Civic Discourse with Citizen Tripp | Episode 9: All Things Third Spaces
LIVE PANEL WITH CITIZEN TRIPP
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In this episode of Civic Discourse, host Tripp Gomez is joined by panelists to discuss the importance of third spaces—the public places we go to gather, make friends and be with community.
Panelists include Tony Schaffer, Jennie Tian and Dustin Schreiner. Together, they explore how third spaces take many forms—from libraries and sports games to music venues, community centers and informal gatherings—and how these environments shape both personal experience and collective life.
The discussion traces how isolation, economic pressure and the erosion of public gathering places have altered access to connection.
The panelists consider the benefits and drawbacks to digital third spaces that allow people to find one another and organize across distance. They also talk about reimagining what it means to build cost-effective and meaningful in-person third spaces.
Panelist Tony advises, “get your head and your heart right and then go try to be with other people who are doing that too and see what happens next.”
Watch the full episode to contemplate third spaces alongside the panelists.
What are the third spaces near you—and what can you build with the infrastructure that already exists in your community?
Panelist resources:
@fellow_citizens on TikTok
The Forecast Looks Grim, You Should Step Forward Anyway
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