We live anonymously, both individually and in (ethnic) community groups. Public spaces are in danger of becoming no man’s land. This evokes feelings of insecurity, which lead to new and old Dutch residents living even more anonymously. This downward spiral must be broken.

The aim is for everyone to find a valuable place at the micro-levels of neighbourhood and district, regardless of ethnicity or age. Society demands social bonds that transcend socio-cultural, ethnic and religious boundaries. There is a need for a modern conception of 'neighbourhood-citizenship', which transcends existing pillars and structures and in which differences are respected, but also put into perspective by focusing on shared standards and values. The most important key to this lies in communication, between cultures, between people and between residents of the same district. Modern citizens accept their own responsibilities and take their own initiatives. This does not make a strong government in the least superfluous: it should not only provide the citizen with freedoms, but also focus on communal standards and values, stimulate dialogue, set boundaries where necessary and offer permanent support, to allow talent in the streets and neighbourhoods to flourish.

The citizen is pivotal: neighbourhood residents are co-owners of the public spaces but sometimes need help to act accordingly. Regardless of differences in cultural backgrounds and lifestyles, neighbourhood residents bear the primary responsibility for quality of life. It is not only about multicultural individuality, but also intercultural interaction on the basis of a common, Dutch, cosmopolitan identity.

Agencies (municipalities, welfare organisations, housing corporations, police and so forth) provide secondary support thereby.

Aims:

District alliances
Mr. A. Voets

01/06/2004

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation