The Centre for Democratic Business, a project of our member Stir to Action, has just published this report. Although aimed at the ‘policy’ milieu, it could help inform our movement-building strategy. Interestingly, illustrated with a pic of Szczepan with his AR goggles on.
Here’s an exec summary:
"Originating in the mid-19th century, social clubs emerged as member-led, not-for-profit institutions that provided not only recreational spaces for their members, but also opportunities for political education and civic engagement. These clubs were vital to the development of working-class communities in a new industrial economy and the emerging - but not inevitable - era of mass democracy, serving as spaces for political debate, associational life, and economic mutualism.
By offering spaces for these activities, clubs functioned as incubators of political literacy and participation, which involved lectures, lending libraries, and self-run learning groups. By the early 20th century, these clubs were not just local hubs but influential in political representation, with many club members holding positions in local and national government - at one point club members accounted for nearly a third of all MPs in parliament. This legacy underscores the role of social clubs in training citizens for democratic life, but also the void in our contemporary civil society.
The underexplored relationship between social clubs and political participation deserves greater attention from civil society bodies, political parties, government institutions, and think tanks.
Key arguments
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Over history, social clubs have been one of our most potent and durable forms of social infrastructure: everyday spaces essential for building local trust and civic capacity.
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As member-run spaces, clubs have and still serve as democratic training grounds that can inspire civic and political engagement in local and national matters, which is now more relevant than ever.
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Unlike online organising networks, social clubs offer community and political organisers the opportunity to develop richer, more rounded relationships with each other in a more sociable, face-to-face environment.
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Public institutions could partner with social clubs to enhance local and national democracy, particularly to engage groups who are more remote from political influence, and feel they have no control over their lives.
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Local governments and civil society organisations can use clubs as venues for political events, planning consultations, and integrated service delivery.
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Financial support and business development programmes are necessary to revitalise clubs, modernise facilities, and broaden membership, alongside the need for more specialist governance training required for membership organisations.