Ecosystem restorers: here’s how to get locals ‘on board’
By SevenSenses founder Madelon Eelderink Nederlands, graag! Last year I excitedly started the Ecosystem Restoration Design Course on Earth Day. Well, now that it has finished I’m even more excited! First and foremost because it made me realize how incredibly easy it can be to ignite restoration of natural ecosystems and let nature do the […]
Building sense of ownership as source of motivation among stakeholders
By Madelon Eelderink Dutch, please! People often ask me, “How do I get people motivated to participate in my project?” “How do I create support?” I wish I could give them a magical answer, one like, “oh just do this and then you’ll have them. Delightful, it seems to me. Unfortunately, the reality is different. […]
How Participatory Action Research makes a difference
Nederlands, graag! “Madelon, what exactly is the difference between Participatory Action Research and other projects we do at the municipality?” Sometimes you get those questions that you can get hell-bent on! I was at a get-together when an employee of Gemeente Utrecht asked me that question. I took a deep breath and began my story, […]
Why people argue… And how it can be different
In het Nederlands, graag! So many people, so many perspectives…. When dealing with complex social problems, we are often unaware of the enormous number of different ways of looking at the problem. Often we have a vague idea, such as “Pete probably just wants to make more money,” but that is often all. And then […]
How to talk with strangers – 10 tips to help you have informal conversations for your Participatory Action Research
Do you remember the last time you talked with a complete stranger? I mean, not like asking where to find the toilet, but an actual conversation? Technological developments have moved us away from contact with strangers. Since we all have our phones with us, we never have to ask people the time or where the […]
The seven stages of Participatory Action Research
Each Participatory Action Research (PAR) looks different, because PAR always adapts to local conditions. However, we can distinguish a number of stages that every PAR goes through (either once or multiple times). Originally it was stated that a PAR goes through several iterative cycles of ‘Look’ (gather information) ‘Think’ (analyze and brainstorm) and ‘Act’ (implement […]
SevenSenses Founder Madelon Eelderink nominated for Agnites Vrolik Award!
The Agnites Vrolik Award 2018 is an initiative of UtrechtUniversity to reward the one who’s (scientific) work has the most impact on society. The prize: €25.000,- to be spent on science. SevenSenses Founder Madelon Eelderink is nominated for this award! The award will be given out on January 31st 2019 at the Agnites Vrolik Dinner. If […]
Participatory Action Research in development cooperation: 5 differences to top-down approaches
SevenSenses strongly believes that Participatory Action Research (PAR) increases the quality of development cooperation worldwide. PAR adapts to any local situation, empowering communities to tackle their most pressing issues ‘community up’. Let us show you the five most significant differences between traditional forms of top-down development cooperation and Participatory Action Research in development cooperation. Dependence […]
The basic principles of Participatory Action Research
I often get the question what Participatory Action Research (PAR) actually entails. “Research, so you are going to collect data and deliver a report to get dusty on a shelf?” “Action, so you are going on the streets for a strike to protest with flags and banners?” I know, I know. The name may be […]
How to avoid these 10 interviewing bloopers
Imagine, someone knocks on the door. It’s a person you have never seen before. Different skin colour, different clothes, different hair, funny accent… He says he wants to interview you about your daily life, for some sort of research. Kind and welcoming as you are, you let him in, offer him a chair and a […]