Growing a Region of Changemakers Through Community-Based Participatory Action Research: A Journey to Be Shared

Abstract

This article explores the journey – background, vision, methods, challenges and outcomes -- associated with a three-year Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Community College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) research project, entitled Growing a Region of Changemakers. The resulting Manifesting As A Changemaker Model and adjacent open-access tools were co-created based on findings from community-based participatory action research methods that involved comprehensive consultation and feedback. The research starting point adopted the changemaking skills and mindsets rigorously studied by the Ashoka Index team. Our resulting model and tools are designed to help pave the pathway to aid educators in early childhood education, K-12 and higher education to incorporate changemaking into curriculum by facilitating connection to purpose and value and offering tools that support growth and measurement. The creation of the model, and accompanying resources, was informed by a Changemaker Research Circle (advisory group), data gathered in focus groups led by research analyst students, and feedback from conferences and events that included students, educators, community employers, and regional change leaders who shared insights during the process. The Growing a Region of Changemakers project has brought together passionate minds to fuel the future of social change in our region by supporting educators and community partners involved in education. By connecting dedicated educators with practical tools and dissemination activities, we believe this project will continue to impact our college and our broader communities.