Issues with NIMBY and How to Advocate for Change
Description
At a dinner party, the topic of a homeless shelter being constructed nearby comes up. Some at the party express that they do not want this to go through, while others express offence and outrage at this perspective. This leads to a heated debate about privilege and whose voices should be prioritized when considering community developments. As the conflict arises, it is identified that there are issues of NIMBYism. NIMBY is the abbreviation of “Not In My Backyard” and it is the disagreement by residents of the building of new projects or infrastructures that do not align with the convenience or attitudes of the existing residents. In this case, NIMBYism is demonstrated in this scenario by the opposition of building a new homeless shelter.
As the mediators are trying to convey a solution, concerns regarding public safety and adequate funding for the shelter are proposed. Local residents object to the motion as they view shelters in their area as an “eyesore” and non-beneficial. However, others state that housing is a right that everyone should have access to.
Mediators will propose a structure to have a more systematic discussion to come together to reach a conclusion as a group that will satisfy both parties.