Uncertain Futures

Welcome to our Guide to Community Activism and Participatory Research, developed over the course of Uncertain Futures, capturing the unique experiences of the team involved. It focuses on the hidden processes and impacts which essentially become the legacy of participatory research and explores how these can be successfully achieved. It is structured around the potential impacts of participatory research: peer support and development; capacity building; dialogue creation; knowledge exchange; amplifying voices; and informing policy and practice.

In this guide, you will find:

Six clear impact-directed sections focusing on peer support and development, capacity building, creating dialogue, amplifying voices, knowledge exchange and informing policy and practice.
Identification of the key principles and practices necessary to achieve successful impact.
Tips on overcoming the challenges presented in striving for these impacts. (Also, below on this page)
Insightful commentary from those who have been intimately involved as stakeholders in the process of participatory research (e.g. diverse, black-led community organisations, cultural organisations, local government, artists and researchers).
Recognition of intersectionality and the multiple diverse voices and experiences within communities themselves

We hope that this guide will inspire others to take up the challenge of embarking with participatory research methodologies by emphasising the myriad of rich benefits of such work, providing support in overcoming potential obstacles and accentuating the manner in which such research can become a powerful tool for social, economic, political and cultural change.

Our Top Tips

Representation Matters

+ Intentionally create a diverse team that reflects the communities your research aims to serve
+ Be rigorous in the selection of co-researchers, seeking those with community connections and diverse experiences
+ Value different types of expertise equally—lived experience is as valuable as academic knowledge

Building Trust is Essential

+ Allow adequate time for relationship-building before diving into the research
+ Create safe spaces for open communication where all voices are heard
+ Address power dynamics openly and transparently
+ Be open to critique in non-defensive ways

Resource Appropriately

+ Compensate community participation fairly
+ Plan for accessibility needs from the beginning
+ Build flexibility into project timelines and budgets
+ Consider multiple smaller funding sources rather than one large grant
+ Include participation resources in project proposals from the start

Share Ownership

+ Involve co-researchers at all stages of the research process
+ Establish clear co-ownership guidelines from the outset
+ Revisit agreements about ownership throughout the project
+ Ensure outputs are accessible to all stakeholders
+ Value all forms of contribution

Support Personal Development

+ Recognise existing skills and expertise within the team
+ Create opportunities for skills development in design, analysis, presentation, etc.
+ Provide support for less confident members
+ Celebrate achievements and growth
+ Allow space for social connections

Plan for Sustainability

+ Develop strategies for maintaining momentum after formal project ends
+ Build capacity within organisations and communities for lasting impact
+ Create clear mechanisms for knowledge sharing
+ Document the process as well as the outcomes
+ Use creative methods to share findings widely

Embrace Flexibility

+ Accept that participatory research rarely follows a linear path
+ Be open to changing direction based on co-researcher input
+ Allow for people to step back temporarily when needed
+ Maintain an open-door policy for participation
+ Prepare for the unexpected

Foster Dialogue

+ Use multiple channels for communication (in-person, digital, creative)
+ Create bridges between groups who might not normally connect
+ Make research accessible through multilingual approaches
+ Consider trauma-informed approaches to engagement
+ Use arts and creative practices to engage diverse audiences

Prioritise Care

+ Provide emotional support for researchers dealing with challenging material
+ Pay attention to the social aspects of working together
+ Recognise when people need breaks
+ Create celebrations to mark milestones
+ Acknowledge the personal impact of the work

10.

Connect to Action

+ Create clear pathways from research to practice and policy
+ Develop compelling ways to present qualitative data
+ Use storytelling and case studies to illustrate impact
+ Involve stakeholders early in the research process

Download the full Guide

Connectivity Map

Research Film