Perspectives on the Standards
Standard #12: The clubhouse is located in its own physical space. It is separate from any mental health center or institutional settings, and is impermeable to other programs. The clubhouse is designed to facilitate the work-ordered day and at the same time be attractive, adequate in size, and convey a sense of respect and dignity.
We like this Standard because we can design our own space so that it does not have the atmosphere of a clinic or hospital. "Impermeable" means that our clubhouses do not take on the methods or goals of other programs. We do not adopt any other agency’s agenda, approach or methodology.
When a clubhouse has adequate space, the chances for conflict are reduced. We—members and staff—are in control of how our clubhouse looks. We design and decorate the space, we maintain the building, and we clean the work units. But the major factor in the sense of respect and dignity that permeates clubhouses is the quality of our relationships. We strive to create a physical space that allows for respect and dignity, but if we--members and staff--do not treat each other with respect and dignity, there is no place beautiful enough to hide that fact.