Town and Gown Movement Could Be Coming to Your College Town

 

Town and gown are two distinct communities of a university town; 'town' being the non-academic population and 'gown' metonymically being the university community, especially in ancient seats of learning such as Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, and St Andrews.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The ITGA (International Town & Gown Association)  is committed to enhancing the relationship between higher education institutions and their surrounding communities. The ITGA aims to promote collaboration and understanding through networking, sharing best practices, and offering resources to address common challenges. Their vision is to create thriving, mutually beneficial partnerships between universities and communities, fostering positive interactions and contributing to the overall well-being of both entities. 

ITGA was formed over a decade ago when municipal and academic leaders saw the need for unification. Eight founding members joined forces to construct and nature this organization, creating a vehicle for leaders to meet, network, explore, and grow. Then, in 2008, the ITGA was formally organized as a nonprofit organization, thanks to the vision of Mayor Larry Abernathy, the Joint City University Advisory Board (JCUAB), the City of Clemson and Clemson University.

TIES TO NEIGHBORING

With an existing network around this topic, and other colleges pursuing this same effort, the Town and Gown movement provides an opportunity for a college to do research around the topics of neighboring and belonging, and it provides a conference where we could learn more and also present in the future.

Here a few examples of ways a college and community could work together.

• Promote Missouri Good Neighbor Week is Sept. 28-Oct. 4 or National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28). This an Extension effort/idea that lead to the Governor signing a bill to make it official back in 2022. So the week provides an "excuse" to do programs and events that tie students and residents together as neighbors. 
• What if a university aided or incentivized driveway gatherings during the good neighbor week where residents hosted their nearby college neighbors (or vice versa).
• It is also common for universities to organize town halls and workshops that allow community members to learn and be heard.
• Change job titles or create a new department at the university to place an emphasis on the importance of neighborhoods and provide leadership to projects that have a community focus. That department could guide discusses and future events to consider involvement from the neighborhood or community.
• What if students could earn service hours by working with their neighborhood association on neighborhood events and projects?
• What if university professors or staff earned credit for community work or service by also serving a neighborhood association and working on events and projects?
• What if the university encouraged student research related to neighborhoods?

GREAT EXAMPLES

This University of North Dakota blog post discusses the "Longest Table" event held at the University of North Dakota (UND), which aims to strengthen town-gown relations. The event brings together students, faculty, and community members to share a meal and engage in open dialogue. This initiative is designed to build mutual understanding, address local issues, and foster a sense of community between the university and the surrounding town. 

This story from ABC11  covers a new initiative at the University of North Carolina (UNC) designed to help students become better neighbors in their communities. The program focuses on encouraging students to engage positively with local residents, foster mutual respect, and build strong relationships with their neighbors. It includes workshops, events, and outreach efforts aimed at bridging the gap between students and the surrounding community, ultimately promoting a more harmonious living environment. 

This story from KGUN9 highlights the University of Arizona’s efforts to maintain good relations with the surrounding communities. The university has implemented several strategies to address neighborhood concerns and minimize conflicts. These include outreach programs, neighborhood meetings, and student education on community engagement. The university aims to foster positive interactions and create a more harmonious relationship between students and local residents, ensuring that both parties benefit from and respect each other's presence.

This Northwestern University story by Dave Davis emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships between the university and its neighboring communities. Davis highlights the university’s commitment to being a good neighbor by actively engaging in community collaboration and addressing local concerns. The story outlines various initiatives aimed at improving interactions and building trust between the university and residents. By working together, the goal is to create a positive and supportive environment that benefits both the university and the surrounding community.

This article from Arizona State University (ASU) discusses research on how university-community engagement can enhance local neighborhoods. The study highlights that active involvement of universities in community initiatives leads to positive outcomes such as improved neighborhood conditions, strengthened relationships, and better support systems for local residents. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between universities and communities to address shared challenges and create sustainable, mutually beneficial solutions.

This Times Higher Education article explores strategies for universities to ensure a positive impact on their local communities. It outlines several key approaches, including fostering strong partnerships with community organizations, engaging in local development projects, and supporting initiatives that address community needs. The article emphasizes the importance of universities being proactive in their community engagement, ensuring that their activities contribute positively to local well-being and development, and promoting mutual benefits for both the institutions and the surrounding areas.

MORE INFORMATION

Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.