jarandhel

via http://jarandhel.tumblr.com/post/22130111731:

This, therefore, is a faded dream of the time when I went down into the dust and noise of the Eastern market-place, and with my brain and muscles, with sweat and constant thinking, made others see my visions coming true. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, and make it possible.
-Thomas Edward Lawrence, “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”

So, you’d like to make an otherkin community center, shelter, or “safe space” of some sort.  That’s your dream.  Ok, now, what would it take to actually make that happen?

Assuming people are serious about this idea, it’d be a good idea to start by looking at existing community centers, youth programs, shelters, etc.  There are a number of guides to starting them available online:

http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/publications/guide-to-starting-and-managing-a-youth-program

http://money.howstuffworks.com/how-to-start-youth-center.htm

http://www.thespotdenver.org/starting_a_youth_center/12_strategies.html

http://www.fatstupidugly.com/faq.html

http://www.zakat.org/resources/entry/how_to_start_a_homeless_shelter/

http://money.howstuffworks.com/how-to-start-homeless-shelter.htm

There are probably more, this is just a sampling to help get you started.  You’re also going to have to take into account the differences between the otherkin community and a general-use center.  Many such organizations are supported largely by grants, corporate donations, and major gifts from individual donors.  It’s unlikely that an otherkin organization will be able to count on these sources of income.  So you’re going to have to come up with a revenue model which can support your center.

I just got back from the Beltane festival at Four Quarters Interfaith Sanctuary.  They’ve done an amazing job with their own funds, just managing to pay off a 12 year mortgage in 7 years.  And they’ve never been able to support themselves with member dues or donations.  Instead, they have members who are tasked with creating businesses, from mead-making to an engineering consultancy and machine shop, which can generate revenue which goes to support the church.  Something similar might be a good way to support the community center if you’re serious about it.

 Reminder: Weekly #otherkin chat starting at 7pm EST, irc://irc.mibbit.net/dreamhart Webclient here: http://ow.ly/9xCi4