Many people believe our democracy is threatened. Why are we so deeply divided on some issues? It seems that mutual trust has all but disappeared. Richard Kyte, author of “Finding Your Third Place,” argues convincingly that we’ve lost too many places to socialize and develop trusting friendships. With home as First Place, and work as Second Place, a Third Place is a place of gathering: a community center, a social club, Habitat for Humanity, etc. A Third Place is neutral ground in an accessible and ordinary place where people can meet as equals; where participants consider it a “home away from home” – a place to play where trust can develop and be sustained. Through mutual trust, Third Places allow people to collaborate, build consensus on issues, and find solutions.
Over the past 30 years, Kyte notes that Third Places have disappeared. Technology, social media, passive entertainment (e.g., streaming movies), and even zoning diminished our interest in and availability of Third Places. As social animals, “We thrive only when we create conditions for the cultivation of friendships.” Friendships grow through listening, empathy, healing, awareness, and stewardship – relevant Servant Leadership characteristics in this context.
We’ll dig into this concept in our July Servant Leadership meeting. See our calendar of events for details on this session — we hope you can join us!