At RCFL, we radically invest in social capital convening by offering a ‘third place’ space to gather called the Living Room. Dr. Ray Oldenburg describes ‘third places’ as, “the heart of a community’s social vitality and the foundation of a functioning democracy. They promote social equality by leveling the status of guests, provide a setting for grassroots politics, create habits of public association, and offer psychological support to individuals and communities.”

The Living Room has emerged as a safe space to have a cup of coffee, visit with neighbors, and convene around common interests and activities. It is a supportive place for community members to use computers for résumé creation, job seeking, finding housing, building basic computer skills and accessing educational opportunities.

In the Living Room, we empower groups to form by neighbors, for neighbors. One such group has been the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club where recent discussions have been how Africans and African Americans can understand each other better, how to confront the drug dealers, how to collectively mentor the young men on the street and how to support local businesses.

To learn more about programs in the Living Room, visit our adult programs page.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Location: 1716 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Hours: Wednesday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Other hours for programs/events/clubs
Direct Phone: 612-377-5385

Living Room neighbors share their experiences:

“This is a place where I feel totally accepted. I don’t have to put on a mask to be here.” “We talk about things that are most important to our lives.”
“People share from their heart and make it safe to share from yours.”
“The Living Room is a very rare place that welcomes and accepts everyone, no matter who they are or what religion, race or political party they are from.”

If you would like to book the Living Room for your event, please call Babette Chatman , Director of Facilities, at 612-374-4139.