Who can have a social at the Democracy Center?
All events that run after 11pm are considered socials. The Democracy Center is a great space to have functions, but we ask that the host organization be in line with our mission statement and/or the event is somehow connected to our purpose. The space is not available for parties or for large parties without a link to our mission statement.
How much does it cost to have a party at the Center?
We have a flat party fee of $200 plus a $300 fee for our in-house safety team . A fully refundable security deposit is required for all parties, the amount is determined on a case by case basis.What about concerts?
Please email papercut@riseup.net for more information about concerts at the Center, or if you plan to have live music at your event.
How do I apply to have a social at the Center?
Fill out the room reservation request form and contract as you would for any other event. You must upload your reservation request form at least two weeks in advance of the date you would like to use the space, and two organizers of your event must schedule a time to meet with a Center staff member prior to your event.
Can I serve food and drinks at the Center?
Food and non-alcoholic drinks can be served, but there is absolutely NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED. We do not have a license to serve alcohol and would get in serious trouble for an alcohol violation. That means no one serving alcohol and no one drinking alcohol in or around the Center. The building is also non-smoking. A violation of our alcohol policy is a violation of Massachusetts state law. If a student group violates our drug and alcohol policy, we will notify the appropriate university's Dean of Students.
Can I serve alcohol if everyone at the event is over 21?
NO. There are no circumstances under which it would be acceptable to have alcohol at a function at the Center.
Can we bring our security team?
The Center's Security Team knows the building and the mission of our organization very well, thus only our security team is allowed for parties and socials.
Why do I have to give a deposit?
We require a deposit for parties and nighttime events to make sure that our space is taken care of and that groups clean up after themselves. We may keep part or all of a deposit if the drug/alcohol policy has been violated, if there is damage to the space, if the space was not adequately cleaned, or if our staff decides that the space was otherwise improperly treated. We will keep $10 of the deposit for each piece of furniture not moved back into place .
Failure to respect any of our policies--including (but not limited to) failure to schedule a meeting with a staff member, failure to pay before the event, promotion of drug/alcohol use at the party--will result in a cancellation of your event.
We want to keep the Center up and running to be used by many different community groups as a meeting place, and we are working on making the Center a resource for student activism. Groups that damage the building, serve alcohol, or otherwise do not adhere to the building rules will no longer be welcome to reserve space.