Dance Jam Statement of Purpose
Second Draft, Dated April 3, 2000
Some comments in italics where included in italics as questions in the draft

Dance Jam is a community drawn together by a shared delight in dance and an event where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can express themselves through movement to music. We offer an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship and trust and we guide our freedom of expression by a committed respect for the physical and psychological safety of all Dance Jam participants. (Should children be mentioned explicitly?)

Our Community

The Dance Jam community consists of people who participate in any Dance Jam event. We value the diversity of our community and welcome people of all cultures and backgrounds. We are a non-profit, volunteer-run cooperative, offering equal voice and governing power to each member. Dance Jam announces and convenes open community meetings at regular intervals. (what level of experience will be required to participate in the decisions?) In our meetings, we encourage the expression of a variety of viewpoints and concerns. Through the process of Formal Consensus we strive to take into account and resolve each concern. We actively invite people to accept various officer roles and functions and to be responsible for the ongoing organizing activities. They are supported by the efforts of other volunteers who help produce each Dance Jam event.

The Dance Event

The primary purpose of Dance Jam is to hold a regular dance event and provide a safe, affordable place for people to dance to music with a variety of tempos and styles in a casual and informal atmosphere. We want people to have a good time – to laugh, play and socialize with each other in a supportive environment. We have a tradition of dancing barefoot and, for the safety of those that choose to do so, we ask that people dance barefoot or wear light supportive footwear. To foster a clean, respectful and safe environment, we do not allow smoking, alcohol or other drug use on the premises. As part of our efforts to build community, we provide a forum or circle at each Dance Jam event for the active exchange of information among the participants.

Legal Structure

Dance Jam is incorporated as a non-profit community service and educational organization whose charter is to promote dance activities and to educate the community about the value of dance. The corporation will be empowered to deal with contractual and legal concerns and provides continuity and security to Dance Jam’s activities and resources.

Our Relation to the World

We believe we can foster a more just society and a better environment. To this end, Dance Jam may sponsor events to help support other community organizations and assist in promoting other similar dances. We value dance and community in the celebration of our lives and endeavor to share and promote this vision in our world.