We need to get our organised, we need to engage

The Dinokeng Scenarios highlighted a disturbing trend, but one that we have all known for some time. Our sense of community needs serious building. Many have gradually disengaged. We sometimes do not know our neighbours and seldom know more than a handful of residents in our street. Why? OK, so we have put up high walls and electric fences, but is that the only reason why?
In the Linden Precinct in 2007 we had 2 ratepayer associations in the precinct of over 24 suburbs. Yes we also had a few road enclosures but even in these areas the sense of community was low.
Over the last two years we have seen a gradual improvement in the our community structures. Between 60% and 80% of the geographic area of the precinct has either a community association or street committee in place. Where these have started, we have seen a marked improvement in matters from security to the general upkeep of the area. But there is a lot more to be done.
My point of view on why our sense of community has declined is that we have talked our way into this. I think we need a change in dialog. We need to swing the critical mass of our conversation towards one that is more engaging, constructive and balanced. No need for a false discussion of denialism, but lets get active and lets engage in a conversation about how we will create the future we want.
If we stand aside and disengage we have no chance.