Never mind random acts of kindness ....

By Ethel Bangwayo
Strategic Engagement Officer, Herts CVS Group


….. they are so ‘last year’! ‘Random acts of Big Society’ are the in thing. So much so, that ‘Big Society’ has been named Oxford University’s 2010 ‘word’ for the year, fending off competition from the likes of ‘vuvuzela’, ‘Boris bike’, ‘simples’ and ‘staycation’. Given the economic environment, perhaps we should all staycation with our vuvuzelas this Christmas, and use any extra time to work off some calories on Boris bikes or better still, ‘do’ the occasional act of ‘Big Society’. Simples!

In keeping with the holiday spirit and current trends, I’m proposing a ‘Big Society’ themed Christmas. Why not? Every other event this year has been Big Society themed. From open days, through annual conferences to launches, Big Society has been woven into many aspects of our working lives. We might as well carry it home and into the holidays. As soon as we figure out what it means, that is.

After months of general societal confusion about the real meaning of ‘Big Society’, I have begun the process of formulating my own definition – a simplistic one based on two of the three tenets of Big Society: what we can do for ourselves and what we can do for others. It’s becoming clear (in my mind, anyway) that Big Society represents the small things that improve people’s lives. It’s not about the abundance (or lack) of financial resources, but more about the meaningful activity that brings people together, takes the focus off self, and seeks to improve the happiness and wellbeing of those around us. It’s about cohesion and unity, harnessing the strength that numbers can bring. It’s about getting to know your neighbours and working together to make your neighbourhood a better place to live. It’s a return to that most basic place where commerce was not in the driving seat, where people made the best of what they had even if it wasn’t much. It’s not about material possessions but rather, those priceless ‘things’ that a MasterCard can’t buy - love, family, peace, joy ..….. wait …. that sounds just like Christmas! Maybe that’s what Big Society is, after all - Christmas all year round ....

As for the third tenet – ‘what the state can do for us’ – well, the state and its constituent parts are trying to figure that out since receiving their settlements last week. Hopefully the new year will bring more clarity.

In the meantime, it remains for me to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy 2011. Be sensible, be safe and don’t forget the Big Society!