Village In The City call #13: Hospitable Communities with Nigel Gann

'Inclusivity' is one of our core values at Village In The City. We would all like to think of our communities as welcoming and hospitable - but sometimes that isn't easy! Nigel Gann leads the Lichfield group of the City of Sanctuary movement, which holds the vision that our nations will be welcoming places of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
With the recent news about Afghanistan adding to the world's movement of refugees, this is an excellent moment to take stock of how hospitable - or indeed hostile - our communities really are, and how we can all take steps to build hospitality in our streets, towns and cities. How can we become more 'welcome-ready'?
Nigel contributed a guest blog to Mark's Host Leadership website about 'making the community the host' last year, and we are looking forward to the chance to hear more from him.
Nigel Gann taught in UK secondary education to headship level and in adult and teacher education. Through his work in four community schools, he developed an interest in changing the culture of organisations to be inclusive, diverse and developmental. He became a consultant in community development and education in 1989 and has worked with communities throughout England, Wales and abroad. Nigel has made programmes for BBC TV & Radio and published widely. He currently coaches headteachers and is secretary of Lichfield City of Sanctuary, as well as being a member of Village In The City.
Village In The City supports and encourages citizens to build micro-local communities in urban settings to improve our own lives and the lives of those around us.