Participatory action research (PAR) aims to empower individuals and communities to achieve social change.

This blog will explore the relevance of this research approach to occupational therapy.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Benefits of Participatory Action Research




VOYCE (Voices of Youth in Chicago Education) 
VOYCE is a youth-led project that allows high school students to use Participatory Action Research in order to address the drop out rate in Chicago Public High Schools. This collaborative project engages 7 different community organizations from around the Chicago area. 

Fantastic example of the benefits of PAR ... key messages include:
  • Problem and need for change defined by the community. 
  • Participants are seen as the experts on their lives. 
  • Social change is led from the 'ground up'. 
  • Being involved in the research project and in making practical positive change to their community leads to individual and group empowerment.
    A longer video by VOYCE available here
     

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