In a Turbulent World, Should We Focus More on Local Communities to Drive Change?
From Materialism to Meaning: How Local Communities Might Bring Light to Meaningful Change in the World.
In recent years, discussions about the future of society have been dominated by globalization, driven in large part by technology. The digital age has allowed us to connect with people across the globe, communicating with others from different cultures, countries, and continents, often with a simple click. But, in today’s increasingly turbulent world—characterized by political, social, and environmental challenges—perhaps it’s time to reconsider where our focus should lie if we truly want to drive change. Could the solution to many of these complex issues lie in a shift of perspective—one that brings our attention back to the local community?
perhaps it’s time to reconsider where our focus should lie if we truly want to drive change.
When we’re constantly looking outward—fixating on far-off issues and connecting with people we may never meet—it’s easy to forget the foundational importance of local connections. While global efforts are undoubtedly vital, change often begins on the ground, in our neighborhoods and towns. By investing in our local communities, we can gradually create ripples of change that can have a broader, more lasting impact.
A Disconnect Between the Young and the Real World
One of the most pressing concerns today is the increasing disconnect between young people and the world around them. Many argue that young people are too absorbed in their digital lives, where social media, gaming, and constant connectivity shape their interactions and experiences. As a result, they often find themselves distracted, struggling with concentration, and lacking the emotional and social skills needed to thrive in the real world. While technology is undoubtedly a powerful tool, it can also contribute to a lack of resilience needed to thrive in the real world.
However, perhaps we, as a society, have contributed to this issue as well. The decline of youth clubs, community centres, and social spaces, once pivotal in providing young people with opportunities to gather, learn, and engage with one another, has left a void. The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated this decline, but statistics suggest this trend began before the global health crisis.[1]
These spaces were once the heart of local youth culture, offering safe places for children and teenagers to form friendships, explore new hobbies, and learn life skills. The closure of these spaces has left many young people with fewer opportunities to interact face-to-face and socialise.
The Power of Community Participation
Active participation in the community is one of the most powerful ways for young people to develop important life skills. By engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and generations, young people can broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. While family often serves as the primary source of moral guidance, the richness of a community offers a variety of viewpoints that can help shape well-rounded individuals.
Through these community interactions, young people may discover new interests, careers, and passions—things they may not have encountered otherwise. The more people we meet, the richer our experience becomes. These relationships might not always lead to friendships, but they can still offer valuable insights. It’s through exposure to differing beliefs and opinions that we learn to develop empathy and respect for other viewpoints. It helps us become more appreciative of our own families and motivates us to grow. We might encounter individuals who inspire us to pursue things we would never have considered on our own—whether that’s taking up a new sport or hobby, getting involved with a charity that has the potential to change our lives, or discovering a profession that sparks a new career path. These interactions might even open doors to travel opportunities, broadening our horizons in ways we never expected.
It’s through exposure to differing beliefs and opinions that we learn to develop empathy and respect for other viewpoints.
Community involvement is not just a path to personal growth—it’s a catalyst for societal change. By contributing to local efforts, young people can learn to appreciate the collective value of their communities, whether that’s through volunteer work, social events, or even local business initiatives. This involvement can inspire them to take on challenges that seem daunting at first, such as organizing local projects, advocating for social justice, or even pursuing a career in public service.
Are we providing enough opportunities for young people to gain work experience and their first jobs? How much support are we offering to help them get on their feet? The youth are our future—they will be the ones to shoulder the responsibility of caring for us as we age. An economy can only thrive when it is supported by a capable, motivated workforce with strong character.
Community involvement is not just a path to personal growth—it’s a catalyst for societal change.
The Decline of Youth Clubs and Social Spaces
One of the key challenges faced by many cities today is the shortage of affordable and accessible spaces where young people can gather. The landscape for civic, social, and youth organizations has become increasingly fragmented, [2] with smaller, non-profit initiatives often filling the gaps. In urban areas, particularly, there is a severe lack of suitable, affordable venues to house community events and youth activities. This decline in available spaces is especially evident in Europe, where the number of civic spaces[3]for young people continues to shrink. This trend poses a significant threat to the growth of youth organizations, which are vital in addressing the needs of the younger generation. The right to democracy is fundamental, and the voices of young people must be heard and represented, especially in a time when disengagement is becoming more widespread.
many children and teens are left without structured, supportive environments where they can learn and grow outside of school.
The decline in youth social spaces has been a growing concern globally. Between 2010 and 2019, the UK saw a nearly 30% reduction in the number of youth clubs, while public spending on youth services plummeted by a staggering 72%.[4] These after-school programs, which once provided essential opportunities for young people to develop new skills, form friendships, and foster healthy habits, have been largely replaced by privately funded and often costly alternatives. For lower-income youths, the financial barrier to participation in these activities can be a significant obstacle. Furthermore, the closure of public youth services across the UK has worsened the situation.
Between 2010 and 2019, spending on youth services, which includes youth clubs, fell dramatically from an initial £1.4 billion to just a fraction of its former value. As a result, many children and teens are left without structured, supportive environments where they can learn and grow outside of school. Karl Foster, one of Inspire’s Youth & Community Work Coordinators, [5]explains that youth clubs play a critical role for those who have limited opportunities to socialize with peers. Without these safe spaces, many of these children “lack a vital source of stability in their lives.[6]”
UNISON’s head of local government, Mike Short, notes that when youth services are eliminated, there is a vacuum where no positive alternatives exist. This void creates an opportunity for criminal elements to exploit vulnerable young people. As Short aptly states, “When youth services are axed, there’s nothing positive to fill that space, allowing criminal elements to move in and exploit naïve young people.[7]”
This void creates an opportunity for criminal elements to exploit vulnerable young people.
The Need for Safe Spaces: A "Third Place"
Youth clubs offer much more than just a recreational space—they provide an essential “third place of refuge” [8] where young people can escape their homes and schools, and be protected from oppression and inequality. It is a sanctuary where they can be themselves, express their emotions, and develop personal interests. These spaces encourage creativity, foster friendships, and provide vital life experiences. A well-run youth club can be a refuge for many young people who face difficult home lives, providing a space to find mentorship and community. These clubs should be places that young people feel ownership of—where they have the freedom to grow and express themselves however they wish.[9]
So, what kind of youth clubs do we need? These places should allow their voices to be heard, without judgment, and offer opportunities to meet new people, explore new things, and—most importantly—have fun. Youth clubs could host film nights, offer budding musicians a chance to perform, and encourage creativity and entrepreneurship.
Supporting Our Youth: A Community Effort
To make these opportunities a reality, adults must get involved. We all have a responsibility to engage in local youth initiatives, even if our involvement is modest. Offering mentorship, holding talks, organizing community events, or simply providing work experience can have a profound impact on local dynamics. Community involvement doesn’t just benefit young people—it strengthens the social fabric of society, creating connections between people from different walks of life.
Young people need meaningful opportunities to gain work experience and develop practical skills.Globally, statistics show that 1 in 5 young people are NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). [10] By creating community-driven programs that bridge this gap, we can help integrate young people into the workforce, provide them with a sense of purpose, and equip them with the tools they need to thrive.
Community involvement doesn’t just benefit young people—it strengthens the social fabric of society
Building a Stronger Future
Ultimately, our focus should return to our communities. If we invest in local spaces, local efforts, and local people, we can create the foundation for broader, more meaningful change. The challenges facing today’s youth—whether homelessness, a lack of social spaces, or job insecurity—require concerted efforts at the local level. By revitalizing youth clubs, encouraging community engagement, and offering support for young people to grow and succeed, we can build a better, more resilient future for all.
In a world where global challenges often seem too vast for any one person to solve, focusing on what’s close to home—our families, our neighbours, and our communities—could be the key to creating meaningful change for the greater good.
References:
[1] https://ymcanewcastle.com/devalued-by-a-decade-of-cuts-dramatic-fall-in-spend-per-head-and-a-debilitating-postcode-lottery-the-latest-picture-of-youth-service-funding/
[2] https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/civic-social-youth-organizations/1755/
[3] https://www.youthforum.org/policy-library/motion-youth-organisations-across-europe
[4] https://ifs.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-11/WP202451-The-effects-of-youth-clubs-on-education-and-crime_1.pdf
[5] https://inspirecharityuk.org/news/youth-club-closures-negative-impact-school-grades/
[6] https://inspirecharityuk.org/news/youth-club-closures-negative-impact-school-grades/
[7] https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2024/06/youth-services-final-FINAL.pdf
[8] de St Croix, T., & Doherty, L. (2023). ‘It’s a great place to find where you belong’: creating, curating and valuing place and space in open youth work. Children’s Geographies, 21(6), 1029–1043. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2023.2171770
[9] de St Croix, T., & Doherty, L. (2023). ‘It’s a great place to find where you belong’: creating, curating and valuing place and space in open youth work. Children’s Geographies, 21(6), 1029–1043. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2023.2171770
[10] https://webapps.ilo.org/infostories/en-GB/Stories/Employment/youth-decentjobs#neets
Images by Freepix unless cited here otherwise.
Image of chairs: by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Image of chains: by Avram Swan on Unsplash
Image of teenagers:by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
