Role of a Community Leader
As a Community Leader you will work alongside the co-researchers and a university lead researcher to input into the development and delivery of a household food waste survey and associated programme of community activities. This is part of the research process and aims to understand how we can harness the power of community action to achieve and accelerate our progress towards our net-zero goals.
No previous experience of this is needed, however we are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a good knowledge of their community. Ideally you will have established community networks to draw on and be comfortable with having conversations about potentially tricky issues. You do not need to be an expert on climate change; you just need a curiosity and interest in what it means for your community, and the possible changes and solutions that could come from community conversations.
The research approach being used is called ‘Action Research.’ This follows a cycle of planning, acting, observing and reflecting, see below. You will take part in focus groups – which are discussion and planning groups – for both the planning and reflecting stages. The ‘acting’ and ‘observing’ will take place in the community in the activities and conversations you help to design.
Active Research Cycle: Planning > Acting > Observing > Reflecting
(Adapted from Costello, 2003, p.7 © Costello, 2003, Action Research, Continuum, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc)
Key tasks will include: -
- Encouraging and supporting the take up and completion of online or paper surveys
- Supporting participants to talk about household food waste
- Promoting the survey in the wider community through community conversations
- Share ideas about community activities that can help reduce food waste
- The participants need to be 18 years or over
But most importantly we are looking for enthusiastic community members who are passionate about Community Action and can see the importance of engaging the community in the issues of the climate crisis. No specific previous knowledge or experience is needed but good communication and people skills are essential.
The climate crisis offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities for our communities. We really hope you can help us begin to understand what that means for residents of Bolton and if/how we can inspire people to action.