The RSA Blog

I Love Hackney: why don't the rioters?

Blog

16 Aug 2011

The well viewed video of a woman lecturing rioters in Hackney last Monday reveals an identification with place that is clearly not shared with the young people she is addressing. We need to pay more attention to the ways in which the spaces inhabited by young people differ if we hope to engage young people positively in the shaping of our neighbourhoods.

Towards a global network?

Blog

15 Aug 2011

Matthew Taylor

I am writing this in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. This really is an amazingly beautiful place and it's not just the delights of the metropolis, there are fantastic beaches within the city and a massive national park - which I visited yesterday - just a few miles away.

Skills, Jobs, Riots - Informal Learning on Monday Night

Blog

12 Aug 2011

It could be argued that for some the conventional skills and employment system no longer works. This is a particularly relevant topic given the recent civil unrest that Britain has seen. Such an observation does not excuse the widespread violence and looting that the past week has seen but it does provide some context to the situation and an indication as to why there are so many who feel the best way to enrich themselves and get something out of their community is by going on a rampage.

Two crises, one organisation, half a solution

Blog

12 Aug 2011

Matthew Taylor

The two big stories that I have woken up to on my working holiday in Australia are connected to each other and to the core mission of the RSA.

Blame the system?

Blog

11 Aug 2011

Matthew Taylor

Like anyone else, I find that other people sometimes make me angry. So I have shared the common fury at the self serving, callous and plain stupid things that some of the rioters have said to journalists.

'Not Enough Capital' amongst FE students

Blog

09 Aug 2011

Now is a good time to think about learning, life skills and progression amongst our young people. But some young people find it harder to progress in education and careers than others, according to a new RSA report released today.

The Prime Minister's challenge

Blog

09 Aug 2011

Matthew Taylor

Over breakfast in my hotel near Cairns a member of staff who knows I'm from London said 'I'm so sorry about what's happen to your city'. Someone else says 'I wonder how long until this spreads to other countries; there is so much anger and hopelessness right now'. 

The worth of Perth.....

Blog

07 Aug 2011

Matthew Taylor

I am writing this waiting for a train to take me back to Perth from an afternoon wine tasting in Swan Valley. I've been in the capital of Western Australia for three days and it's made a big impression on me.

Community work

Blog

03 Aug 2011

The RSA recently had our annual civic day. Staff travelled down to Bognor help decorate a community centre (many thanks to B&Q and Dulux for their support!). This type of work sponsored activity is increasingly common.