Community Research

Understanding your social environment

Participatory research for collective empowerment

This workshop is a powerful experience, designed for professionals, businesses, and socially-engaged individuals committed to gaining a genuine understanding and connection within their communities. Rooted in the educational philosophy of Paulo Freire, this workshop challenges conventional approaches to community research, such as simplistic surveys and superficial "vox pop" interviews, advocating instead for deep, participatory engagement that acknowledges the complexity and diversity of local contexts.

Participants in this workshop will be introduced to methodologies that go beyond the surface to capture the lived experiences, aspirations, and challenges of community members. Emphasizing collaboration and dialogue, the workshop teaches participants how to design and implement research projects that are not only informative but also empowering for those involved. By engaging in practices that prioritize the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented, participants will learn to produce research that drives meaningful, positive change.

Throughout the workshop, participants will explore various techniques for community-based research, including participatory action research (PAR), ethnographic methods, and narrative inquiry. These approaches align with Freire's emphasis on dialogue and co-creation of knowledge, encouraging researchers to work alongside community members as equals rather than as detached observers. This shift of perspective shift, from researcher-centered to community-centered inquiry, is essential for those looking to create research that is not only accurate but also transformative.

The workshop will also address the ethical considerations inherent in community research. Participants will learn how to navigate issues of power, consent, and representation, ensuring that their research practices respect all community members. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the tools and mindset necessary to conduct research that is empowering, culturally sensitive, and deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

Organizations

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Individuals

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  Course Delivery
In-house training programme available in the following delivery formats:
  • Virtual delivery
  • In person delivery
  • Hybrid delivery
  Duration
This is typically a three to four day course delivered as in-house training. Longer or bespoke programmes can be arranged, and virtual or hybrid options are possible.
  Course Certificate
Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
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