My Third Place Writing Campaign

The Urban Design & Preservation Division of the American Planning Association has initiated a new writing campaign for all APA members titled 'My Third Place'.

Deadline: January 31, 2012

The Third Place is a concept espoused by Urban Sociologist Ray Oldenberg in his book The Great GoodPlace (1989, 1991) which refers to the notion that social surroundings are separate from the tacit social environments of home and work; the first two places. Oldenberg's premise is that third places provide for and contribute to civil society, democracy, civic engagement, and creating a sense of place.

As part of the 2011 writing campaign, the UDP Division extends the question to its membership and other like-minded professionals:

"What is your Third Place"?

In 700 to 1,000 words, please describe your "Third Place" and include one to three images that best represent your interpretation of that place. All submissions received shall be considered for use in UDP-sponsored communications, including but not limited to future newsletter editions, the UDP library, and the UDP website.

This writing campaign is open to all APA members with dues current. Submissions are due by January 31, 2012. The winning submission will receive an iPad2 wi-fi, or the newest iteration available, at the time of the submission deadline.

Please e-mail submissions in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info_udp@planning.org.

2010-2011

My One City

 The UDP 2010-2011 My One City writing campaign sought to expose and stimulate planners to discovering, in 300 words or less, their favorite city. Following is the campaign message distributed.

Discovering new cities and places is something planners' embrace. Please consider contributing to "My One City" by sharing your favorite city, from your perspective, in 300 words or less. Tell us about your favorite city, what makes it special, and what planners should know about it.

The winning submission was St. Louis by Alexandra Reisman. Ms. Reisman was awarded a free registration for the April 2011 National APA Conference in Boston.

Other select entries will be published in the Division's quarterly newsletter.

All My One City submissions (pdf)