Session 1: From the Global to the Grassroots: Fostering Transnational and Intersectoral Exchange in Participatory Practices and Methodologies

Participatory and community-based forms of social problem analysis are core elements of empowerment and change “from below” around the globe. For example, community development, participatory action research, and popular education entail particular methodologies for, and orientations towards, producing grounded knowledge and encouraging community building and social action. Such processes have proven effective in fighting social inequalities and finding useful and sustainable solutions towards social change. Yet, there is little transnational and intersectoral exchange on capacity building for research and the practical ways of doing participatory analysis across social movements, academic projects, organizing efforts and civic engagement.

This session invites activists, academics, unionists, community workers, members of non-government organizations and governmental entities alike to present their practices and experiences of participatory problems analysis and political action. In particular, contributions on “train the trainer” models for developing participatory methods and integrating them with community organizing strategies and social movement work are welcome. We hope not only to showcase hands-on knowledge about the particular use of participatory problems analysis in different contexts, but also contribute to networking and continued exchange.

Session organizers: Corey Dolgon, Stonehill College (MA, USA) cdolgon@stonehill.edu & Eberhard Raithelhuber, Bertha von Suttner Private University (Austria), eberhard.raithelhuber@suttneruni.at