The Breakout Room: PAR & Social Justice Legacy Projects
Kia Kiasuka-Kiakanda
Introduction
The Breakout Room came about in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and carved out a space for my team and I to investigate what barriers existed preventing young people in the UK from taking part in political action. After conducting comprehensive research and engaging in extensive discussions, we set a collective goal to determine our course of action. This led to the development of 'Legacy Projects,' which served as a means for members of the collective to confront the barriers identified through a combination of research methods and formulate effective solutions in response.
In alignment with the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR), we employed our own experiences and each others to delve into explanations of our levels of engagement, or lack of, in the political sphere. A residential excursion to Wales, which took place following the easing of pandemic restrictions, provided an ideal setting for facilitating this exploration. This retreat was graciously hosted by Javier and Maria in the Braich Goch Inn residence, which is committed to social justice endeavors and communal initiatives, offering a welcome departure from our usual environments.
Data Collection Methods.
During my tenure with these organisations, we employed various data collection methods, including conducting surveys, visiting archives and other historically and culturally relevant spaces, conducting interviews, designing questionnaires, and engaging in participatory observations. Off the back of this, a significant portion of our time was allocated to handling and analysing sensitive data, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative information. All throughout, our commitment to a sensitive handling of findings and our interactions with participants remained at the forefront of our work. Our dedication to the ethical handling of sensitive data speaks not only to the qualities of an exemplary researcher but, more precisely, to a researcher operating in alignment with the nature of your organisation's mission.
Actionable Data Collection Work.
Beyond gathering knowledge, our primary focus was converting our findings into actionable insights and sources of knowledge that would be made widely accessible. Unlike your average research group, we did not settle for producing reports and documentation destined to gather dust. Our methods of documenting were opportunities to connect with the wider community and place joy at the centre of social justice work.
While the value of preparing comprehensive reports, research summaries, and presentations was not lost on us, the emphasis was placed on sharing knowledge in ways that were sure to connect us to our local communities and allow for deeper self-reflection and acknowledgement of our lived experiences in ways that were holistic, communal, and healing, making the journey of acquiring knowledge a retrieval of joy. In essence, it was an exercise in revolutionising the way we approach knowledge gathering, meaning-making, and serving our community.
In Summary.
To this day, the labour of love in working side-by-side with the collective, partnering with like-minded organisations that share our vision and campaigning for funding to address the vital needs we identified within the community continues to be unparalleled.
Key Skills Used:
Grant Writing
Comprehensive Research Approaches
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Action Planning
Ethical Research Practices
Resource Management
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Posted Oct 16, 2023
The Breakout Room began in 2020 with the aim of understanding and responding to barriers preventing young people in the UK from engaging in political action.
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