As a society we have chosen to be reactive, rather than proactive, in our political decision and policy making. We choose to throw our votes and our money at slogan-driven big ideas, and then wonder why we suffer the longer-term impact of these short-term fixes. The problem is that quick-fix, sticking plaster ideas make for poor long-term solutions, but sensible long-term policy making tends not to excite either our politicians or the public.
The problem is circular. We hold our politicians accountable for the outcomes of their huge and unattainable ‘vote winning’ election promises – which they make either out of their naivety or because they are smart enough to understand our naivety. But what we all know is that, though they are likely to get credit for policies that get turned into legislation, in the event of eventual failure the likelihood is that they will have moved on or moved out by then, and it will all become someone else’s problem. This, of course, leads to pushing through unthought-out policies as quickly as possible; rather than getting involved in the complicated, protracted and frustrating details of how things might actually work, or not, in practice. And what’s more there are countless well-meaning but ineffective non-governmental organisations who, because their very existence hangs on their undying support for the latest half-baked, politically driven idea, simply go along with it for the cash.
It is time to work together to put an end to this ‘political-cycle-is-all-that-matters’ thinking and the short-term, gimmicky policy making and financial wastage that goes with it. But this will require something new of the government, and something new of us all.
People ask me, ‘Have you ever thought of going into politics?’ By which they mean, ‘Do you want to become a local councillor, an MP, or perhaps join the House of Lords?’ Well, here’s the thing. I am in politics. Because we are all in politics. The term ‘politics’ comes from the word ‘polis’, which simply means the city. Thus, politics refers to the affairs of the city: the affairs of the community. We all have an important, grassroots-level role to play in the affairs of both our local communities and our society as a whole.
We need a mindset change – a new set of lenses – a new social covenant to empower ordinary people and local communities across the country. It will take courage from us all, but it’s time to commit to developing more mature and meaningful relationships between government, local authorities, and local charities, grassroots movements, faith groups and communities, built around trust and partnership.
Everything we know tells us that only this can transform the life chances of countless young people, families, and local communities. Nothing else will work, however much money we can find to put in the budget. That is the basis for my manifesto for hope!
Afterword: Steve talks with sociologist and Baptist preacher Dr Tony Campolo. In part one Steve reflects on the conclusion to his book, in part two Dr Tony responds.
This podcast series, and the accompanying book by Steve Chalke sets out ten tried and tested practical principles for ‘how’ to develop joined up, cost effective, community empowering work, gleaned from the hard-won experience that sit at the heart of the mission of Oasis over the last four decades. Steve talks to 13 expert witnesses who help him bring his book to life with their own thoughts and lived experiences. We believe it’s time for a radical reset. It's time for A Manifesto for Hope!
Steve’s book is available wherever you buy your books but we recommend you buy it from Bookshop.org an online bookshop with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.This book is also available on Audible.
The Manifesto of Hope podcast is brought to you by Oasis. Our producer is Peter Kerwood and the sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello.
If we are going to build and fund an integrated and holistic system of care for children, young people and their families; one which is aligned and attuned to the real needs of those it seeks to serve, we have to reimagine society together.
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