Proposal #22: Public buildings belong to us – let’s use them for community and social events

By Bryony King

Past research has suggested that people are becoming more afraid of losing their sense of community, with people continually lamenting the ‘loss of community spirit’ and talking about the ‘good old days’ where everybody seemed to know each other and there were community and social events aplenty; street parties, discos, carnivals, youth clubs, competitions, mass picnics and more. People came together to organise events, campaign together and spend leisure time with each other, there was a sense of community and belonging that many feel we have lost.

A survey in December 2008 of 1,970 adults showed 87% thought that community spirit was on the wane. A separate survey of 826 ethnic minority adults showed this figure to be even higher, at 95%. Recent experience has taught me that many people are unaware or simply apathetic to important current issues within their community; generally it’s mainly older people who seemed to be more aware and involved.

The Tories are keen to capitalise on these negative feelings, barely concealing grins as they talk about ‘Broken Britain’, an imaginary place where family breakdown causes crime rife communities, where people might rush home to board up their doors and windows, get shot on the way to work each day and never say ‘hello’ to neighbours in case they are drug dealers. Of course they blame the Labour government for this, whilst their only solutions seem to be concerned with how to keep people married and keep the “traditional” family together, thus saving society.

Many more sensible reasons are given to try and explain this decline in community spirit; change in lifestyles and attitudes and lack of positive leadership, for instance. If Labour took action to make safe public buildings, such as schools, widely available for community use and just a few people within the communities took the initiative to organise and publicise social events and activities could the feeling of community spirit return? It would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Schools are more likely to have facilities that a local community centre or church hall, the usual venues for community and social events, lack, such as computer and internet facilities, sports facilities, theatre facilities. They are large enough to be able to hold several group meetings or events at the same time. These benefits could be shared with the wider community, not only building a greater sense of community spirit but forging stronger relationships between the schools; students and teachers, and the people of the community.

Many people want to change their communities. Let’s offer them a safe, well equipped place to do so.