USING PARTICIPATORY MAPPING TO EXPLORE PARTICIPATION IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR

Eddie Cowling (Involve) Researcher on the Pathways Through Participation project

WHAT IS A MAP? Maps come in many forms Maps are socially constructed Conventionalised Shaped by political, economic, social and cultural discourses of the time Appealing means of communication Can represent time Relational Reflect the map-maker’s worldview

PARTICIPATORY MAPPING Draws on valuable local knowledge Recognises local people are capable research

collaborators Encourages diverse involvement Fosters empowerment Literacy and geography skills not essential

Community mapping in India to help decide where a well and latrines should be placed

www.wateraid.org

Participatory mapping exercise in Kent, UK, exploring support needed by fathers to better engage in their children's’ lives

http://www.enginegroup.co.uk

HOW ARE WE GOING TO USE PM? Pathways Through Participation

The project will explore how and why people get involved and stay involved in different forms of participation over the course of their lives.

Participation means many things to many different people. The project will look at participation in a very broad sense and consider the act of taking part in a wide range of social or civic activities.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO USE PM? First stage of data collection: gauge the

range of opportunities and activities for voluntary engagement in the local area and beyond.

Several mapping sessions in each community Explore the mapping process, not just the

maps themselves Maps will aid the preparation of the second

phase of the research...

KEY FACTORS... Practical considerations

Format GIS Participant recruitment Encouraging participation across the group Time capacity Participant responsibility

To ensure success: Commitment to collaboration Dissemination and follow-up action plan

SECOND PHASE... In-depth interviews, supplemented by the

maps, and maybe...

Photo elicitation?

Timelines?

Walking interviews?

WE ARE NEW TO PARTICIPATORY MAPPING, SO... Has anyone had any experience of

participatory mapping?

Any advice?

Any comments or questions?

To find out more about the Pathways project www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk