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THE MR. ROBOTO PROJECT
OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP PACKET
updated 02/06
I . WHAT IS THE MR ROBOTO PROJECT?
The Mr. Roboto Project is a cooperatively-run show space, art gallery
and zine library located in Wilkinsburg (right outside the Pittsburgh
city limits.) Our aim is to create a comfortable and open space for
people to experience a true DIY (do-it-yourself) community.
There exists a unique artistic and activist community which arises out
of Pittsburgh's local punk community. Throughout the years this
community has found various outlets for their expression, but there
were few over which we could claim ownership. Since November of 1999,
The Mr. Roboto Project has been an attempt to create such a space: for
the kids, by the kids.
As a cooperative, the direction that the project takes is up to its
members (see Section II.) Monthly meetings are held where members can
get together to discuss the future of the project (see Section V.)
Members elect a five person Board of Directors who handle the
day-to-day decision making for the Project (see Section IV.)
II - MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the Mr. Roboto Project, there is an initial fee
of $25. This fee consists of a $15 share and a $10 annual fee.
Membership must be renewed every 12 months for an additional $10
annual fee (Lifetime Memberships are also available that don't require
annual renewing, see Section III for details.) Members can cancel
their membership at any time and receive a refund of their $15 share.
The $10 annual fee is non-refundable.
The following are the rights of Roboto members:
[1] Members receive a $1 discount off admission on all
events at the Mr. Roboto Project.
[2] Members receive a vote in electing the Board of
Directors and also in the decision-making process (see
Section V.)
[3] Members may run for a position on the Board of
Directors (see Section IV.)
[4] Members have the ability to rent the Roboto performance space for
shows and other events. Dates are reserved on a first-come,
first-served basis. Members who rent the space agree to abide by
additional responsibilities beyond the general membership
responsibilities (see Section VI.)
The following are the responsibilities of Roboto
members:
[1] Members are expected to respect the other people at Roboto. This
means no violence, harassment (physical or mental), or intimidation.
[2] No smoking inside Roboto.
[3] No drinking or drugs inside or around Roboto.
[3] No drinking or drugs inside or around Roboto.
[4] Clean up after yourself, including throwing away trash, cleaning
mugs, etc. inside Roboto and the areas around Roboto (sidewalk,
parking lot, etc.)
[5] Members are expected to go to reasonable lengths to ensure that
others (members and non-members alike) uphold these guidelines.
Any actions that risk the security or well-being of Roboto can result
in the revocation of membership (without refund.)
III . WHAT IS A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP?
Roboto now offers a lifetime membership. The cost is $100 (current
members can upgrade their membership to a lifetime membership for
$85.) The lifetime membership offers the same rights and privileges
as a standard membership; however, lifetime members never need to
renew their membership or pay annual fees. Lifetime members will also
receive occasional gifts (pins, stickers, mugs, free show passes, or
other such items) in appreciation of their commitment to Roboto.
Also, like standard memberships, the only portion of the membership
that is refundable is the $15 share if you decide to cancel your
membership.
IV . THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The day-to-day operations of Roboto are handled by a five person Board
of Directors who are voted in by the general Roboto membership. Board
members are voted in for one-year terms (see Section V.) The Board
consists of five positions: Schedule Coordinator, Treasurer,
Secretary/Public Relations, Facility Coordinator and Special Events
Coordinator.
The Schedule Coordinator primarily keeps track of the calendar of
events. This person is also involved in some basic website
maintenance (updating the show listings, etc.), creating Roboto
schedule flyers and sending schedule updates to local newspapers and
radio stations.
The Treasurer is responsible for paying the bills, maintaining the
bank account, corresponding with the accountant and other money
related matters.
The Secretary/Public Relations position is responsible for checking
the general information e-mail account, checking phone messages,
sending out weekly updates to our e-mail update list, and other public
relations duties, as well as maintaining the Roboto membership list.
The Facility Coordinator maintains Roboto's physical space. This
includes maintaining a cleaning schedule, taking out the
trash/recyclables, minor repairs, and stocking supplies.
The Special Events Coordinator works with members to encourage,
organize and promote all special events that take place at Roboto,
(including ADD Fest, art and film showings, swap meets, and other
non-concert events), as well as foster a stronger relationship between
Roboto and the community.
All board members are key-holders and as such, are responsible fore
opening and closing the space for events. While the Board members
have initial decision making power, the membership has the power to
overturn all Board decisions (see Section V.)
V . MONTHLY MEETINGS/VOTING
Once a month, Roboto holds a general meeting. These meetings exist
for members and non-members to get together to discuss Roboto-related
policy and events, as well as other community related information
sharing and discussion. All are welcome, members and non-members
alike, although only members may vote.
Members have a chance to vote during the general elections when Board
members are selected and also during the monthly meetings on items
brought to a vote. Board elections go to the candidate receiving the
highest number of votes. Other items voted upon are passed by simple
majority vote.
Any member can bring a motion forth to be voted upon. However, they
must get the support of at least one member of the Board in order for
it to be added to the ballot. Motions must be requested at least two
weeks prior to the monthly meeting for the vote to be added for that
meeting. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they will be
given the opportunity to vote via absentee ballot. The voting period
starts at the monthly meeting and will last for one week following the
meeting to allow for absentee votes.
VI . SHOW PROMOTION/ROBOTO RENTAL
Roboto does not have a central booking agent. Instead, all shows are
booked by individual members of the cooperative. Any member can rent
the space for a show or event. The cost to rent the space is $50 or
25% of the money received at the door, whichever is greater (see the
Benefit Clause below for an exception.)
Rental of the Roboto performance space includes use of the sound
system. Our sound system is a vocals-only PA with up to three
microphones. If anything beyond that is needed (monitors, additional
microphones, etc.), the member must supply it at his/her own cost.
Shows typically start at 7:00pm. During the week (Sun-Thurs), we aim
for shows to end by 10:00pm, though they may run until 10:30pm at the
very latest. Weekend shows (Fri and Sat) must end by 10:30pm. Sunday
shows are limited to special circumstances (see clause below.)
Responsibilities of the promoter/renter include:
[1] The renter is the primary person responsible for ensuring that
everybody is upholding the general guidelines listed in Section II.
[2] Prior to the event, the renter is responsible for flyering and
general promotion of the show. Roboto does do limited promotion via
our website and sends information about upcoming shows to various show
listings (newsweeklies, radio stations, etc.) Roboto requests that a
copy of all show flyers and handbills be dropped off at the space at
least two weeks in advance of the event to ensure the material is
appropriate.
[3] The renter is responsible for working the door (or finding someone
to do so) and bringing adequate change (Roboto does not keep change on
hand.)
[4] The renter must remain on the premises for the duration of the
event.
[5] The renter is responsible for a reasonable cleaning after the
event. This includes picking up any trash, cleaning mugs and the
coffee maker, and ensuring that all recyclables are dumped of their
contents and put in the proper receptacle. Also, the renter should
check for trash around the storefront, on the sidewalk outside and in
the parking lot across the street.
[6] Renter is responsible for any damage to the sound system incurred
during the rental.
[7] Renter is responsible for supplying or coordinating housing for
traveling performers.
[8] Renter is responsible for any contracts with performers. Roboto
does not get involved with guarantees, riders or other contracts with
performers. Any promises between the promoter and the performers
remains between them.
Failure to uphold these responsibilities could result in a revocation
of the right to rent the space, or in extreme cases, the renter's
membership.
A Note on Acceptable Performance and Promotional Material Ð The Mr.
Roboto Project reserves the right to deny any performance based on the
material to be performed. Although we support a performer's right to
freedom of speech, we also value each individual's right to feel safe
within the Roboto community. Therefore, performers with sexist,
racist, or homophobic material, or material that otherwise disrespects
or threatens individuals, may be denied the chance to perform at
Roboto. Likewise, use of any sexist, racist, homophobic or otherwise
questionable material on items used to promote a Roboto event,
(including flyers, handbills, websites, etc.) is expressly prohibited
by the Mr. Roboto Project. Also, members are prohibited from defacing
or vandalizing public property with any Roboto related promotional
materials, including but not limited to wheat pasting or permanently
affixing any flyer to any public property. Any cases involving
questionable performance or promotional materials will be handled on a
case by case basis by the Board of Directors.
BENEFIT SHOW CLAUSE Ð In order to better serve organizations in need,
Roboto has been asked to decrease the cost of doing benefit shows.
Roboto has recognized this request as fiscally possible for ourselves,
but has created several guidelines to avoid abuse of the benefit show
clause. These guidelines follow below:
[1] Qualifying benefit shows will pay a flat fee of $25 for the rental
of Roboto.
[2] Only one show per month will receive this reduced rate. Benefits
would be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
[3] The beneficiary of the benefit show is subject to review by the
Board of Directors. One of the main criteria is that beneficiaries
should be community-based (i.e. the promoter should not be the primary
or a major recipient of the benefit.)
SUNDAY MATINEE SHOW CLAUSE Ð Shows may occur on Sundays but are
limited to one per month on a first-come, first-served basis, provided
that a board member is available on the requested date. Shows must
begin no earlier than 4 pm and end no later than 9 pm. Exceptions for
international acts on additional Sundays will be made on a
case-by-case basis by the current board of directors.
The Mr. Roboto Project
722 Wood Street Ð Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
412.247.9639
www.therobotoproject.org
general inquiries: info@therobotoproject.org
booking: booking@therobotoproject.org
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