A workshop for building community

Controversial CATCo group hopes to help make connections through third space

CATCo has become a subject in nearly every Alton City Council meeting. At least one public speaker raises concerns about the non-profit’s recent purchase and subsequent cleanup of the former Ursuline convent on Danforth. Usually, the speaker is Mary Norman, who claims to live near the old convent. I have supported CATCo, their people, and their mission since day one, and this community-building space is one of many reasons why.

So, I spoke to Noel Russo, one of CATCo’s officers, who is orchestrating several community events at Milton. The events specialize in helping folks build community by working together in shared spaces to educate as well as share in fellowship. She said that “Workshop Wednesdays,” which started this week, is a safe and fun third space for folks between 5-7 p.m. Anyone is welcome, and it is a queer-friendly safe space.

Currently, Sojo Art, who does fantastic fabric and dyeing arts, is helping folks in the community learn how to sew. Sojo made official bootlegged Sunken Press shirts for us when we were in operation, and I am a proud owner of his Piasa and cannabis works.

The idea for a Wednesday third space at the Milton Schoolhouse originated with the Alton Rainbow Collective, a queer-inclusive social group dedicated to networking and sharing skills among local LGBTQ+ folks. Russo said that Alton Rainbow Collective wanted to go a different direction with their efforts, and CATCo then took over the Wednesday time slot.

She added that everyone is welcome, and they would like to build from the 7-9 regulars who were showing up weekly, and said that everyone is welcome, as long as you are “tolerant of your fellow man,” and “come with the expectation of community and bonding.”

When I asked her what defines a “safe space,” Russo said the following via text message:

“In my personal opinion, a safe space is defined as a place where anyone can enter and enjoy without worrying about harassment or criticism,” she said. “We have thankfully not encountered many oppositional attitudes, but we are willing to do whatever means we must (involving law enforcement) if there is a situation of harassment. Again, thankfully, we don’t anticipate those situations, but we are prepared.”

I then asked her whether the gathering was a “cult meeting,” as critics of CATCo have referred to the organization as “The Cult” when discussing it publicly at city council meetings.

“No! Yes, I am certain we have zero cult activity,” she replied via text. “I signed on to work with CATco and focus on our mission of enriching, educating, and supporting our community in any way we can.

“This focuses on real-world skills, including and not limited to - sewing, gardening, resume building, hiking experience, and volunteer education and experience.”

I asked her how these things stick to CATCo’s values. Critics of the blossoming non-profit accuse them of being scattered and nebulous. She said it’s exactly what the group was made to do.

“CATco actually stands for Cultural Agronomic Technological Community - we work to meet most of these goals at some capacity at all times,” she said. “Also, upon purchasing the former Ursuline Facility, we want to strive to meet their goals for education and community as well.”

That purchase will (hopefully) lead to an abundance of expansion. Currently, the group is in the early phases of cleaning the property (something their critics bring up in an almost play-by-play fashion during council meetings), and Russo assured that they are following the guidelines put forth by the City of Alton “every step of the way.”

The future for CATCo includes a full facility with classrooms, a library, an up-to-date computer lab for folks who are not tech-savvy, art studios, and event spaces, all for the community to use when they want.

If you are on the fence regarding CATCo, they are literally opening the doors for folks to come together and build community. Feel free to reach out, stop by, and ask questions. However, do so respectfully.