bring your ideas to the playground!

Want to organize a community event like a clothing swap, chess tournament, movie night, or book club? You can host it at our space! Check if your idea fits The VLC Playground values and follow the steps to get started.

Want to help instead? Explore upcoming events, connect with organizers, or join the volunteer group chat.

Click the buttons below to get started :)

The current facilitator from The VLC Playground is xxxx (WhatsApp: +34xxxxxxxxx)

1. Check if your event idea is suitable for The VLC Playground

DECISION TREE

2. Check availability, view previous and upcoming events or offer help in our calendar

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

3. Check the Step-by-step checklist: ‘How to organize a community event at The VLC Playground?’

STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST

DECISION TREE

IS YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT SUITABLE FOR THE VLC PLAYGROUND?

Requirements

  • Non-profit: Community events must be free for everyone. If you want to charge money, you can rent the space instead

  • No direct competition: Please don’t offer events that we already provide or activities like acting classes, improv classes, comedy workshops, etc.

  • Original idea: Check the calendar first to avoid duplicate events. You can also join or support existing events instead of creating a new one.

  • Inclusive: Everyone in the community should feel welcome to join and safe to participate.

  • In English: Events should be held in English so everyone can participate.

  • Supportive: Treat all participants with respect and kindness.

  • Fun: Create a positive, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

community events calendar

In this calendar you can find previous and upcoming community events, as well as the free time slots for yours!

Previous community events: Get inspired by what has been done before

Upcoming community events: Check if someone is already organizing a similar idea. You can contact the organizer to help out or collaborate (listed in the title of the event)

Free time slots for community events: See when the space is available for community events. To reserve a slot, contact the current facilitator on WhatsApp at least 6 weeks in advance

step-by-step checklist

Want to organize a community event at The VLC Playground, but don't know where to start?
No worries! If you follow this step-by-step checklist, you will become a pro :)

    • Check here if your idea fits The VLC Playground.

    • Check the community event calendar and pick a free time slot at least 6 weeks ahead (so there's enough time to promote the event).

    • Send the facilitator a WhatsApp message with:
      - A short event description
      - Your preferred time slot

    • Once approved, you can start organizing.

    • Make a list of everything you need (props, music, decorations, helpers, etc.).

    • Try to borrow items instead of buying them:
      - Check with your facilitator what’s available at The VLC Playground.
      - Ask the community if people can lend things.

    • Decide what help you need before, during, and after the event.

    • Ask for volunteers in the volunteer group chat.

    • Coordinate the promotion of your event with your facilitator and share the event in your own networks (for example, share with friends and trusted groups).

    • Decide
      - What time the space opens
      - Maximum number of attendees
      - How people can sign up or reserve a spot (for example by filling in a form or by contacting you directly)

  • Before

    • Arrive on time to set up the space.

    • Let the community know the event has started.

    During

    • Enjoy the event and keep the space safe.

    • Take some pictures.

    • Keep track of time.

    • Contact the facilitator if issues come up.

    • In emergencies, call 112.

    • Clean up the space and take your belongings home.

    • Share 1–3 photos in the community chat with a short recap.

    • Fill in this feedback form to help improve the experience of organizing events.

Roles

We are very happy with our facilitators and organizers! But what do these roles actually mean? You can read it below :)

  • A facilitator is a community member who supports the organizational process of the community events for one trimester.

    The facilitator makes timeslots available in the Community Events Calendar, approves ideas and timeslots, and supports organizers with questions when needed. If an idea is not approved, the facilitator explains why based on the values and helps think along about how it could become suitable for The VLC Playground.

    The facilitator is present at the community events to open the space and help keep the space safe.

    Click here to see who the current facilitator is.
    Thinking of becoming a facilitator yourself for the next trimester? Let the team know!

  • An organizer is a community member who organizes a community event at The VLC Playground by following the step-by-step checklist, and updating the facilitator during the process. You don’t need to have experience in organizing events to become an organizer. This is a safe place were you can try things out :)