Community Events: Committees, Challenges, And Cooperation

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in community–led organisations there remains some events operated by not–for–profit organisations that have not been fully explored. Even when there is a significant socio–cultural contribution to the host communities. Although this study is set within Highland Games there are many similarities to many not–for–profit event organisations managing traditional community events or cultural celebrations such as Hogmanay or Common Ridings. The challenges facing volunteer organisations are considerable when attempting to maintain cultural traditions and committee stabilisation, for many not–for–profit event organisations. Furthermore, the organisers of community events may not be traditionally perceived as the protectors of a country’s culture, there is no doubt that many events play a significant role in promoting unique elements of tradition and culture. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the article highlights some of the challenges encountered to maintain a stable support system for dedicated groups of individuals. Findings highlight the community focus and need for synergetic support systems in communities to ensure longevity of significantly important events.

Investigating the recovery of community events in Scotland, post-COVID-19

“…This aligns with previous studies which found first-hand experiences and collective consumption of experiences are necessary to foster place attachment and place identity (Davis, 2016). Across all focus groups, participants identified pro-social motivations for hosting events, reinforcing that community events do not prioritise revenue generation and instead mostly generate income to support the ongoing operation of the event itself (Brewster, 2020). As highlighted in the focus groups, being involved in organisation of an event for communities to build more connected places is attractive to local residents:…”

“…This aligns with previous studies which found first-hand experiences and collective consumption of experiences are necessary to foster place attachment and place identity (Davis, 2016). Across all focus groups, participants identified pro-social motivations for hosting events, reinforcing that community events do not prioritise revenue generation and instead mostly generate income to support the ongoing operation of the event itself (Brewster, 2020). As highlighted in the focus groups, being involved in organisation of an event for communities to build more connected places is attractive to local residents:It’s the community that’s going to be doing this, it’s me, it’s my neighbour, it’s my father, my brother, my sister and it installs that whole aspect of ‘this is an event that going to be organized not just for me but for my neighbours and the wider community and I want to be a part of that' (EC1_FG)…”

“…This range of qualitative methods (open-ended survey responses and focus group responses) was determined to elicit rich data and results were triangulated to develop themes. Open-coded thematic analysis relies on the interpretation of the researcher (Davis, 2016), but also creates a framework wherein data can be sorted and categorised for the purposes of discussion (Brewster, 2020). In reviewing both written responses to the survey and the transcribed focus group sessions, several key themes emerged..…”

“…Social sustainability refers to the conditions in and of societies that support human well-being and a process by which communities achieve this condition (McClinchey, 2021). Aspects of social sustainability such as social cohesion, social interactions, sense of community and belonging overlap with the potential benefits of community events, but there is little research Recovery of community events in Scotland which specifically articulates this relationship (Brewster, 2020). To understand impacts of community events (within and outside of disruption periods), it is necessary to contextualise the meaning of community within the events industry.…”

“…Local authorities across Scotland often advocate for the benefits that community events bring, using phrases like "community well-being" or "creating a connected community" in strategies (Glasgow City Council, 2022;North Ayrshire Council, 2022) but varied in their support for community events. Brewster (2020) identified "community cohesion" and "sense of community" as two non-physical aspects of social sustainability. This reflects an acknowledgement that events provide a forum for such aspects to develop However, those who organise community events often experience a dichotomy between such statements and Recovery of community events in Scotland the level of support and guidance they receive.…”