Participatory Action Research (PAR) is an approach that enables us to address complex issues with what we have in abundance on earth: people. When all those people contribute to a better world from intrinsic motivation in a way that suits them, we can make enormous strides forward. With PAR, we explore where that energy in society lies and help people discover how to collaborate with that energy. They create their own action plans and implement them together. The Handbook of Participatory Action Research – Working Together for a Better World provides practical tools for conducting PAR, whether in the field of healthcare, nature conservation, social issues, or another domain. It is based on the latest insights and experiences from practice. Various PAR methods are explained step by step, and it is up to the reader to extract a combination of methods that best fits the local context. To support this book, reference is made to blogs and video lectures on the SevenSenses YouTube channel. Madelon Eelderink is a pioneer in the application of Participatory Action Research (PAR). With her company SevenSenses, she strives for global application of PAR to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Madelon is conducting doctoral research on PAR at Utrecht University and is a highly sought-after trainer, facilitator, and speaker in the field of PAR.
“I find it a very practical and readable book. What I especially liked about the book is that it is very easy to understand. And if you want to apply this method, it is also an ideal book to use as a ‘step-by-step plan’. Despite explaining quite a difficult ‘theory/approach’, it is described in a fun and easy way.”
– Sam Duindam