Community Engagement: The Cornerstone of Event Safety and Security

Introduction

In the realm of mass gatherings, from music festivals to civic demonstrations, safety and security have traditionally been viewed through the lens of risk assessment and mitigation. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that community engagement is not merely an add-on but a fundamental pillar of event resilience. This white paper explores how fostering strong community connections can create more secure, inclusive, and resilient events, while also enriching the overall experience for all stakeholders.

The Four Pillars Approach

The Art of Mass Gatherings (AoMG) initiative proposes a holistic framework for event resilience built on four key pillars: safety, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. While each pillar is crucial, community engagement serves as the foundation that strengthens all others. By involving local stakeholders, from residents to government agencies, we create a network of support that enhances every aspect of event planning and execution.

Community Engagement in Practice

Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation

One of the key insights from the AoMG approach is the concept of self-regulation in public spaces. As Bertrand Evans-Taylor observes, “There’s this idea of self-regulation that happens in public, even among strangers, to let everyone enjoy shared space”4. This observation leads to a discussion on how event producers and emergency managers can incorporate self-regulation and co-regulation into their planning.

Dignity in Conflict Resolution

A crucial lesson learned from Denver Pride Fest, where the first Art of Mass Gatherings was hosted, is the importance of always leaving people “a way out with dignity”4. This principle is particularly important for events that may be politically or culturally charged, as it helps prevent and de-escalate potential conflicts.

The Ripple Effect of Community Engagement

When communities are actively involved in event planning, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself. As Matthew Kowal notes, “People who set up festivals are skilled at creating temporary cities with all of the necessary infrastructure such as water, waste, power, and structures”4. These skills are invaluable not just for events, but for community resilience in the face of disasters or emergencies.

Strategies for Effective Community Engagement

  1. Inclusive Planning: Involve diverse community stakeholders from the earliest stages of event planning.
  2. Cultural Competence: Understand and respect the cultural context of the community hosting the event.
  3. Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with all community members before, during, and after the event.
  4. Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to leverage existing community networks.
  5. Skill-Sharing: Create opportunities for community members to learn and contribute their skills to event operations.

Community Engagement as Emergency Preparedness

One of the most powerful aspects of community engagement in event planning is its potential to enhance overall community resilience. The skills developed in planning and executing safe, inclusive events can be directly applied to emergency preparedness and disaster response.

As Matthew Kowal points out, “We can practice and talk about disasters through and at joyous events. Accessibility, safety, sustainability, and community engagement are linked and complex, and therefore benefit from co-coordination”4.

Conclusion

Community engagement is not just a nice-to-have in event planning; it’s a critical component of creating truly safe and secure gatherings. By involving communities in meaningful ways, we not only enhance the safety and success of individual events but also build stronger, more resilient communities capable of facing a wide range of challenges.

As we look to the future of mass gatherings, let us remember that our greatest resource is the community itself. By harnessing the power of collective knowledge, skills, and passion, we can create events that are not only safe and secure but also transformative experiences that strengthen the fabric of our society.

 

The Boston Art of Mass Gatherings (AoMG) symposium, held in conjunction with the Boston Art and Music Soul Festival (BAMS Fest) in June 2023, stands out as a significant case study in community engagement and event resilience. This event exemplifies the power of collaboration between various agencies, artists, and community stakeholders to create a safer, more inclusive, and resilient gathering.

The Boston AoMG Symposium: A Model of Collaboration

The Boston AoMG symposium brought together an impressive array of participants, including representatives from the Mayor’s office, fire department, regional festivals, musicians, and various other stakeholders. This diverse group engaged in meaningful discussions about Boston’s community spirit and its application to both festivals and emergency situations.

Key Collaborations and Outcomes

  1. City Government Involvement: The participation of Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) underscored the city’s commitment to integrating arts and culture with public safety and emergency preparedness.
  2. Emergency Services Integration: The involvement of the fire department and OEM in the symposium facilitated direct dialogue between event organizers and emergency responders, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
  3. Arts and Culture Leadership: The presence of key figures like Nancy Smith, Paul Willis, and Catherine Morris from BAMS Fest demonstrated the strong leadership within Boston’s arts community and their dedication to creating safe, inclusive events.
  4. Educational Institutions: The partnership with Berklee College of Music provided a valuable academic perspective and resources for the symposium.

Practical Learning and Skill-Sharing

The Boston AoMG symposium stood out for its hands-on approach to learning and skill-sharing:

  1. Interactive Workshops: Participants engaged in practical sessions on CPR and Stop the Bleed, integrating safety skills with event management.
  2. On-Site Application: The BAMS Fest itself served as a living laboratory for accessibility and safety design, allowing participants to see principles in action.
  3. Community Resilience Focus: As Paul Willis, Managing Director of BAMS Fest, noted, “Resilient communities are prepared to respond to challenges before they arise.” The symposium emphasized identifying resources, disseminating information, and creating safe, accessible spaces.

Innovative Approaches to Event Safety and Community Engagement

The Boston AoMG symposium introduced several innovative concepts:

  1. Four Pillars Approach: The event emphasized the interconnectedness of safety, sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement in creating resilient events.
  2. Cultural Competence: The symposium highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting the cultural context of the community hosting an event.
  3. Inclusive Planning: By involving diverse stakeholders from the earliest stages, the event demonstrated how to create truly inclusive gatherings.

Long-Term Impact and Community Benefits

The Boston AoMG symposium has had lasting effects on the community:

  1. Skill Development: As Matthew Kowal pointed out, “People who set up festivals are skilled at creating temporary cities with all of the necessary infrastructure such as water, waste, power, and structures.” These skills are transferable to emergency preparedness and disaster response.
  3. Network Building: The event fostered connections between artists, event producers, emergency managers, and municipal employees, creating a unified community with diverse perspectives.
  4. Economic Resilience: By enhancing the skills of arts and event workers, the symposium contributed to their economic resilience and employability in various sectors.

The Boston Art of Mass Gatherings symposium serves as a powerful example of how collaborative, community-focused approaches to event planning can enhance safety, accessibility, and overall resilience. It demonstrates that when cities, arts organizations, and emergency services work together, they can create events that not only celebrate culture but also strengthen community bonds and preparedness.