Making Shared Spaces Work:The Science & Magic

Sharing for Social Change, Toronto, June 18, 2008

Ken Coulter, Community Quality Improvement

Eli Malinsky, Centre for Social Innovation

Part 1: Getting Started (Ken)

A. Structuring the Deal

Different sales pitch for different players

Who’s on First? Order of approach for the steering committee/board

Avoid Analysis Paralysis –a good plan needs to be converted to action

Part 1: Getting Started (Ken)

B. Site Selection

Beware of NIMBYs

Dreams versus reality – what you want and what you get can be different

Activities help determine location

Part 1: Getting Started (Ken)

C. Skills & Experience

Staff leadership and team CEO Finances Programming Public Relations

Refer to Steering Committee and Board check list

Reflections (Eli)

Part 1: Getting Started (Eli)

A. Structuring the Deal

Third party operator

Thorough and sound projections

Seek multiple sources of funding and financing

Part 1: Getting Started (Eli)

B. Site Selection

The Basics

Landlord

History & Spirit

Light & Aesthetics

Part 1: Getting Started (Eli)

C. Skills & Experience

Leadership & vision

Business & management

Customer service & sales

Reflections (Ken)

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Eli)A. Design

Design equally for community and the bottom line

Transparency

Unstructured (inviting) space

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Eli)B. Tenant Recruitment & Selection

Information sessions

Select on vision

Don’t sell office space

Enthusiastic neighbours

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Eli)C. Shared Services

The Formula

Start simple

Tread carefully with technology

Reflections (Ken)

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Ken)A. Design

Green

Tenant participation in design

Activities – admin versus program

Storage storage storage

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Ken)B. Tenant Recruitment & Selection

Part 2: Getting off the Ground (Ken)C. Shared Services

Multifunctional space

Office services/bulk purchasing agreements

Communication networks

Consulting services

Reflections (Eli)

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Ken)A. Community Animation

MBWA

Upkeep and maintenance – aesthetic and functional appeal

Stimulate social engagement

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Ken)B. Community Connections & Impact

Model for collaboration

Catalyst for re-development

Connect all segments of society – rich and poor, business and charity

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Ken)C. Sustainability

Sharing the risk among partners

Innovative approaches to legal structure

Diversity of tenants

Reflections (Eli)

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Eli)

A. Community Animation

Dedicated attention

Physical, social and virtual

Enable (don’t force) participation

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Eli)

B. Community Connections & Impact

Create a brand and brand experience

Event spaces serve multiple purposes

Partner partner partner (deliver deliver deliver)

Part 3: Keeping it Going (Eli)

C. Sustainability

Different spaces for different needs

From work space to platform

Small & diverse

Reflections (Ken)

Questions?