1. U SING P ARTICIPATORY M APPING TO E XPLORE P ARTICIPATION IN THE V OLUNTARY S ECTOR Eddie Cowling (Involve) Researcher on the Pathways Through Participation project

2. W HAT IS A MAP ? Maps come in many forms Maps are socially constructed Conventionalised Shaped by political, economic, social and cultural discourses of the time Appealing means of communication Can represent time Relational Reflect the map-maker’s worldview

3. P ARTICIPATORY M APPING Draws on valuable local knowledge Recognises local people are capable research collaborators Encourages diverse involvement Fosters empowerment Literacy and geography skills not essential

4. Community mapping in India to help decide where a well and latrines should be placed www.wateraid.org

5. Participatory mapping exercise in Kent, UK, exploring support needed by fathers to better engage in their children's’ lives http://www.enginegroup.co.uk

6. H OW ARE WE GOING TO USE PM? Pathways Through Participation The project will explore how and why people get involved and stay involved in different forms of participation over the course of their lives. Participation means many things to many different people. The project will look at participation in a very broad sense and consider the act of taking part in a wide range of social or civic activities.

7. H OW ARE WE GOING TO USE PM? First stage of data collection: gauge the range of opportunities and activities for voluntary engagement in the local area and beyond. Several mapping sessions in each community Explore the mapping process, not just the maps themselves Maps will aid the preparation of the second phase of the research...

8. K EY F ACTORS... Practical considerations Format GIS Participant recruitment Encouraging participation across the group Time capacity Participant responsibility To ensure success: Commitment to collaboration Dissemination and follow-up action plan

9. S ECOND PHASE... In-depth interviews, supplemented by the maps, and maybe... Photo elicitation? Timelines? Walking interviews?

10. W E ARE NEW TO P ARTICIPATORY M APPING, SO... Has anyone had any experience of participatory mapping? Any advice? Any comments or questions? To find out more about the Pathways project www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk