by Esther Hall, Preservation Raleigh
Preservation advocacy involves actively supporting the protection and maintenance of historic, cultural, and natural resources. It encompasses a range of activities, from educating the public and policymakers about the value of preservation to directly influencing legislation and funding decisions. Advocacy is the business of Preservation Raleigh as reflected in our mission statement: Securing Raleigh’s Architectural Inheritance for Everyone’s Benefit.
Our approach is based on two effective methods:
- Community Engagement:
Building coalitions and engaging with neighbors and community groups. - Direct Action:
Participate in public meetings and email/social media campaigns to raise awareness and influence decision-makers.
Coalescing around Saving Seaboard Station was the precursor to forming Preservation Raleigh, and the number of citizens who signed our petitions demonstrated the strong level of community support and engagement to prevail. Other examples of active community efforts include the ongoing preservation of Prince Hall as a local historic district, the citizen advocacy efforts to protect Clover Lane apartments, and the ongoing work of the Friends of Oberlin Village to highlight historic resources in their community. The Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood was formed in 1972 and is responsible for saving an invaluable historic community through grassroots persistence. Other recent significant coalitions include the Hayes Barton community, whose yellow signs were planted in yards protesting a new development of luxury townhomes, leading to a lawsuit against the city’s “missing middle” housing policy.
Concerned citizens may find themselves newly engaged in advocacy as issues affect them and their community. Everyone can be an effective preservation advocate, and it is as simple as responding to a social media post or attending a quickly called meeting in a neighbor’s living room. Showing up at a public meeting to learn more or register your support/opposition is often the first step in making your voice heard. Joining with others sharing your viewpoint is an effective way to exert influence. Getting out in front of a crisis is key to successful outcomes, in addition to having collaborative partners is key to successful outcomes.
Preservation advocacy often creates “dynamic tension” as individuals sort out a host of feelings and realities around property, development, neighborhoods, City ordinances, growth, and history. This can result in community upset, so seeking historic context and information from trusted sources is advised. Preservation Raleigh strives to be such a resource for the citizens of Raleigh. From time to time, we promote Advocacy Alerts to ensure members and friends are aware of the need to act on a matter of urgency impacting a historic resource.
The immediate need for preservation advocacy calls for citizen attendance at two upcoming meetings this week:
- Wednesday, June 25, 6-7 PM at the McKimmon Center, corner of Western Blvd. and Gorman Street Raleigh Neighbors United Get Involved (Information provided by Liveable Raleigh)
- Detailed analysis and information RaleighNeighborsUnited.com
- Flier canvassing: We need volunteers (Get Involved)
- Donate to get a Yard Sign and place it in your yard!
- Get Involved by creating content! For our website and social media – Every little bit helps
- Follow us and share links and content. SPREAD THE WORD!
2) Thursday, June 26 at 5 PM The City of Raleigh Historic Development Commission Certificate of Appropriateness meeting in Room 201, City Council Chamber, of the Municipal Building at the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex. Agenda: DEMOLISH EXISTING RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE at 1027 W. South Street, Boylan Heights.
Resources
Raleigh Neighbors United Articles and Blogs:
https://www.raleighneighborsunited.com/blank