On Wednesday 6th November the Work with Us documentary was shown at the Institute of Development Studies. This 20-minute film was produced in collaboration with communities around the world as part of the Participate initiative. The stories, messages and perspectives that emerge provide background to how change can happen along with the challenges in dealing with complex issues. The screening which can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/74513961
On Wednesday 30th October Participate partners from grassroots organisations and activist movements gathered at the Institute of Development Studies (UK) to discuss visions for change in development, based on the life experiences and stories of people living in greatest poverty and marginalisation. The partners are amongst 17 organisations in the Participate network whose recent participatory research has resulted in a report: ‘Work with us: How people and organisations can catalyse sustainable change’.
Robert Chambers
Based on and abbreviated from a keynote to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) conference in Canberra on 28 November 2012
For us engaged with participation for development, why is this a good time to be alive? There are so many negative trends in our world – in climate change, rising inequality, abuses of globalisation, the glorification of greed….and so much else. But for participation for development, I believe the glass is not half empty but half full and filling, because there are so many wonderful realities and potentials for making a difference for the better.