On Wednesday 2nd July 2008, I attended Crofton Park Local Assembly in Lewisham, London. Adopting the same format as the Brockley Local Assembly in May, the event (attended by at least 100 people), was dynamic and full of ideas to solve problems in the local community.
Sitting around tables, the attendees were challenged to discuss issues they wanted to change or improve in the Crofton Park community. Pleased to be surrounded by a group full of big ideas, my group challenged potential solutions for two key problems; the ‘lack of activities or amenities for teenagers and young people’, and the apparent ‘lack of respect between different generations’.
Over the course of an hour, my group discussed ideas for how to get younger and older generations respecting one another. We develop an idea to design a space (clinic/park etc), where people of all generations could come and share their stories, skills or knowledge with others. We felt this idea could also impact other problems realised at the assembly meeting, such as litter, dog mess and conflict between young people. You can read more about these and other themes raised at the assembly over on the Brockley Central community weblog.
Whilst at the assembly, I also signed up as a Crofton Park Volunteer Co-ordinator, meaning I will now be a part of the steering group that puts the assembly ideas into action. I look forward to the months ahead, and will keep you all updated!