Transforming passive presence into situational intelligence.

By Valeria Lorenzelli

 What words do you use to describe the places in your city?

I have a confession to make: I have a deep aversion to the word "periphery". It’s a subtle, almost imperceptible irritation. Every time I hear someone use it to describe parts of my city or others, I find myself wondering what hidden assumptions they are unconsciously trying to uphold.

Over time, I've come to realise it’s a term that conceals an implicit hierarchy of value; a division that goes far beyond simple urban geography. The "periphery" is never just a physical location. It is a social construct, laden with judgment. It carries a default narrative of marginality and lack; a distance that is not just physical but cultural and moral, from a supposed "centre" of greater importance.

The Hidden Power of Words

In my work with placemaking, I've learned that places are also stories. They are collective narratives that define how we see spaces, how we live in them, how we invest in them, and even how we build public policies to transform them. The words we choose to describe places are just that—a choice. And for that reason, they are never neutral.

When we label a neighbourhood as "run-down," "at-risk," or a "dormitory suburb," we are building a narrative that influences perceptions, policy decisions, and the very sense of belonging for those who live there every day. As Henri Lefebvre, the theorist of "spatial justice," wrote: "Urban space is not a neutral container, but a social product that reflects power relations". And language is one of the most potent tools through which these power relations are expressed and perpetuated.

Labelling a neighbourhood as "the periphery" is like a bully giving a classmate a demeaning nickname. The nickname doesn't actually describe the person, but it creates a narrative that weakens them, one that others accept without question. Over time, this label affects how others see them, and even how they start to see themselves. In the same way, defining a neighbourhood with negative labels builds a narrative that impacts both external perception and the identity of those who live there.

The use of the word "periphery" by some media outlets, especially those focused on crime reporting, is particularly problematic. These outlets tend to overuse the term to generalise and quickly sketch out troubling situations. In doing so, they trigger an unconscious apprehension in the reader or, conversely, a sense of privilege derived from feeling distant from such realities.

While it is difficult to precisely quantify the extent of this phenomenon, reports from the Osservatorio di Pavia, initiatives by the Bracco Foundation (like the 'Ten, One Hundred, One Thousand Centres' conference), and studies by Save the Children all confirm a structural problem: the media and social narrative of the peripheries often focuses on deprivation, decay, and marginality. The result is that the opportunities, resources, and development potential present in these areas are obscured.

As Save the Children points out in its 'Atlas of Children at Risk':

"One of the problems for children and young people in the Italian peripheries is the mental laziness with which we have, for decades, continued to represent the contexts where they are born and grow up. Headline after headline, image after image, we have helped create indelible labels that stick to them, fuelling anger and frustration. While the reputation of some neighbourhoods risks branding the aspirations and dreams of many young people, the term 'periphery' is used so obsessively that it has almost lost all meaning."

This selective portrayal creates what the urban sociologist Loïc Wacquant calls "territorial stigma". This is a process where the negative public image of these neighbourhoods becomes impressed upon both the public consciousness and state policies, fuelling prejudice and fear. It triggers a vicious cycle where media stigma reinforces social isolation and economic disinvestment.

The Voice of the Inhabitants

A fundamental aspect, often overlooked, is the impact these narratives have on those who live in the territories labelled as "peripheries". When we listen to the inhabitants, a complex and ambivalent relationship with these external narratives emerges.

On one hand, we find a strong identification with their area and a sense of community that is often more intense than elsewhere, sometimes accompanied by an internalisation of that stigma. On the other, this awareness can also generate proactivity, positive action, and the strength to act authentically and assert their right to self-determination.

This is a significant problem for adolescents, who are still defining their own identities and could end up self-limiting their potential. Those who live in stigmatised contexts may internalise the idea that they live in a place of lesser value or with fewer opportunities, to the point of giving up on seeking future possibilities.

As a professional working in these communities, what I find most important is that this one-dimensional narrative offers no support to people and opens no doors for improvement.

A New Lexicon for Our Communities

This awareness led to my playbook, "#1Post.t: Words That Map Places": a guide to language for describing neighbourhoods that overcomes stereotypes and prejudices, and helps us see our communities with fresh eyes. This playbook offers concrete tools and new ways of seeing and speaking about contemporary urban complexity in its entirety, moving beyond the oversimplifications that often characterise public debate.

Take, for example, the expression "dormitory suburb". This term reduces an entire community to its residential function, as if it were fundamentally true that people only return there to sleep, living their "real" daily lives elsewhere. A more balanced narrative would instead acknowledge the social relationships, the small businesses, and all the elements that make up the daily life of a neighbourhood. Terms like "neighbourhood network" highlight the bonds between residents, while "neighbourhood ecosystem" illuminates the complex social and economic dynamics. Even definitions like "housing context," "urban structure," or "urban fabric" offer a more complete picture and avoid devaluing the place. Or, we can simply call it a "neighbourhood" and let the events and stories of those who live there define its identity.

Developing a more precise vocabulary, therefore, means critically questioning the categories we use to interpret these territories. It means recognising their intrinsic complexity and the multiple identities that characterise them, beyond reductive frameworks.

It's crucial to clarify and acknowledge the limits of our language, because this allows us to move past the simple existence of fragile situations. In fact, when an area is genuinely experiencing social vulnerability or violence, the very first step towards authentic change is to restore dignity to that place through respectful language.

"A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved." — Charles Kettering

A truly transformative approach begins with a change in perspective. We must see these places as territories with their own identities, clearly define the problem, fully understand their specific resources and potential, and effectively tackle any challenge.

Ultimately, the vocabulary we use to describe our communities is a matter of territorial justice. Abandoning the binary logic of centre/periphery means embracing a polycentric vision of our cities, where every neighbourhood is valued for its uniqueness, not measured by its distance from a supposed centre.

Download the "Words That Map Places" playbook to begin your journey towards a more conscious use of territorial language. Whether you are a communicator, a public administrator, a professional, or simply someone interested in seeing your city with fresh eyes, this guide offers concrete tools for a communication style that is more respectful of the complexity of our communities.

So, what words do you use to describe the places in your city?

As the European Neighbourhood Watch Association (EUNWA), we are pleased to present our new report: "Searching for Missing Persons in Europe: A Guide to National Systems and Cooperation Models." We have designed this document as a practical guide for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and third-sector organisations, offering a clear and detailed comparison of the different alert and search systems currently active across the continent.

In the report, we map the considerable diversity of national approaches, from strongly state-led systems to models that rely heavily on the professionalism of volunteers. This guide provides professionals with a valuable tool to understand this complex landscape and identify effective practices.

The Crucial Role of Citizen Participation

A central finding of our research is the confirmation of the crucial role that citizens already play in supporting search operations. In the guide, we analyse several successful models of collaboration already active in Europe, demonstrating that public engagement is a key factor for success. These models range from community apps for vulnerable groups to highly professionalised volunteer search teams and digital mobilisation platforms that use social media to spread alerts.

Our Hypothesis for the Future: Extending the Search Network with Neighbourhood Watch

Building on this analysis of successful citizen participation, in our report we explore a working hypothesis for the future. We suggest that the formal involvement of established Neighbourhood Watch networks as official channels for disseminating alerts could significantly extend the reach and effectiveness of the search network.

The model we propose would leverage these trusted, geographically-focused community structures to act as trained "eyes and ears," complementing the work of law enforcement and specialised teams. We therefore conclude the report by inviting stakeholders to consider this framework as a basis for pilot projects, aimed at testing and adapting this promising approach to different national contexts.

This report is a tool we have designed for professionals working in the field of public safety and community engagement. It provides a comprehensive overview and a forward-looking perspective on how to build more resilient and collaborative communities.

The full report is available for free download.

Click here to download the guide: "Searching for Missing Persons in Europe"

In a contemporary Europe marked by profound transformations, the emergence and proliferation of "patriotic patrols" and vigilante movements present a phenomenon deserving of the highest attention. To provide a thorough understanding of this challenge, the European Neighbourhood Watch Association (EUNWA) has today released its comprehensive new research paper, "Vigilantism, Nationalism and the Rule of Law in Contemporary Europe". The study moves beyond surface-level observations to offer a multi-dimensional analysis of the contextual drivers, participant demographics, operational structures, and tangible impacts of these group.The research argues that while these groups often manifest in localized actions, they are embedded within broader socio-political contexts that challenge the very foundations of liberal democracy. They represent a pressing challenge not only to social cohesion but also to the rule of law itself. Their activities can erode the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of force, incite hatred against minorities, deepen social polarization, and delegitimize democratic institution.

The report identifies a complex interplay of factors fuelling the rise of these movements. It points to deep-seated socio-economic anxieties and resentments stemming from periods of economic crisis and growing inequality. These insecurities are often compounded by heightened public concerns regarding security and migration, particularly following the 2015-2016 influx and high-profile terrorist attacks, which created fertile ground for narratives linking immigration to threat. This environment is further shaped by a palpable crisis of trust in traditional institutions, including governments, mainstream media, and even the European Union, which allows "anti-system" narratives to flourish. These groups leverage these anxieties, framing them within potent ideologies of nationalism, nativism, and right-wing populism to champion a return to perceived "native" values and defend against so-called external and internal threats.

EUNWA's research dismantles simplistic stereotypes of the participants, revealing a diverse landscape of individuals drawn to these movements. Far from a monolithic bloc, the participants range from digitally-savvy youth activists, such as those in France's "Génération Identitaire," to middle-aged blue-collar workers in deindustrialized areas—so-called "geographies of frustration"—who might join patrols like Finland's "Soldiers of Odin". The study also identifies a strain of "senior patriotism" among older adherents closer to traditional politics, as seen with supporters of "Britain First" in the UK. The unifying element, the paper suggests, is often not a rigid ideology but a shared "fear of decline".

Delving into their operations, the report emphasizes that tracking financial flows is critical to understanding a movement's maturity and resilience. The ability to manage resources and raise funds marks the transition from fleeting online anger to an enduring organizational presence. Furthermore, financial trails often uncover international networks and support systems that are not apparent from street-level actions alone.

While precisely attributing violent incidents solely to these informal groups is challenging, the research points to a clear correlation between their presence and a rise in hate crimes and public disorder. An analysis of hate crime data shows that countries with a documented history of structured patrol groups, such as Germany with its Bürgerwehren linked to PEGIDA, tend to report higher incidences of physical assaults within their hate crime statistics.

Faced with this phenomenon, institutional responses across Europe have been varied, creating a "regulatory patchwork". Some states, like France and Greece, have adopted repressive approaches, formally dissolving groups like "Génération Identitaire" and "Golden Dawn". Others, such as Germany and Finland, have favoured discreet surveillance and the application of specific laws against paramilitary activities and hate speech. In contrast, countries like Poland and Hungary have shown forms of indirect tolerance or even support where the groups' narratives aligned with government agendas.

However, the EUNWA report concludes by arguing that suppression alone is unlikely to succeed if the underlying anxieties are not addressed through legitimate, democratic means. The proposed alternative to illegal vigilantism is to strengthen the democratic state's capacity to provide security through structured "Participatory Vigilance," or Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Unlike illegal patrols, these programs operate under strict rules and in close partnership with law enforcement. Their role is based on passive observation and qualified reporting through official channels, with an absolute prohibition on carrying out patrols, searches, or using weapons.

The report outlines five pillars for a safe and effective European model: a clear legal framework defining what volunteers can and cannot do; mandatory accreditation and training; the use of official, secure technology for reporting; inclusive governance that reflects community diversity; and independent monitoring to ensure accountability.

"The answer to the shadow of vigilantism is not more closure, but more democracy, more justice, and more cohesion," the report concludes. By channelling citizens' legitimate desire for security into a regulated and constructive framework, it is possible to strengthen the social fabric and reaffirm the core values upon which democratic Europe is based.

The EUNWA Board – July 2025

Download EUNWA Research Paper

In today's digital age, communities rely heavily on online communication platforms to stay informed and connected. From neighbourhood watch groups to local forums, these tools are vital for safety, support, and social cohesion. However, they also face significant challenges: informational noise and social anxiety. Understanding and addressing these issues is essential for fostering safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities.

Despite good intentions, online community spaces often become cluttered with irrelevant or false information—what experts call informational noise. For example, during a minor flood, false rumours might spread about dam failures or resource shortages, creating unnecessary panic among residents. In some cases, unverified posts about crime spikes can lead neighbours to overreact, evacuating homes or avoiding public spaces without concrete reasons.

This clutter makes it difficult for residents to identify trustworthy updates and increases confusion and mistrust. Moreover, repeated exposure to alarming or unverified news can heighten social anxiety—feelings of fear, helplessness, and suspicion toward neighbours and authorities. For instance, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about dangerous mutations or vaccine side effects circulated widely on social platforms, fuelling fear and scepticism.

Trust is the foundation of effective community life. When residents doubt the reliability of information or fear social backlash, they may withdraw from participation—avoiding local events, hesitating to report issues, or spreading misinformation unknowingly. This erosion of social trust weakens community bonds and hampers coordinated responses to emergencies or everyday safety concerns.

Research indicates that social anxiety and information overload don't just cause personal discomfort—they jeopardize overall safety. During natural disasters like the 2021 floods in Germany and Belgium, while social media helped coordinate rescue efforts, false rumours about dam breaches spread quickly, causing panic and delaying official responses.

Addressing these social challenges requires creating purpose-built community platforms that prioritize empathy, clarity, and collective involvement. Some promising approaches include:

• Verified and Clear Sources: Platforms should emphasize messages from trusted authorities—like local officials or emergency services—using verified badges or clear attributions. For example, during a local fire, official alerts with consistent branding and straightforward language help residents trust the information.
• Emotional Support Channels: Dedicated spaces where residents can express fears or seek reassurance from neighbours or mental health professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some neighbourhoods set up online support groups that helped residents share concerns and receive accurate advice, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Moderation and Engagement: Trained moderators can filter out false claims and guide the community towards constructive dialogue. In the UK, some neighbourhood apps like Nextdoor implemented moderation teams that actively monitored content, which helped reduce misinformation and fostered a sense of safety.
• Empathy and Inclusive Design: Messages crafted to acknowledge residents' fears without sensationalism, promoting calm and collective resilience. During extreme weather events, successful communities used empathetic messaging to inform residents about safety measures while reassuring them that help was available.

A connected neighbourhood, built on trust and verified information, can act as a buffer against external misinformation campaigns. When trusted community leaders and residents regularly share accurate updates and listen actively, it becomes much harder for false rumours to take root. For example, during a recent misinformation campaign about health risks in a European town, local community leaders scheduled town halls and used local communication channels to counteract false claims, restoring confidence.

Community safety and well-being depend on proactive policies. Investment in local communication platforms, training residents to evaluate information critically, and establishing transparent governance structures are key steps. Cities like Copenhagen have piloted community communication apps that combine verified alerts with forums for residents to discuss concerns safely and constructively, serving as models for other regions.

Reducing social anxiety and informational noise isn’t just about technology; it’s about fostering social bonds that make communities resilient. By designing communication tools rooted in trust, empathy, and participation—like verified alerts, support channels, and active moderation—communities can become safer, more connected, and better prepared to face both everyday challenges and emergencies. Building a strong social fabric ensures that citizens not only stay informed but also feel supported and confident within their neighbourhoods.

Download EUNWA Research Paper