Participatory action research (PAR) involves research, education and social action. Participants in this form of research are encouraged to immerse themselves in the area under investigation, be involved in the development of research tools, data collection and analysis, and take social action related to findings. PAR is considered an appropriate, respectful, and useful approach for research in all communities; it avoids ethnocentric assumptions and exploitative practices in research, and involves community members in meaningful, capacity building ways. In PAR, ownership of the research rests ultimately with the community, whose interests it serves.

We've put this site together to help you get started on doing your own PAR projects.