As we continue the process of creating our new home, I/David (Main Brain at Bump 'n Grind) started a series on our three pillars: Coffee, Music and Community. This is the second part in Community.
One of my undergraduate majors at University of Vermont was in Urban Planning, with a sociological focus. It was there that I read Jane Jacobs, Richard Florida and learned about The Third Space created and popularized by Ray Oldenburg. The first place is your home, the second place is work, the third space is that place in your neighborhood where folks informally gather, catch up with friends, meet new people and simply commune. Bump 'n Grind has always aimed to be that place in its neighborhood. As we work on creating our next space I thought it would be smart to read Ray Oldenburg's book that launched the term - The Great Good Place
First published in 1989, aspects of the book are a bit dated BUT the core components that he describes and outlines regarding key features of Third Spaces are still valid. They included: Neutral ground, a place welcoming and accepting for all walks of life..."The third space is leveler" a place where everyone is equal. Conversation is the main activity ; There are regulars ; It has a low profile, not too fancy...not down trodden; The mood is playful, it has an overall jovial sentiment; A home away from home that harbors diversity.
Oldenburg also spends time talking about how third spaces help with our mental health. Sharing space, community with others is an informal/casual way that helps us be ok with the world. As the Washington Post pointed out in it's health section a few years ago, throw in the ability to dance with others and you've got one the healthiest institutions a community could have. Third spaces are the anecdote to the tech/corporate powers that continue to figure out new, insidious ways to isolate us, keep us tied to our screens and on our couches. As Oldenburg iterates, in speaking about TVs - "Media is geared to isolated customers, while isolating them more. Time spent in isolation is time lost to affiliation."
I am far from a yesteryear was better person. I think we live in amazing times and I am jealous of my young boys and their future. The future is however uncertain and creating a healthy one has been and always will be a battle. For generations, communities were tied together through affiliation via Third Spaces like soda fountains at Drug Stores where all ages, genders, walks of life would hang out. The soda fountains of the 1940s are long gone and despite the fact that they are no longer legally segregated it feels like our communities are just as segregated. We need to share space. Sharing space can lead to conversation, conversations and relationships with people that otherwise wouldn't penetrate our bubble, let alone our algorithm. Communal spaces, that are welcoming to everyone regardless of age, socio-economic status, race, gender feel few and far between BUT they are part of the glue that keeps us together. It's up to us as consumers and government to do what we can to support them. We're working hard to create a special place for the community, with a focus on coffee and art. We look forward to welcoming you!