There is a phenomenon unfolding at the McGregor Wisdom School where the formerly disadvantaged community faces many of the challenges of disenfranchisement and poverty. Sadly, more and more youths turn to drugs and crime; but the counter cultures are also emerging: young people are being drawn to ballet, circus performance, poetry, rap, movement and music.
Through these Positive Alternative Cultures / PACs their lives, minds and free time are filled with:
- Belonging
- Purpose
- Practise
- Hope
PACs may initially appear frivolous as many are recreation-based; but they come to have profound meaning and fulfil vital functions for the youngsters involved in them.
Some of the most successful we have seen are sports cultures, arts cultures, and play cultures. The “cool” factor of these initiatives cannot be undervalued. Cultures offered by schools and churches are often not as magnetic. Popular cultures appeal to young people by slotting into their lives and social structures. We would like to propose that these cultures can be interlinking and do not need to be unending. By their nature, many non-profit interventions are limited to a few years. But in that time, a PAC can form that lives on in youth behaviour beyond the organisation.
We would like to propose that, so long as the popular PACs provide the multi-dimensional psycho-spiritual needs of children that they are worthwhile. Positive Alternative Cultures/PACs could be one of our best defences against the lures of drugs and crime because they are subtle, fun, attractive to youth. Busy and engaged they are less likely to explore Drug Culture.
We are exploring a recognisable set of principles and a way of measuring PACs. This enables organisations to be awarded accreditation when they fulfil specific requirements that then gives them an additional layer of credibility, support, access to sources of funding, and capacity building; whilst simultaneously elevating and qualifying their work, so that they command the respect they deserve. If this pilot project is successful in McGregor – we would make it available for adoption in other areas. We begin with a brief checklist: A PAC must be positive, create belonging, give purpose, encourage regular practise, and inspire hope for youth.
*We would like to credit those who have contributed to the conversation, as well as the countless unnameable authors that have positively informed our thinking.