RAFF IT UP! - Ideas for June, 2000

Finding the "Third Places" in your community

As we all seek to create positive change in our communities, one of the main goals is to help people in the area come together, make new friends, and get involved in what's going on. One of the best ways to do this is to discover, support, and build on those places in the community where people can get together, talk, share, connect, and make things happen in the community. There are many of these lively gathering places and it is fun where the favourite gathering places are.

In his book, The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg gives an enjoyable description of happy community gathering places he calls "third places." He believes the loss of third places is a statement of the loss of community in North America. A "third place" is not home (the "first place") and it is not work (the "second place"). It is a place where everyone can go to socialize. Some of the most common third places that Mr. Oldenburg lists in his book are cafés, coffee shops, community centers, bars, beauty parlors, general stores, and hangouts. The characteristics that stand out for me that define a third place are not physical but are feelings. The third place feels welcoming and the owner may even greet you and introduce you to others; there is a relaxed feeling and a very open and friendly feeling and it seems anyone is welcome.

The "third place" is where people feel free to "let off steam," where people can drop in anytime and find someone to talk to, where a person can be comfortable, at ease, and always welcome. It is inclusive, has neutral ground, is accessible and has unity yet diversity. A third place has camaraderie and fun, and is where people get to know each other, to like each other, and to care about each other. It nurtures group support, and allows people the freedom "to be." The friendships and relationships that develop and grow within "third places" build strong communities and are forces for good in our society.

Some of the "third places" that we know are in laundromats, locally owned coffee shops, a restaurant in an old local hotel, a Greek restaurant, a hockey rink, a local neighbourhood pub, an Art Supply store, a soccer field, and a Starbucks coffee shop that does not have a Chapters associated with it. We would like to hear your ideas of third places - those that exist now or ones from the past (there are stories of the old Post Offices and the old general stores?). Where do you or people you know hang out? Write us about your third place - a story, why you like it, or just send us a name. We can publish your "finds" in our subsequent newsletters or post them on our web page.

If you are interested in reading Ray Oldenburg's wonderful book about third places, you are welcome to get in touch with us at CBR and borrow a copy, or you can purchase a copy for yourself at a bookstore. The full citation of the book is:

• Oldenburg, Ray, (1997). The great good place. (2nd edition), New York, NY: Marlowe & Company, 336 pp (ISBN 1056924-778-1), paperback, $20.95 (CAN).

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