Research for Design for Social Impact
*NEW COHORT LAUNCHING May 24TH 2024 *
An intimate, global, group program for non-profit and academic changemakers who want to design equity-centred, anti-oppressive monitoring, evaluation and research for social action
Conventional Monitoring, Evaluation and Research processes do not centre equity
Conventional knowledge production in the social impact space often prioritizes metrics and funding over genuine human connection and societal change.
Buzzwords like "impact metrics," "grant funding," "value for money" and "publish or perish" dominate the discourse.
While this approach may yield quick results for some, it leaves conscientious social impact practitioners feeling disheartened.
For you, it's not just about quick pre-determined indicators; it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives.
- You prioritize integrity and ethical conduct in your evidence practices.
- You want to research design processes that will inform meaningful social impact projects.
But if you’re reading this, chances are you haven’t figured out how to embody those values in your monitoring, research or evaluation work. And that’s because your training wasn’t made for people like you.
You need a different approach.
At Design for Social Impact Lab, our purpose is to create a profound social impact by revolutionising the way organisations and individuals approach social change. In the pursuit of social impact, creating inclusive and anti-racist monitoring, evaluation and research and learning is not just an option; it's a necessity. Our approach to research and learning is rebellious and anti-oppressive.
Using our eight principles; Co-Design, Pedagogies of Care and Solidarity; Anti-Racism and Decolonial Approaches; Environment Justice; Intersectional; Systems Thinking and Structural Change and Action we will show you how these concepts can be applied to your monitoring, evaluation, research and learning practices.
So, are you....?
- In a role where you design “evidence” based social impact programs?
- a technical advisor, information manager or learning community specialist who wants to "shift power" but would like some tools and a community space?
- A post-graduate student, committed to developing meaningful and ethical research?
- Fed up with extractive, exclusionary and tokenistic approaches?
- Wanting to connect and learn with other social impact rebels?
- Eager to apply theory to practice?
- Looking for a course designed by practitioners, for practitioners?
- Wanting to learn from a wide range of guest speakers, including facilitators with Lived experience of systemic injustices?
If the answer is yes, then come join us in May. You'll come away with ideas and tangible actions for anti-oppressive research, reshaping the narratives and power dynamics that perpetuate inequity. Most importantly, you'll have tried and tested methods that you can apply to your own work and practice.
What you can expect from the course, and us:
The Research for Design for Social Impact is not your standard online course. This 8-week journey is designed to empower you with innovative tools, fresh perspectives, and practical skills to drive social change and centre anti-oppression within your research practice.
It's a fantastic opportunity to join a group of peers who want to integrate a critical, participatory action-orientated approach to their monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) practices. The programme is for you if you’re looking for:
- A 8-week programme, comprised of weekly 1- 1.5 hour, online sessions, and learning activities, grounded in equity-centred design thinking, anti-racism and anti-colonial practice.
- A 1:1 individual coaching/strategy meeting with Jess, the lead trainer.
- We partner with social impact organisations who share their equity challenges so you have the opportunity to challenge yourself and apply your learning to real-life challenges.
- Practical and tried and tested examples around how to build in participatory research within resistant organisations, and with resistant funders.
- An introduction to creative, participatory approaches to monitoring, evaluation and research methods and analysis.
- Weekly engagement in course content via either self-led reading and reflection activities or participation in live webinars.
- Discussion, learning and exploration of topics like power and anti-oppressive approaches to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
- Interactive approaches to learning and development which prioritise peer learning rather than lengthy lectures.
- Webinars will be recorded and available following the end of the course.
By the end of the course, you will come away with:
- A sense of joy! You'll have language, frameworks, and conceptual understanding of what equity design means and looks like in monitoring, evaluation and research design.
- A sense of hope! You'll know that you are putting in place strategies that will lead to meaningful, impactful and equity-centred monitoring, evaluation and research processes, which go hand in hand with better program design.
- Practical experience of testing and applying theory to practice- You'll be working on real-life challenges and supported by a team who has decades of experience designing equity-centred MERL.
- An individualised action plan to embed Design for Social Impact's eight principles into your work.
- Continuous opportunities to learn and engage - you will be part of a community of learners who can support and learn from one another. We actively encourage collaborative learning, dialogue, and sharing of experiences and job opportunities to foster a sense of solidarity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes this different from other courses ?
What if I can't make every live session?
I'm not fluent in English, Is this available in other languages?
My job is pretty busy- what sort of time commitment do I need?
Do you offer subsidised places?
Who will facilitate the course?
Can we take this course as a team?
Course overview
Week 1: Introduction to Research for Design for Social Impact (Foundations)
First, we need to unlearn everything we know, dislike, and distrust about research methodologies.
Why we do it: Traditional research approaches are often steeped in oppressive structures and biases. If you don’t start this process by unlearning, you’ll struggle to navigate the complexities of anti-oppressive research.
What we cover:
- Systemic, cultural, and experiential influences that have shaped your research mindset
- Reframing and filtering research methodologies through an anti-oppressive lens
- Design for Social Impact's key principles, framework and ethical considerations.
Week 2: Intersectionality in Research
We need to deconstruct our understanding of research methodologies to recognize and address their inherent biases.
Why we do it: Research methodologies have historically overlooked the complexities of intersecting identities, perpetuating inequalities. Without deconstructing these biases, we risk perpetuating oppressive structures in our research practices.
What we cover:
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Analyzing the influence of power dynamics in shaping monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning processes.
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Exploring the concept of intersectionality and its significance in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning processes.
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Applying an intersectional lens to ethics and informed consent, ensuring research practices respect the diverse experiences and identities of participants.
Week 3: Embracing Anti-Colonial and Anti-Racist Approaches in Research
We need to confront and dismantle colonial biases embedded within monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) methodologies.
Why we do it: Colonial narratives have historically dominated MERL practices, marginalizing diverse perspectives and perpetuating power imbalances. Without challenging these biases, our research perpetuates oppressive structures and fails to accurately represent diverse communities.
What we cover:
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Critiquing colonial biases inherent in MERL methodologies, acknowledging their role in perpetuating systemic inequalities.
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Exploring the importance of centering multiple knowledges and perspectives in research practices, recognizing the richness and diversity of human experiences.
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Incorporating anti-colonial and decolonial approaches into monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning design and execution, ensuring that our methodologies respect and uplift historically underserved and structurally disadvantaged voices and challenge dominant narratives.
Week 4: Activist Methodologies: Bridging Theory and Action
We need to bridge the gap between theory and action by exploring activist methodologies in research.
Why we do it: Traditional research methods often maintain a disconnect between academic theory and real-world action. Activist methodologies offer a way to engage directly with communities and enact meaningful change.
What we cover:
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Exploring critical participatory action research and other activist methodologies that empower communities and challenge existing power structures.
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Delving into Photovoice as a participatory research method that allows participants to use photography to express their experiences and perspectives.
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Investigating Cartographies as a tool for spatially mapping community knowledge and experiences, providing insights into voices and spaces.
Week 5: Activist Methodologies: Part 2
We continue our exploration of activist methodologies by focusing on community engagement in the research process.
Why we do it: Meaningful research involves actively engaging with communities to co-create knowledge and drive social change.
What we cover:
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Exploring digital methods for community engagement, including online surveys, social media analysis, and digital storytelling, to amplify diverse voices and experiences.
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Introducing QuantCrit (critical quantitative approaches) as a framework for interrogating and challenging traditional quantitative research methods, ensuring they reflect the complexities of social issues and power dynamics.
Week 6: Collaborative Analysis for Collective Understanding
We delve into co-analysis as a powerful tool for fostering collective interpretation of research data.
Why we do it: Traditional research often silences diverse perspectives and fails to capture the complexity of social issues. Co-analysis empowers research teams to collaboratively make sense of data, ensuring that multiple voices are heard and diverse insights are incorporated.
What we cover:
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Introducing co-analysis as a method for collective interpretation of data, where research teams work together to uncover patterns, themes, and insights.
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Facilitating collaborative sense-making within research teams, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, shared decision-making, and mutual respect.
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Examining case studies of successful co-analysis in research and social impact projects, illustrating how this approach can lead to more nuanced understandings of complex social issues and drive transformative program development and interventions
Weeks 7-8: Action Planning and Future Directions
In these final weeks, we shift our focus to translating research insights into tangible actions and shaping the future of anti-oppressive monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) processes.
Why we do it: The true impact of research lies in its ability to inform meaningful action and drive positive change in society. By applying research findings to design equity-centered MERL projects, we can address systemic injustices and advance social justice initiatives.
What we cover:
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Designing and implementing equity-centered MERL projects, (based on our own organisation or partner's equity challenges) that prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and social justice principles.
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Presenting research findings and engaging in discussions about the potential for social action, exploring how research can be leveraged to advocate for marginalized communities and challenge oppressive systems.
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Reflecting on the challenges and successes encountered throughout the research process, acknowledging the complexities of navigating anti-oppressive MERL initiatives and celebrating achievements.
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Charting the path forward and fostering ongoing engagement in anti-oppressive MERL processes, encouraging participants to continue their journey of critical inquiry, activism, and community empowerment.
Design for Social Impact has worked with dozens of organisations, including:
