November 12, 2023: Public House: Can We Create True Community Hubs?

 

Some background facts: 

 

Hundreds of years ago, English common law declared inns and taverns to have a social responsibility, defining them as “public houses” (pubs). They were required to accept everyone who was travelling as long as they conducted themselves decently and were willing to pay a reasonable amount for food, drink, and lodging. 

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In recent years, smaller communities in Ireland and the UK have created community organizations to take over pubs to keep them running and expand their social purposes since they have long served as community hubs.

 

The City of Calgary has established several community hubs under its “Enough For All” strategy, in partnership with The United Way. 

 

“The goal is for these community hubs to be welcoming incubating spaces for community connections, capacity building opportunities, and places where residents can access services and support right in their community. Working alongside residents and partners, Community Social Workers identify barriers and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.”

https://calgaryunitedway.org/impact/communities/community-hubs/

 

Discussion Questions

 

Have you experienced places and activities where you’ve connected with other members of your community (festivals, children’s sporting events, book clubs, community gardens, clean-up days, etc.)?

 

Where have you encountered conversations with new people who have different life experiences than you?

 

One of the barriers to social inclusion is financial means (that’s one of the reasons that this gathering provides the first round free). How can we decrease financial and other barriers to social connection?

 

We often think of social gatherings as most compatible with extroverted personalities. What sorts of community hub gatherings work well for introverts? How can we build places of connection that are comfortable for a wide variety of personalities? 

 

How do factors like neighbourhood design, zoning, green spaces, retail areas, walkability, parking, and other aspects of urban design influence the development of successful community hubs?

 

Loneliness and disconnection are very common in our society, and yet it's also common for people to stop reaching out to new people once their personal social needs are met. How can we address this? 

 

Describe the perfect pub for you personally.