Collective Journal

The Collective Journal is a participatory activity where participants continuously and collaboratively record the progress, reflections, challenges, and learnings of a project or process. This method promotes self-evaluation, detailed tracking, and co-creation of knowledge, encouraging daily documentation as a tool for continuous improvement.

Preparation

1. Define the purpose:
   • Clarify the objective of the collective journal, such as evaluating progress, reflecting on learnings, or identifying challenges within a project.
2. Design the journal format:
   • Decide whether it will be physical (a notebook, large paper, whiteboards) or digital (Google Docs, Miro, Padlet).
   • Define key sections, such as:
     • Achievements of the day.
     • Challenges encountered.
     • Individual or group reflections.
     • Improvement proposals.
3. Establish roles:
   • Assign turns so all participants contribute regularly to the journal.
   • Alternatively, allow open contributions depending on the group size.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Introduce the purpose
   • Explain to participants the importance of continuous recording to reflect on the process and improve strategies.
   • Emphasize that the journal is not an external evaluation tool but a space for sharing and learning.
2. Define the journal sections
   • Present the categories or guiding questions to structure the journal entries:
     • What did we achieve today?
     • What challenges did we face?
     • What ideas or learnings emerged?
     • What do we propose to improve?
3. Daily recording
   • Participants complete the journal at the end of each day or session, individually or in groups.
   • If done as a group, facilitate a brief discussion to gather ideas before recording responses.
4. Collective review (optional)
   • At the end of the week or project, organize a review of the journal to identify patterns, reflect on learnings, and suggest adjustments.
5. Closure and synthesis
   • At the end of the project, use the journal as a basis for developing a report on results, learnings, or recommendations.
   • Highlight the collective contributions reflected in the journal.

Examples of sections for the collective journal

1. Daily achievements: Important actions or progress made during the day.
2. Challenges: Difficulties or issues encountered.
3. Emerging ideas: Reflections or innovative proposals that arise during the process.
4. Key collaborations: Mentions of people or groups who made significant contributions.