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Research Mini-Conference Community-based Research: Prospects, Approaches, InstrumentsA mini-conference entitled Community-based Research: Prospects, Approaches, Instruments will take place within the frames of the international conference Information technologies and prospects in the organization of civil society in NIS, which is under the auspices of IPA (The Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States). The development of democratic societies is determined by a number of factors which are commonly called global: globalization, informational revolution, etc. Perhaps one of the most characteristic factors for the development and formation of modern people is the development of information-communication technologies which made millions bites of information accessible to everyone, deleted social, age and national differences and gave rise to informational culture sub-zones. Today notions such as info-cracy, informationally homeless, direct (Internet) democracy are increasingly used. Humankind has received a dangerous toy which has started exerting influence on human nature and society. One of the possible solutions on the road of prevention of the unpredictable consequences of informatization is the development of local communities culture, their training in the skills of participation in public discussions, and the formation of the content of communication. As a result of a number of obvious historical events local communities were suppressed by the totalitarian system. The revival of local communities in NIS countries is among the most important social projects in civil society. Therefore it is crucial to analyze thoroughly and to study the positive and negative socio-cultural factors for the development of communities. The goal of the mini-conference is to start a discussion on the new relationship between science, technology and society with civil society representatives. The objective of the mini-conference is to present the experience of researchers from different countries working on similar problems and to discuss the role of community-based research in the formation of new knowledge of society. The mini-conference will take place in the form of group work in a series of workshops in which politicians, NIS civil society representatives, charity organizations+ leaders, scholars, leaders of NGOs will participate. During the three days of the conference the participants will analyze what impact the increasing political, economic, and social processes in NIS have on the third sector and its work. Second, how civil society influences the nature of governance and citizenship? Third, the role of approaches taken from the humanities in the transformation of civil society, the role of new models of cooperation between communities, states and research institutes. As one of the possible result of this joint effort we will produce an analytical survey of the situation and studies on communities in NIS; we will prepare a number of regional projects of community-based research and create a network of researchers in the field in CIS region. Proposed Topics: Transforming Civil Society, Citizenship and Governance The development of society is both a historical event and the result of the efforts of real people and the clash of their ideologies. This topic will allow the participants to discuss the basic concepts and experience of the participants in the realization of social innovation projects, models and scenarios of the development of the third sector, local communities, the role of information technologies and approaches from the humanities in the innovation processes. International Initiatives and local programs of support of community-based research Scholarly thinking is one of the significant factors of community sustainable development. America, Canada and the European Union suggest different models of integration between communities, states and research institutes. This topic will provide for a discussion of international initiatives and prospects of integration of Russian researchers into international programs. The following workshops will take place during the conference: Optional workshop: Introduction to Community-Based Research This workshop will be lead by experienced practitioners of community-based research, and will focus on questions such as What is community-based research? Why is it different from any other kind of research? What are some examples? It will be interactive and geared toward people who have never been involved in a ñommunity-based research project before, but are curious to know more about it Optional Institutional Change Workshop This workshop will explore both the theory and practice of how institutions change. Beginning with a theoretical overview, the presenter will lay the groundwork for easing the slowness and pain of change. Participants will explore change theory, case studies and reflect on their own experiences with institutional change in order to better affect change at their local institutions. Particular focus, will be on change at civil society institutions. Optional workshop: Social capital and community development Participants will discuss some of the underlying elements needed for building civil society - Trust, Valuation of civic activity, Governance, Social capital and Social investments. Participants will discuss the role of local communities in the development of civil society and the necessity to strengthen local communities in order to overcome regional economic stagnation. Optional workshope: nongovernmental education The participants will discuss the development of citizenship skills in local communities, national programs on civic education, the establishment of community-based schools community research centers, the cooperation between universities and local communities and community-based research in the school curriculum. Optional workshope: publick participation in conflict resolution and problem solving The participants will discuss regional crises and the role of public organizations in the escalation or prevention of conflicts; the role of research in conflicts and practical experience in working with community partners and in gaining access to information previously denied to researchers. All workshops, with few exceptions, will be discussion sessions where strategic visioning and participation will be encouraged. Workshop leaders will be knowledgeable about the discussion topic and will be useful resources during the discussion but they will not necessarily be presenting answers or solutions The mini-conference will end with a round table discussion The prospects of development of CBR in the new cultural and historical realities of NIS. |