plays, guest lecturers. Local writers, playwrights, actors, will be invited to give workshops, lectures.Game Room: Billiards, Ping Pong, Chess, Backgammon, board games.Empty Room!!: For paint ball, water fights..."Lunchroom": For meals, snacks. Sharing will be encouraged, but lockers will be available for those who want a 'stash' of snacks or drink. Microwaves, Refrigerators, Washer and Dryer (no cooking ) Vending Machines, Purified water.Office space: Bookkeeping, etc.Information Space: a wall where postings can be made for citizens that need assistance of, social service information, parents or other individuals would would be willing to house a teen temporarily , families in need, take meals to elderly , tutor or mentor a peer, or trade tutoring for guitar lessons! The Bridge will not intially be able to provide social services themselves, but will be available for direction from either the particpating parents or peers . I will be contacting all local social services to provide a list of those who wish to be available in both the private & community run sector .Outdoor Patio: Picnic tables etc. for those wishing to congregate outside, and for events. A vegetable garden has also been requested.Interiors will be designed and executed by participants.Possible projects/workshops: conflict resolution, cpr, stress management, Habitat for HumanityOperationsThis is our center. We make and enforce our rules and goals! As Director, my list of rules is brief but firm. RESPECT for all ( not only at the center, but our neighbors as well) no violence of any kind, no weapons, drugs or alcohol. These are vital to the success of our center and our role in the community.A rotating core group of particpating youth and parents will meet (TBD) on a regular basis, along with Directors, to set schedules, plan events etc. Youth, parents and all others participating will be asked to give some time monthly to the operations of the center. They will make schedules, organize the daily cleanup, plan events. We will meet and work with community leaders , business owners, and protection agencies occasionally to discuss projects or matters concerning our center or our community. IE: Those who are able can volunteer to pick up or drop off those that don't have transportation. In other words, this is our center, and a cooperative. We will all have to work to make it work! One of the Directors will be on site at all times during hours of operation. (TBD) Suggested hours of operation are: Summer, Noon to Midnight, Winter, 7 PM to Midnight, depending on what functions may be taking place. Monday through Saturday.