Above: On the first day participants developed and presented maps of their communities. Originally, the goals of the 5 day workshop were to provide Shipibo leaders with capacity in participatory learning and action methods (PLA), participatory mapping, and direct links with resource organizations which would provide villagers a solid foundation to initiate their own development initiatives in the region. The first 2 days of the workshop were an introduction to the Village Earth approach, expectations of the participants and the Village Earth team, and PLA methods – skills and tools used to mobilize communities around resources, local knowledge, and opportunities. The workshop started with a preliminary mapping exercise where participants presented maps of their communities and discussed relevant issues. We also facilitated a Strategic Planning session for each of the five communities present, including Visions and Obstacles, which provided them the basic skills to engage in their own action-based planning process when they return to their communities. This was very successful because the five communities together began to think regionally about their common vision for the future, as well as shared frustrations. Below: One participant explains his community map while fellow participants film his presentation.
GSLL 1517 – Community-Based Organizing
Taking a practical “hands-on” perspective, this course will explore the theories, tools, styles and challenges of community-based organizing. It will discuss practical strategies for developing community leadership and working with marginalized communities, exploring the ideas and examples from Evo Morales, Paulo Freire, Saul Alinsky, Sub-Comandante Marcos, the Bridge Immigrant Rights experiment and Martin Heidegger.