Third Spaces For All

I am in love with the pursuit of the “third space”. And until a week ago, I did not know this term existed.

I owe thanks to my friend and fellow non-profit leader, Jenè, for my introduction to the third space concept. We often exchange ideas and thought resources as friends and colleagues do, and she suggested I listen to a podcast about trust-based philanthropy. And it was there, nestled in a beautiful call to action for philanthropy to do more to build trust, was a knowledge gem waiting for me: the third space. 

Ray Oldenburg, an American sociologist first coined the term in the 90’s and described them as places in between the home (first space) and work (second space) - places that are “central to democracy and community vitality”. Others have explained third spaces as environments that are informal, social, free to all, and free of obligation. A place where “members of our community turn from strangers to friends”. 

My family is making Raleigh our new home - and we naturally gravitate toward third spaces. It is also true that my children are self-proclaimed home bodies and would always be reading a book or turning leaves into crowns, but when we do venture out, we always find ourselves in this glorious in-between. Many of the museums in the city are free and rich with learning and opportunities for aimless wandering. Two state parks are 10-minute drives from our doorstep and nestled in the heart of the city is a 300+ acre green space with a deep history that I’m slowly unpacking. 

I am glad and proud to say that I will always love this joyful pursuit. When I think of my role as a philanthropic leader now and in the future - I believe my lifes’ work will always involve keeping third spaces intact, expanding belonging within third spaces for all, and discovering third spaces alongside my favorite adventurers. 

In fact, we met up with hopeful new friends (strangers, really) at Dix Park last Sunday. It was our first family hang. The weather was crisp, sun was shining. My kiddos posed for a photo on the giant couch, ran down the fields dodging daffodils, and through the trail in the Pines. It was there, in that glorious third space, that a group of strangers, became friends.