About Us

Seomra Spraoi is a collective that came together in 2004 to set up a radical social centre in Dublin. This idea is an attempt to rebuild some of the things that have been lost to us in the modern world: the sense of community, an atmosphere of tolerance and respect, a safe and secure environment and a non-commercial space for political, arts, cultural, community and other events. It’s a space where you don't feel like you need to buy a cup of over-priced coffee just to sit and relax for a while.

What is a social centre?

This is a gathering space without a profit motive. It can be a focal point for social movements, and a resource centre for people who are trying to make the world a better place. Seomra Spraoi hosts campaigning groups, and facilitates art and music. It is a centre for debate and the exchange of ideas. In a society where people are increasingly isolated and exploited, it can be a space of creativity and a hub of positive resistance. It is a point of contact for anyone interested in reclaiming the ability to shape our society.

Lots of people have got involved in the project in various ways. The spaces we have rented or borrowed in the city centre since 2005 have been used for numerous and diverse activities: meeting space, drop-in centre, cinema, café, music venue, kindergarten, library, crafts workshop, information and resource centre with wireless internet access, arts centre, bicycle repair workshop...

How is the centre run?

The Seomra Spraoi social centre is an autonomous space. This means that decisions are only be made by the people who are involved in the centre – it is independent of any business, church, local authority or political party. The centre is organised on the basis of libertarian principles. Eh? Simply put, this means that everyone involved in organising the space has an equal voice in deciding how it is run. People give their time and energy on a voluntary basis. Decisions are made through discussion and consensus. The centre is a model of participatory democracy.

There is no leadership or executive committee – this initiative is being organised by a collective of different people with different backgrounds and interests, working together in co-operation with a common purpose. We want to reclaim our lives and dignity, which have been degraded by a society based on inequality and corruption. We also want to put a bit of life back into the city.

Aims

To create self-managed, autonomous social spaces in Dublin, the purposes for which are to:

• Provide safe, positive space, enabling people to be informed about and empowered through engagement in struggles for a more just, equitable & sustainable society.

• Provide resources for, and facilitate the needs of activists and campaign groups, enabling them to meet, discuss, plan, create links, recuperate, strengthen, consolidate, re-energise, and develop new ideas.
• Provide an environment in which people can access, create, play and enjoy, music, art, theatre, film, poetry, etc; exploring and integrating ideas of creativity with activism.
• Demonstrate and promote viable alternatives to the profit-making, hierarchical power structures and social relations of capitalism - based on grassroots direct democracy, co-operation, consensus, non-profit, social justice and  environmental sustainability.
• To promote and support people having democratic control of their lives and the world around them, their workplace, communities etc.

Principles

Autonomy and self-management
Seomra Spraoi aims to run independently of local authority, government, church,  business, or other controlling body. It is managed collectively by the people who use it.

Openness and inclusion
Seomra Spraoi seeks to be open and inclusive, providing a space that is welcoming to everyone irrespective of age, race, ethnic background, gender, class, sexuality and ability. We encourage - and aim to provide equal access to -  participation in Seomra Spraoi.

Horizontal (non-hierarchical) organising
Seomra Spraoi believes in organising without leaders or bosses, and in everyone having an equal say. When power is shared equally in a group, it can be more effective and sustainable - as well as empowering - for all involved.

Collective decision making
We reach decisions by consensus, as far as practically possible. Consensus decision-making is about trying to find common ground and solutions that are acceptable to all. This attempts to ensure that everyone's opinions, ideas and concerns in Seomra Spraoi are taken into account.

Co-operation and mutual aid
In a world dominated by competition and conflict, we believe that working together, sharing knowledge, skills and resources, and helping each other out builds strong communities and networks of support and friendship.

Not for profit
Seomra Spraoi is a not for-profit collective. Fixed bikes, food and drinks, information, books, internet access and meeting space are available either for free or in return for  donations. We strive to make our activities genuinely affordable  - and accessible - to all.

Environmental Sustainability
In an effort to minimise the ecological damage we cause, Seomra Spraoi tries to reuse/recycle as much as possible. From reused furniture, bike and computer parts to recycling our rubbish, an ecologically sustainable outlook is fundamental to Seomra Spraoi.

 Safer Space Policy

To create a balanced environment in which people feel at ease. We believe that everyone within the space should feel empowered to challenge aggressive and oppressive behaviours. Your actions have an effect on the collective environment and others around you. We ask that everyone reads and adheres to the following:

Prejudicial behaviour will be challenged
This is no space for violence, for being intolerant of someone's religious beliefs or lack thereof, for being sleazy, predatory, racist, ageist, sexist, heterosexist, transphobic, able-bodiest, sizist, or engaging in any other behaviour or language that may perpetuate oppression. This also includes prejudicial behaviour because of someone's social background. We ask that you respect people.

Respect physical and emotional boundaries.
This is no space for touching people without their consent. Be aware that you can't know what people's boundaries are without asking them .What's comfortable for you may not be comfortable for others. Accept emotional responsibility for yourself. Intrusive violations are unacceptable, i.e. asking inappropriate personal questions; touching someone inappropriately; attempting to control how someone thinks, believes, or feels.

Seomra Spraoi does not tolerate behaviour which breaches this policy
We believe challenging aggressive and offensive behaviour is the responsibility of all those who use the space. Be responsible for your own well-being, and be aware of the well-being of those around you. If you or someone around you is having their well-being compromised and you need help or support, go to a Seomra Spraoi worker. If you witness aggressive or offensive conduct between others, go to a Seomra Spraoi worker. We can be identified by caps and/or badges saying 'Seomra Spraoi'. If you feel uncomfortable or need assistance in any way don't hesitate to ask us.

Any individual or group engaging in violent or threatening behaviour - including sexual violence and harassment - will automatically be excluding themselves. Seomra Spraoi workers will ask them to leave for violating this policy