America at the beginning of the 21st century is pining for a sense of community and civic engagement in both thriving and more distressed cities across our landscape. Successful interventions require an equally designed recipe of targeted physical and social organizational building efforts.

I believe that the clear emphasis on the physical dimensions of community building such as permanent fixtures like Ford Field and the periodic events such as Arts, Beats and Eats in Pontiac or the All Star game; and the needed welcoming of new business centers in downtown Detroit appear to be solutions but in fact have a mirage-like impact in turning around historic urban centers like Detroit and Pontiac.

In many ways this focus on the physical dimension is reflective of the “surge” in Iraq. It temporarily adjusts the playing field -- but only temporarily. For real change to occur in Iraq or in any community an equally strong focus is required on the social organizational efforts -- strengthening of a “community voice” and collective action by individual citizens, one block at a time.

The weaving of the social organizational fabric can be our call to action in capturing United Way's 21st century mission and vision. It can be the answer to my continual question: “What do we want to be famous for?” It will also require a sea change in our work.

One example of this “sea change” is noted in the Aspen Institute research and in their Voices from the Field.

Non-Profits tend to think they are the community, because their boards are made up of the community people or their staff. But really, as a whole, non-profits are not the community. They may be the keepers of the vision…but their decisions aren't necessarily the right decisions unless they're community driven…You need to look at the people who are living there (in the neighborhood) every single day. The systems and the provider levels must get out of the way and let the informal leaders find their own voices or nothing happens in a sustainable way.

To set the table for this discussion, I would call your attention to the writings of William Julius Wilson and his 2006 book, There goes the Neighborhood. This is a great primer in better understanding change and social organization through the research in four Chicago neighborhoods.

Social organization depends, in Wilson's research, on residents who “collectively supervise community activities, take responsibility for addressing problems, and actively participate in volunteer and formal organizations.”

There are no silver bullets in “weaving this new community mosaic.” It requires a cross-generational effort. An appreciation for the gifts of all people and the willingness to move beyond an observer culture to one of participation. A generation-long view accented with patience, cultural understanding, listening skills, and a strong dose of common sense.

This is indeed a tall order for any community. In future blogs I will share opportunities for United Way along with personal stories illustrating this social journey.

Rick David,
Vice President, Strategic Relations
United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Labels: civic engagement, Rick_David