Free Skool Santa Cruz 2024 session information available now! A radically different approach to living and learning, Free Skool Santa Cruz is a grassroots educational project beyond institutional control. It is an opportunity to learn from each other and share what we know, to foster communities of mutual support and autonomy.
Links to website page with list of classes https://freeskoolsantacruz.wordpress.com/2024-fssc-list-of-classes-so-far/ and google calendar class information – https://freeskoolsantacruz.wordpress.com/free-skool-calendar/ and info at https://www.instagram.com/freeskoolsantacruz
In early August, we will open process for additional classes through autumn equinox. Please email questions to: freeskoolsantacruz@gmail.com
Here are 7 Classes through June!
-Bicycle Frame Bag Workshop – Sunday, June 23rd / 4 – 7pm with Kelly Archer (thebikechurch@gmail.com)
Description: Learn how to sew your own bicycle frame bag! Experienced biker-sewers will provide a pattern, instruction, and assistance as you sew your own custom frame bag. BYO-bike. Limited to 6 people max for sewing machine station (first come first serve for station, others can watch instruction). All materials will be provided. Donations welcome, but not required. Brought to you by The Fabrica and The Bike Church.
Location: The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Requirements: a bike with space for a frame bag (e.g., no rear suspension), and experience with a sewing machine (visit Fabrica open hours on Saturday before event for intro).
Accessibility: Masks required at The Fabrica. Wheelchair accessible.
-Soupshare – Tuesday, June 25th / 3:30pm with Angela & pals(https://www.instagram.com/froggy.doll)
Location: SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA – aka Goth Denny’s aka Post-Punk IHOP aka New Wave Jeffrey’s aka Folk Punk Bea’s Koffee Kup
Description: Let’s build systems of interdependence and community! Come hangout at this potluck and share food together. Don’t feel like you have to bring anything though! Solidarity is not transactional. Outdoor and indoor space available with lots of seating options.
-WTF! (women, trans, femme) Bike Days – Every Tuesday / 5 – 8pm with WTF Bike Church mechanics (thebikechurch@gmail.com)
Location: The Bike Church, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Description: We will be open to anyone identifying as female, trans, femme, non-binary and gender-queer ❤ if you do not identify as any of the above, come by the shop a different day!
Note: The Bike Church is a community bicycle shop and tool collective where people can learn to repair their bicycles with the help of knowledgeable mechanics. https://bikechurch.santacruzhub.org/
-Intro to Bikes! – Wednesdays, June 26th & July 31st & August 28th / 6 – 8pm with with Kelly Archer (thebikechurch@gmail.com)
Location: The Bike Church, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Description: Come learn about basic bike mechanics and maintenance! We will go over the fundamental systems of a bicycle (e.g., wheels, drive train, brakes) and practice basic repairs. Facilitators will tailor the session based on the interests of who shows up, so bring questions, or even better, your bike!
Note: wheelchair accessible, mask optional.
-Hand Stitch Club – Friday, June 28th / 3 – 5pm AND Monday, July 15th / 5 – 7pm with Elaina (https://www.instagram.com/the_fabrica_)
Location: The Fábrica, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Description: Hand Stitch Club! Social stitching circle for mending, hand quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc. bring your own project or find supplies at the shop.
Accessibility: there are no stairs at the Hub, but there are some small bumps at doorways. The doorways aren’t extremely wide, but do accommodate many wheelchairs. There is a restroom with grab bars. The shop has plenty of seating. The closest bus stops are Front & Spruce (2 blocks) and Laurel & Center (4 blocks), or about 0.5 miles from the Metro Center at Front & Soquel. Masking optional, masks provided.
-Aulinta: An Introduction to a Critical Utopia – Saturday, June 29th / 11am – 1pm AND Monday, July 8th / 6pm with Blaize Wilkinson (stblaize@gmail.com)
Location: SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Description: The Aulinta Project is a multi-year social art practice, involving over 100 contributors. The project posits an alternate-present timeline, where decisions made in the 1970s have resulted in a nearly-post-scarcity, more decolonial, and more liberating world. This event will have the project founder, Blaize Wilkinson, give an introduction to the project, its history, its current status, its goals, and its future. Audience participation in the questions of goals and future will be solicited. Both past, current, and future participants are welcome and there will probably be something for nearly everyone?
Note: This event will take place inside. Masks are encouraged.
-Solidarity in Resistance: The Palestinian, Armenian, and Kurdish Struggles Against Genocide – Sunday June 30th / 3 – 5pm with Rojava Solidarity Santa Cruz (https://www.instagram.com/rojavasc)
Location: SubRosa Courtyard, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Description: In this discussion we will explore the interconnected struggles and shared histories of these marginalized groups facing oppression and conflict. Bring your questions and curiosity as we aim to deepen our understanding of the geopolitical forces at play and the resilience of the Palestinian, Kurdish, and Armenian communities. Together, we will gain a better understanding of the current historical situation and strategize ways to amplify their voices and support their fight for justice and human rights.
***Members of the SubRosa collective are involved in this revived and not entirely new, not all too different version of Free Skool Santa Cruz – a project in mutual aid learning and sharing. And SubRosa/the Hub is a site of a significant amount of classes (although not all!).
Free Skool Santa Cruz 