David –

Sounds like the “direct approach” of escorting him out has not been effective.  Perhaps a good next step is to find out who this person is connected to – if he has some mental illness issues, is he under someone else’s care or guardianship?   

If so, does that person (or group) know he is coming to the dances, and that he can be disruptive?  Is it possible he is being “dropped off at the dance” for what seems like an opportunity for community and connection, without an awareness of the difficulty that has caused?

If not, is there any way to find a relative or someone who cares about this person, and discuss it with them?  Possibly local social work agency?  There must be someone who knows and cares about this fellow, who might want to be aware of this?

Good luck!

Ben

N News, VA

From: Organizers [mailto:organizers-bounces+benzall=cox.net@lists.sharedweight.net] On Behalf Of David Kirchner via Organizers
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 12:00 PM
To: Shared Weight Organizers
Subject: [Organizers] Problem with nondancing attender

Hi all,

We are struggling with the best approach to deal with a community member who attends many of our dance events but does not dance (or pay). This person appears to have some mental illness challenges. He frequently has a small child with him. He has occasionally been disruptive in a minor way (or the child has been), and he has been escorted out a couple of times for that reason. He often simply hangs out in the building while the dance is going on, often in nondancing space. He is not easy to talk with. Reactions on how to deal with this person have varied across the different dance communities that use our space and different volunteers within those communities. We are trying to put together a common approach. Thoughts?

David

St. Paul, MN