What does Community Mean to You?
THEMES of BEYOND SCOTLAND (number 2 of 3)
What is Community?
Community can mean different things to different people. But at its heart, it is about connection and something shared: place, identity, customs, values, religion or culture, for example.
To me, environment and people make a community what it is.
In 2013, Glasgow launched a new brand for the city, with the slogan "People Make Glasgow".
The same could be said for its local communities, from Partick to Pollokshields, Govan to Govanhill, Dennistoun to Kelvingrove, Shettleston to Shawlands, and so on.
Each community has stories to tell.
Each community deserves a strong local - or hyperlocal - news service. Each community (or even each neighbourhood) has an opportunity to come together and create something good.
It's why I am researching and writing about community projects, Citizens projects and Transition Town-style projects. Examples of where local people wanted change - and then took action to make change happen.
It's why I'll keep recommending the book Citizens by Jon Alexander. It's one of the best reads about how we can all, as Citizens, make a difference.
It's why I also love the books of Rob Hopkins ('From What Is to What If' and its follow-up, 'How to Fall in Love with the Future', are both highly recommended).
It's why I love the podcast 'Screw This... Let's Try Something Else', where Matt Golding and Maryam Pasha go around the UK to share stories of neighbourhoods doing something extraordinary.
It's why I enjoy going to People Planet Pint events, social gatherings for those with an interest in or even a vague curiosity about sustainability and the world we live in. People coming together in communities across the globe.
It's why I was inspired by all the community-led tourism projects and initiatives in Scotland (and beyond) shared at this year's annual SCOTO Network 'Gathering' in Glasgow.
It's why I celebrate the diversity and multicultural nature of the city. It makes the place a culturally richer community and a more interesting place to live or visit.
It's why I'm exploring ways I can contribute or 'give back' to the community I now call home. Volunteering for litter picks is just the start.
It's why my journalism project 'Beyond Scotland' connects the themes of sustainability, community, and responsible travel & tourism. Each influences the other, has impacts on the other.
Keen to tell positive stories from the communities in Glasgow; have the journalism shaped and influenced by the community; and share things to read, watch or listen to - to help inform, entertain and inspire people.
How is your community? What's happening that's positive? What are the projects or groups doing great things for good?
