Civic Societies Week 2010

What is it all about?

The third Civic Societies Week is being organised by YHACS and sponsored by Spawforths to draw the public's attention to the role of civic societies across the region. Many of our societies are organising special events to publicise the work they do and hopefully attract new members who want to get involved with their local society.

The purpose of Civic Societies Week is to raise the profile of the civic society movement within the region. We want to make people and organisations aware of what we do, to appeal for their support and engagement with their local society and also with YHACS where appropriate. We also hope to see societies attracting new members from their own community as a result of the publicity and activities that are being organised. Civic Societies Week is not just about doing something for your existing members although you may want to involve your current membership in organising your events for the week.

Why civic societies

Whether you live in a city, a town or a village, you cannot help but notice the development that is going on across the country. The plans put forward by developers, planners, architects, local authorities and property owners affect us all and it is important that the community is able to engage in informed debate and has a voice in such decisions. Civic societies provide that voice.

What is a civic society exactly?

A civic society is a diverse group of active local citizens with a shared sense of civic pride and community spirit, who volunteer their time to campaign for the very best in design and quality in building, conservation and environmental schemes.. They provide an accepted public voice on all areas of urban development. Membership of a civic society is open to anyone who shares a concern for what is happening to the public realm.

Civic societies are

• forums for the community to debate and have a say over what is happening to their public spaces
• mediators between local authority planning officials, developers and the general public on developments that have implications for the quality of life of local communities.
• act as custodians of local history and heritage in their communities.

Most importantly, they make an excellent springboard for fostering a sense of civic pride and community cohesion in any given community.

How to get involved

If you want to take part in Civic Societies Week, contact Kevin Trickett by email by clicking here.