Mapping for Change

Project

Eco21.PL

Funded under the Swiss Block Grant, Mapping for Change in collaboration with the Centre for Training and Personal Development MERITUM, the Cultural Authority City of Gardens and Highways 4 Elements carried out a two year training programme in the Silesia region of Poland.

The project set out to increase the participation of citizens in shaping local policy created in the Silesian-Cracow Europol.

Our Role

Mapping for Change were commissioned to train forty-two trainers and coaches in sustainable development of the area outlined in the Development Strategy for the South Polish region. Mapping for Change equipped trainers with the ability to not only train others, but also to run engaging workshops across the community.

Impact

Mapping for Change developed a Polish version of their interactive Community Maps platform and trained participants enrolled in the programme in how to utilise a range of participatory mapping methodologies. The information collected during the mapping process formed the basis for developing written recommendations to take concrete actions for change in local communities and that aim to enable people to feed into local plans for sustainable development.

Community Maps allowed citizens to take action about problems which affected them in their local area, including dog fowling.

Related Projects

How to Spend a Million? Northfleet Big Local Trust

In 2012, the Big Lottery Fund in England invested £1 million in 150 neighbourhoods for its Big Local initiative. Northfleet, Kent, was one of the first 50 to be selected. The grant aimed to equip local communities with skills and tools to identify key areas and issues where action was reqiored in their area.

Evaluating People Zones Leicestershire

Through engaging residents in an Asset-Based Community Development Approach, our research for People Zones Leicestershire generated lasting resources which helped identify opportunities for hyper localised community initiatives. Now, we’re returning to evaluate the program’s impact, aiming to provide concrete evidence of its effectiveness in reducing crime and promoting community well-being.

Putting Ourselves on the Map

Mapping for Change in collaboration with the Humanities Education Centre (HEC) and local specialist on learning and ‘place’ Maggie Hewitt, worked with three schools in Tower Hamlets (Columbia School Community Map, Arnhem Wharf School Community Map and John Scurr School Community Map) to pilot a brand new process in which Year 4 pupils develop personalised maps of their local area with their own likes, memories and views on change.