In this column, we highlight various issues related to public space. We encourage readers to send in their own thoughts and experiences.

To read the columns, please use links to the left.

What is public space? Public space is anything that belongs to the public, and is financed by the public for the use of the whole public. For example, public schools, parks, ball fields, and the like which are free and open to the public; museums, theaters, swimming pools, tennis courts, which may charge a nominal admission but which are subsidized by the public through taxes and are supposed to serve a broad swath of the public; and of course, police and fire protection, and emergency room care. "Public space" also includes fresh air and fresh water, access to a wide range of information through the airwaves, and access to the political process through voting.

This public space is rapidly being privatized. In order for "public" schools to have art and music programs, and sometimes even libraries, parents must raise the money privately. In order for national and state parks to balance their budgets they must charge admission fees; ditto for museums and artistic venues. And the list goes on. Nonprofits bear the brunt of this privatization as we must raise money privately to continue our work for the public good.