Inclusive learning: The target group were parents involved in the parent forum of a Sure Start Centre in Exeter. These were all women with young children, most of whom with few formal qualifications. Free crèche facilities and the learning taking place locally and at suitable times were key factors for their involvement.
Building on existing networks and partnerships: The Take Part team at Exeter CVS could build on a long-term relationship with the Sure Start parent forum, at strategic and practical levels, through the Sure Start board and by providing regular learning and training to parent forum volunteers. This strong relationship of trust transcended specific individuals and their mobility, and new opportunities such as Take Part were welcomed without further delay.
Develop informal and flexible learning in a community context, starting with and centred on people's immediate issues, aims and interests: The Take Part approach always involves tutors negotiating and planning a learning programme with community group coordinators and potential participants. A programme was decided upon, but as the learners' aims gained focus, the content was reviewed and changed.
Participative and empowering learning which builds on and values people's existing knowledge and experiences: This aspect may be taken for granted by professionals doing CPD, but it is especially important to build the confidence and self-esteem of people who are not involved in 'the world of work' and therefore lack awareness of the real value of their knowledge and experiences. The tutor facilitated the learning by validating learners' experiences and views, rather than solely relying on prepared handouts. When the tutor acts as a facilitator, a lot of the course content can be produced in this way (still needing thorough preparation!) and the learning becomes 'empowering'.
Experiential learning which combines theory and classroom with action and reflection:The programme consisted of 4x2 hour long sessions: 'Your Values, Your Voice', 'Taking a Stand by Speaking Up' and Effective Presentations (in 2 parts). The learning included small group work, discussions, reflections, practice of skills learnt, peer review, a final reflection on 'the road travelled'; and a celebration of the achievement following the 'real life' presentation that was made at the AGM and the start of a new project.
Developing an understanding of how active citizens can act together for the benefit of themselves and their communities: The collective purpose of the group learning became clearer as the learning progressed – hence a change of plan for the fourth session – and more learning still is planned. The group gained clarity about its values and goals and sprung into action with great success. Alongside the collective outcomes, individuals developed their own personal pathways and 'action plans'.
Facilitating partnership working with a wide range of organisations: Take Part was connected with the Parliamentary Outreach programme from an early stage. This resulted in two exciting activities:
- Preparation of evidence on the Sure Start programme by parents to the Select Committee in Autumn 2009
- Visit to Parliament in spring 2010
Outcomes:
- A reinvigorated parent forum with a strong 'mission' based on shared values
- A new parent forum project and mechanism for extending the parent voice to a larger parent constituency using mobile phones, internet and, of course, word by mouth
- Individual and group skills honed and confidence built
- Increased influence in 'parent voice' at local and even national level (Parliamentary Select Committee) through greater communication skills and confidence to 'make a stand'
- Higher levels of community participation due to raised motivation and 'values'
- Strengthening of collective/ community values: awareness of what makes a 'strong and resilient community'.
- A desire for more learning prompted by the need to become more effective and influential.
- Greater civil, civic and electoral participation