RULES FOR THE USE OF AKC Gnezdo

RULES FOR THE USE OF AKC Gnezdo

1. AKC Gnezdo is a space intended for culture, art, and social life, with special attention focused on young people.

2. The work of AKC “Gnezdo” (hereinafter referred to as “Gnezdo”) is based on the values of solidarity, togetherness, equality, openness, responsibility, transparency, innovation, creativity, and partnership.

3. The governing body of Gnezdo is the Assembly of Gnezdo Users, consisting of all its members. The Assembly meets once a year to adopt the work plan and program, review and approve the financial plan and report, decide on membership admission and termination, decide on amendments to the rules, and address other matters of importance. Decisions are made by voting, with a two-thirds majority.

• The decision on admission to Gnezdo membership is made by the Assembly after the applicant has shown initiative, and the applicant is informed without delay.

• A member may withdraw from membership by submitting a written statement of withdrawal.

• The decision on termination of membership is made by the Assembly.

• A member must be given the opportunity to explain the reasons regarding the proposal for termination of their membership in Gnezdo.

1. Membership in Gnezdo consists of two main categories of users of AKC Gnezdo: permanent users and regular users.

Permanent users are organizations and individuals bound by contractual obligations for the use of Gnezdo’s space, making them legally responsible for its functioning.

Regular users are organizations and individuals connected to Gnezdo through the implementation of their own cultural, artistic, social, and youth programs, and who have been accepted as regular users by consensus of the Gnezdo Assembly.

A regular user participates equally with other members in the work and maintenance of Gnezdo, attends meetings, participates in decision-making at the Assembly, and has the right to be fully and timely informed about the work and activities of Gnezdo.

A regular user may become a permanent user by taking on part of the contractual obligations toward the owner of the building, FK Borac from Bivolje.

1. Membership in Gnezdo is not limited by time or mandate and is open to new users who meet the criteria of being non-profit civil society organizations or individuals engaged in cultural and artistic creation and/or social action, whose programs are intended for the development and strengthening of the capacities of civil society organizations, informal groups, individuals, and other entities in the fields of culture, education, youth, human rights, social issues, urban development, ecology, and environmental protection, and who wish to actively participate in the work and contribute to the development of Gnezdo, accept the conditions of use and maintenance of the space, and act in accordance with Gnezdo’s values. Membership of new members is confirmed by the Assembly of Gnezdo Users.

2. The purpose of Gnezdo’s work is to establish and develop joint action aimed at the survival and long-term sustainability of civil society organizations working in the fields of contemporary cultural, artistic, and creative production, youth policies, and social activism; and to advocate for free space for the possibilities and perspectives of cultural, artistic, and social action. Although primarily oriented toward the independent and informal scene, Gnezdo is also open to cooperation with institutions (educational, cultural, health, environmental protection).

3. Gnezdo’s program activities include:

• maintaining the continuity and quality of member organizations’ programs;

• encouraging program cooperation and co-productions between member organizations;

• implementing joint program activities of Gnezdo member organizations;

• organizing and carrying out joint events such as festivals and similar activities;

• independent and/or joint production and exchange with actors of the independent cultural scene at the local, regional, and international level.

Gnezdo’s organizational activities include:

• contributing to the creation of sustainable conditions for the work and development of Gnezdo member organizations;

• encouraging the inclusion of new organizations and individuals in the work and activities of Gnezdo;

• providing spatial and technical conditions for the implementation of programs in Gnezdo’s premises;

• a designed and directed media and communication plan;

• joint work on the development of organizational capacities of Gnezdo members.

Gnezdo’s management activities refer to:

• defining internal decision-making methods, working bodies, and the general functioning of Gnezdo;

• defining the methods and schedule for the use of AKC Gnezdo space;

• nurturing mutual relations within Gnezdo;

• articulating relations and joint action toward external partners and actors; and

• drafting and further adapting the rules for the use of Gnezdo space.

1. Gnezdo members organize public calls for proposing activities in Gnezdo, according to program priorities, space availability, and other resources, and decide on them at regular monthly meetings by applying the criteria listed below.

Proposers of activities work on the preparation and implementation of activities in all aspects and parts of production and promotion. Their obligation is to consult with the space coordinator and, if the program is carried out during winter months, allocate part of the funds for heating and participate in heating the space.

1. Criteria considered for the use of time slots, space, and equipment:

Basic criteria:

• priority is given to projects and programs that are public, open, and accessible;

• submitted projects and programs promote pluralism, dialogue, mutuality, and other forms of social, cultural, and artistic action;

• submitted projects and programs contribute to the improvement and development of existing activities in Gnezdo space.

Specific criteria (applications must meet at least two specific criteria):

• a high level of inclusiveness and relationship with the community;

• contribution to the development of democratic public policies, empowerment, and encouragement of active citizenship;

• encouraging and developing international cooperation in Gnezdo;

• significant contribution to the development of program participants and audiences.

1. Prohibited behavior and programs:

Discrimination – direct or indirect personal discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation, financial status, lifestyle, age, disability, political orientation, or health condition.

Harassment – inappropriate behavior toward other members and visitors: physical and verbal attacks, intimidation, creating unpleasant working conditions.

Religious programs – Gnezdo resources may not be used for religious programs and gatherings organized by associations or other entities whose primary orientation is religious in nature, or which advocate for a specific religion.

Political parties – Gnezdo may not be used by political parties, nor by any organization for programs promoting a political party.

1. It is also possible to use the space during other free time slots by contacting Gnezdo via email at akc.gnezdo@gmail.com or by arranging a meeting with the Gnezdo coordinator to attend the monthly meeting and present a proposal in person.

2. Every new organization that joins the use of AKC Gnezdo space is obliged to accept these rules and may further propose amendments and additions, which are considered by the Gnezdo Assembly at its regular annual session.