Queen of the NIMBYs

Had a fantastic day today, I went to the University of Stirling to take part in the first public playing of 'Hopetown'.  Hopetown is a policy game (like a war-game, but for policy rather then conflict) based around understanding the pressures on policy makers, housing associations, developers, third sector organisers and community members in providing suitable homes for an ageing population.  I went along hoping to meet some people who were interested in finding new solutions to big problems and I found them, alongside generally having a great time!

My role in the game was to play community members and somehow I ended up being the queen of the NIMBYs, representing the richest residents of Hopetown who were not much concerned by the needs of other residents as long as they were okay, and they definitley didn't want tax rises, spending on the welfare state or any of that social housing near their own homes.  Very much not my natural state.  It was quite fun stomping around complaining at the policy team for putting up my taxes and providing imflammatory quotes for the local newspaper, but also disheartening at how easy it was for my residents to get their needs met in comparison with the less well-off members of the community.  The play truly represents life.

I also met an economist with a heart (who thought I was a journalist as I was too interested in some of his insights working with government budgeting!) and the chap who helped the university develop the game.  With whom I had a fascinating conversation about politics and how we really need a full modern overhaul of the system.  If only it were that easy eh?

To finish the day I went for a stroll around the campus in the beautiful autumnal sunshine, it made me think that I'd made a mistake not applying to Stirling for University back in the day as it really is a stunning place - I may have stuck that philosophy course out if I'd have been there!

Edit: If anyone's interested the website for Hopetown can be found here.