Community Action Research for Long-term Sustainable Change

Bleach, Josephine (2017) Community Action Research for Long-term Sustainable Change. Action Research Network of the Americas (ARNA) 2016 Conference Proceedings. ISSN 2373-1680

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Abstract

The Early Learning Initiative (ELI) in the National College of Ireland uses community action research (CAR) to address educational disadvantage. Over 8,500 children, parents and professionals actively engaged in an ELI program in 2015-16. While 10 years of community action research has improved relationships between stakeholders and made a positive difference to the educational and life chances of the children and families involved, sustaining the levels of engagement, support and resources needed for deep-rooted viable change remains challenging. With evolving programmes and new stakeholders, each action research cycle is different from the previous one. The demands from funders, evaluators and policy makers have to be balanced with the inherent tensions of a community development project. Managing these conflicting positions is an on-going challenge, particularly as local stakeholders applaud ELI’s CAR approach and see it as key to successful long-term change. This paper examines the learning from and impact of ELI’s CAR cycles in enabling long-term sustainable change in our community.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Action research; leadership; community; theory; sustainable change
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > Early childhood education
Divisions:	Early Learning Initiative Publications
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2022 15:40
Last Modified:	16 Mar 2022 10:11
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5551

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