Third Places Are Disappearing...Let's Reclaim Free Social Gathering

The coffee shop where the barista knows your order, your favorite library branch, your plot in the community garden, the 14th St. train passageway—what do all of these places have in common? If your home is your first place, and work is your second place, then these are third places. 

A third space or third place is a sociology term that refers to the environments where individuals can “exchange ideas, enjoy themselves and others, and build relationships.” Often, third spaces offer us relief from the tasks and patterns of our banal lives. However, as a result of past shelter-in-place orders, the rise of the Internet, and commercialization, our community-based third places are becoming obsolete. You may have heard this sentiment thrown around in your sphere, so we’re here to break down the dissolving-third-space phenomenon and offer a few solutions that might already be just under your nose.

When we isolate ourselves from our community-based third spaces, we lose connections to those closest to us, and we alienate ourselves from the environments essential to constructive grassroots organizing—the type of organizing necessary for the progression of climate action and sustainability movements. 

As people move further from each other or public hubs, we become isolated. And when we want to connect with our community, we must travel further distances, which increases our carbon footprint (screams in walkable community). Traditional third places like libraries, churches, and public parks are being replaced by commercial environments like malls, expensive workout studios, stores for buying material goods, and fast food or grab-and-go restaurants (down with the salad line). 

Although many of these environments are valuable for our everyday life and give us space for building our community or celebrating our identity, they also demand us to spend money, including when we don’t need to spend or can’t afford it. And these spaces aren’t built for communal organizing around shared concerns or societal issues. The staff at the Sweetgreen outside your office aren’t itching for you to engage in riveting climate action dialogue while you eat your salad. 

The internet has created essential networks for movements to stay connected across physical barriers (Tumblr girls get it). However, our physical third spaces offer us something that the Internet lacks: tangible connections and pathways for making change. Baddies need third spaces. And what do they look like? Where do you find them, and maybe how do you start them? 

Look alive: third spaces have always operated around us.

As you know, we love the library and it remains, since its inception, one of the BEST third places. Your local library is already filled with folks who are organizing, educating, and communing. The library is your first stop to find out what’s already taking place. Bonus: Earth Day is coming up, and Earth Day goes crazy at the neighborhood library, so keep your eyes out for events where you might meet other sustainable baddies just like you. 

Alongside libraries are public parks. Some cities are more militant about who or what can exist in the park, but many parks are hubs for community building. Parks are often meeting places for communities to operate, as well as how these communities and individuals share and disseminate information. You can set up tables or a small sale at the park, and you can even meet your book club there. 

Finally, churches are vital third spaces for many people. Although sometimes churches can come with added baggage like the pressure to agree with religious beliefs, churches have a long history as hosts for meetings, events, and organizing. For example, the first UU in Philadelphia is one of the best concert venues in the entire city, and I promise no one is going to pass you a “Praise the Lord” pamphlet after you mosh. 

Sometimes, third spaces are hidden. If you are lucky enough to live in a bubbling city, third spaces are often all around you. Event spaces, cafes, bookstores, and art studios all serve as abundant and engaging hosts for organizing and community-building activities. Check out what things are already taking place at your favorite places, and utilize social media to find what is happening in your community that you aren’t yet privy to. 

Third spaces allow us an escape from our internet information silos and they give us a better grasp on the actions and movements that others in our community are already participating in. Third spaces encourage us to spend time outside of the commodification economy. Yes, maybe you have to buy a coffee to attend the coffee shop's weekly book group, but one coffee in your reusable mug is nothing compared to a shopping trip to the mall. 

Where we spend our time in between work/school and home is our time to invest in our values and the things that matter to us. You have the power to make sure that your third spaces fulfill and contribute to your sustainable and climate-engaged lifestyle. And probably, you already do. 

Where are your third spaces and how do they support your sustainable lifestyle? Where did you find them? What joy, encouragement, or hope do they offer you?