The Peoples Solidarity Hub

The People's Solidarity Hub - Durham stands as a dynamic and multifaceted resource designed to empower movement organizations and foster community resilience. Conceived in the Winter of 2020, the team collaborated with architect Mark Barron, staff, an advisory council, and community input to map out what has become an epic shared community center. This comprehensive hub provides an array of essential equipment, supplies, and physical spaces, catering to everything from intimate organizing meetings to impactful political events and large-scale social demonstrations.

At its core, the Hub functions as a vital support system for grassroots initiatives and individuals striving to build collective power. Through carefully designed convenings, strategic planning sessions, and popular education offerings, it cultivates an environment where collaboration thrives. The availability of a robust media library and a comprehensive physical assets system further solidifies its role as a central point for activism and social change.

One of the cornerstones of the Hub's offerings is its extensive lending library. Brimming with a diverse collection of radical literature, this library provides invaluable intellectual resources for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of social justice, history, theory, and movement strategies.

The complete list of available titles can be perused at their dedicated Airtable link. This lending library exemplifies a "Library of Things" model, extending beyond just books to encompass tangible tools and resources that people can borrow, thus reducing barriers to participation and promoting resource sharing within the community.

Beyond its literary wealth, the Hub boasts an impressive array of physical facilities and assets tailored to the practical needs of movement building:

• Physical Event Space: This versatile area is ideal for a wide range of activities, including pop-education workshops, engaging game nights, critical political education sessions, practical grassroots organizing trainings, and workshops focused on resiliency practices. It also serves as a crucial space for coordinating mutual aid efforts and emergency relief operations, offering a safe and equipped location for community response during times of need.
• Sound and Production Equipment: Recognizing the importance of clear communication at public gatherings, the Hub provides PA and sound equipment for rent, specifically designed for social actions. Additionally, they offer supplies and dedicated space for creative expression through screen printing and poster making, enabling organizations to produce impactful visual materials for their campaigns.
• Audiovisual Capabilities: For educational or community-building purposes, the Hub is equipped with space and equipment for small film screenings, allowing for the sharing of documentaries, educational films, and other visual content pertinent to social movements.
• Nurturing Environment: A dedicated childcare room is a thoughtful inclusion, acknowledging and honoring the young people involved in movements and supporting their caretakers by providing a safe and engaging space for children during meetings and events.
• Sustenance Support: A well-equipped kitchen is available for preparing, storing, and delivering sustenance, ensuring that activists and organizers are fueled and sustained during their crucial work.
• Art and Creative Expression: Dedicated materials and space for art and banner/sign making empower groups to visually articulate their messages and demands, adding a powerful dimension to their demonstrations and actions.
• Essential Office Services: The Hub also provides practical assets like low-cost or free printing and faxing services, addressing common logistical needs for community groups.

Accessibility is a core principle deeply embedded in the Hub's design and operations. The building features accessible parking, entrances, and bathrooms, ensuring that the space is welcoming and usable for individuals with diverse mobility needs. A back deck offers an alternative for outdoor and socially distanced small gatherings and work sessions, providing flexibility in how groups can interact. Furthermore, advanced infrastructure such as a radio and communications tower enhances connectivity, while high HVAC filtration and fresh air systems prioritize a healthy indoor environment. The energy-efficient building design not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also reflects a commitment to reducing the Hub's climate impact, aligning with broader movements for environmental justice.

In essence, The People's Solidarity Hub - Durham is more than just a building; it is a meticulously designed ecosystem of resources, spaces, and support mechanisms, all dedicated to empowering and sustaining the vital work of grassroots movements and fostering a more just and equitable society. Its comprehensive offerings, from its radical lending library to its event spaces and production capabilities, make it an invaluable asset for community organizing.