When the rioting is over, what practical things can we do to make a difference?

[CinnabarRed]

I'm white, middle class and live very comfortably in the home counties. I work in a well paid job in the city, I went to university. I have had every opportunity life has to offer, and I have been incredibly lucky.

I have no idea what it's like to be a young black man growing up in Tottenham, or Peckham, or any of the places affected by the riots. I have no idea how it feels to grow up with no prospects, or role models, or viable alternatives.

I pay my taxes, but it doesn't feel enough. It isn't enough.

What, who and where can I/should I help? Volunteer? Support? Is it best to give of my expertise or to mentor or to help at schools? Financial assistance? Get my city firm involved in a project somewhere?

Prettyfly: getting DH or other males in your life to volunteer is a VERY good idea.

ColdTruth: I agree. Pre-riots, the idea of volunteering to help those in your neighbourhood was often decried on MN (nasty Tory policy, Big Society just a cover for cuts). Now, there is a sense that clearing up your own neighbourhood (literally, for those with brooms; metaphorically for the ideas here) is an important way to help, to share, to live together, to be a community. I hope it lasts.

There are a lot of organisations doing mentoring now, great role for males, but they are extremely underfunded and a bit hit-and-miss. Some are mentioned up-thread. There was a great one aimed at men to spend half a day at the weekend with another young man and just taking them out, doing some activity with them. It was good because it encouraged young working men to get involved. I can't find it now though - it was based around South London I think.

OP, your thread and the ideas it has produced is very laudable.
However, try living next door to some of these fuckers (like I have in the past) and I think your attitude might change somewhat. Just a thought.

didyousee - OP is off now, she's busy filling forms in to do volunteer work for HomeStart - and involving her business in Kidscompany.

didyousee- so what do you suggest? That they are locked away in jail for a long time? What happens then when they have to eventually rejoin society? We all know prison is brilliant at reforming people, don't we? Those same individuals will be in your community, and be part of it, whether they contribute negatively or positively.

Don't you realised that at least, by doing something to help them, you are also helping yourself? A Community that deals with the root causes of criminality is good for everyone. It's good for your children, and for your grandchildren too.

Consequently, it's actually more cost effective in the long term as well. The savings on the Social Wefare, Criminal Justice, Health Care bills, to name a few, would be phenomenal.

Ironically, there are lots of people too thick apopletic to realise this.

I agree with tenacity, if they are moved it just moves he problem, uproots kids from schools and starts all over again. People need support to change. I dont think there are any quick easy answers. Well done everyone who is trying