In the context of community-led dog poo initiatives, this blog post explores the role of government in tackling this issue and supporting local groups.
The idea of community-led does not mean the absence of the state. Rather, it actually requires active participation of the state in finding and promoting community-led projects initiatives. Grass-roots and resilience can in fact be useful guiding principles to develop a better working relationship between the state and communities.
Thus the emphasis on local community-led projects to combat dog fouling does not see government or councils absolve responsibility in this matter.
Socially connected communities produce significant value. Indeed it is this which Poo Patrol seeks to encourage and support. Yet organic approaches alone are hard to sustain. Individuals or groups may move on. Experiences and past projects may be forgotten and volunteers might burnout. Therefore, government and councils mighty play a role in helping create social networks and resource innovative local responses.
Poo Patrol, communities and local councils
Community-led does not mean absence of public services. Poo Patrols do not mean the removal of legal deterrents, or council supported clean up efforts. Rather the key is the relationship between public services and local communities, drawing people together. Strengthening local networks and social connections can include promoting clean-up days or connecting dog owners with park trustees and stakeholders. Local councils might provide the space for informal, creative and even unforeseen networks, collaborations and discussions to take place. It also welcomes creative responses, and supports responses that are effective. Projects are not forgotten, but rather form a springboard for further developed and more effective initiatives going forward.
Poo Patrol may thus unite community-led initiatives with a central repository. Alongside councils and governance, Poo Patrol places focus, not on existing frameworks such as strategy or milestones, but rather local grass-roots approaches to affecting change. Find out more about Poo Patrol or get in touch with us to find out more!