This template council motion calls upon your council to celebrate local heritage and culture, as well as the community champions who make the area what it is.
It uses community pride as an antidote to the divisive politics of party’s like Reform UK who constantly talk down our towns and communities – and by extension the people who live in them and contribute so much to them.
- The motion is part of a wider Pride in Place campaign pack that can be found here
This council believes that [AREA NAME] is a place of heritage, enterprise, community spirit and shared pride.
This council notes with concern the rhetoric used by Reform UK and others, who seek to portray Britain and Britain’s towns as broken, failing and divided. Such language does not reflect the hard work and co-operation of residents, volunteers, small businesses, public servants, community groups, faith organisations, charities, schools, sports clubs and many other local campaigners who improve our area every day.
True pride in Britain is not found in division. It is found in building up our communities, backing local people, celebrating our shared heritage, investing in the places we call home, and ensuring that everyone who contributes to local life is seen, valued and thanked.
Council further believes that civic pride is a practical commitment to improving the area now and for future generations. It means cleaner streets, thriving high streets, well-used parks and green spaces, active community venues, inclusive events, visible heritage, vibrant local culture, and opportunities for residents to shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
This Council resolves to:
- Affirm at every opportunity its pride in our local area and publicly reject attempts to talk down Britain, our towns, or the people who live and work in them.
- Launch an annual “Pride in [AREA NAME]” programme, bringing together residents, businesses, schools, voluntary organisations and community groups to celebrate what is best about our area.
- Establish a Civic Pride Week, including events in town centres, villages and neighbourhoods such as local history walks, community clean-ups, cultural showcases, school projects, heritage displays, sports taster sessions and celebrations of local food, music and creativity.
- [Create or Expand] a Community Champions scheme to recognise residents and organisations who go above and beyond for others, including volunteers, carers, youth leaders, veterans, emergency service workers, educators, health and social care staff, neighbourhood organisers, environmental volunteers, charity workers and small businesses that support community life.
- Hold an annual Community Champions reception or awards event with nominations open to the public and a particular focus on unsung heroes.
- Invite ward councillors to work with residents and local organisations to identify local pride projects, including improvements to public spaces, street planting, litter reduction, heritage interpretation, community art, shopfront improvements and better promotion of local events.
- Support schools and youth organisations to take part in civic pride activities, including projects on local history, democracy, volunteering and the contribution young people make to the area.
- Work with local businesses, markets, cultural venues, sports clubs, faith groups and voluntary organisations to promote positive stories about the area and encourage residents to shop local, volunteer local and celebrate local.
- Explore funding opportunities, partnerships and sponsorship to support civic pride events and community-led improvements, ensuring that activity is inclusive, accessible and spread across different neighbourhoods.
- Request that officers bring forward a report to the relevant committee setting out a proposed timetable, budget options, partnership opportunities and measurable outcomes for the Civic Pride Week, Community Champions scheme and wider “Pride in [AREA NAME]” programme.