Instructions

Culture House Virta is a community that is made up of all the participants that take part in its activities. In the culture house, we focus on enjoyable and creative activities, mental resources, and strengths. 

At the culture house, as well as in its online activities, we act according to the following instructions: (The original instructions were updated 14th March 2023 according to the decisions of the community meeting and to remove any existing contradictions.)

1. We accept everyone

• The culture house is a discrimination free zone. We respect everyone the way they are and everyone is equally valuable.
• Do not discriminate against or embarrass anyone by the way you talk about them or how you act towards them.

2.  We work together

• No one is left out of the group. We ask everyone to come and join the common activities and discussions. We make sure that everyone is heard and gets to participate in the discussions. 
• We plan and create the activities together.

3. We are polite to each other

• Every person deserves to be seen. We greet everyone who comes to the culture house and say bye when they leave. We help each other. We discuss things in a constructive way, listen to each other, and let everyone speak in their turn. We do not dismiss or overpower others’ opinions, nor do we moralise them. 
• Everyone has a right to decide the relationships they have in their free time. If you ask someone to be your friend outside of the culture house, please understand that the answer may not always be yes.

4. We value diversity

• Every person is a unique individual. We do not make assumptions about other people’s gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, or worldview. We do not accept any kind of hate speech toward any demographic.

5. Participation at Virta is confidential

• Do not discuss other participants’ matters with outsiders. Do not tell others who are participants at Virta without their permission.

6. All activities are voluntary

• Everyone’s energy levels and daily functioning vary. Everyone has a right to participate in the activities according to their present ability. No one is obligated to explain their mood or ability to others.

7. We respect everyone’s personal physical and mental space

• Any kind of harassment or bullying is forbidden. Do not touch another person or photograph them without their permission. Do not pry about things the other person does not want to talk about.

8. Virta is a substance-free and sober space

• Please come to the culture house only when you are completely sober. We do not glorify substance abuse nor do we encourage others to take part in it.

9. We take care of Virta’s spaces together

• Everyone is responsible for the cleanliness of the culture house. Clean up after yourself. Put the dishes in the dishwasher. Leave the spaces in a condition where the next participants can start their activities without having to clean up first. 
• If you notice that something needs doing for things to run smoothly at Virta, we appreciate you taking care of it. This includes small chores such as making coffee, bringing more toilet- or hand paper to the kitchen/bathrooms, or putting a new trash bag in a bin.

10. Making mistakes is human

• Any one of us can accidentally insult someone or speak without consideration (for example, use a word that unintentionally insults someone). If this happens, point out the incident tactfully and without blame. If you are the party at fault, apologize if needed and correct your actions.

We are all responsible for upholding a safe space in Virta. In challenging situations, follow these steps: 

1. Resolve the situation as it is taking place if you can. For example, you can ask others to change the subject if the current topic or manner of discussion is burdensome to anyone.
2. If the situation is not resolved or keeps bothering you afterwards, tell a staff member about it. We can figure out a solution together or talk through the situation. 
3. If the matter is not resolved in a one-on-one conversation, we will talk it through together with all those involved.

In addition: If you are struggling or feeling unwell, or you see someone else struggling, always contact a staff member. You can also feel free to ask about anything at any point – and suggest new ideas for the culture house activities!