Participatory Methods

Local Connections Map

The Local Connections Map is a participatory activity that helps identify and visualize existing networks within a given environment, including key actors, shared resources, and relationships between them. This method provides insight into social, economic, or community structures and helps strengthen collaboration to achieve common goals.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Clarify why the connections map is being created: Is the goal to strengthen networks, identify strategic allies, or understand relationship dynamics within a community?
  2. Identify participants:
    • Invite individuals representing different groups or perspectives within the environment being analyzed.
  3. Prepare materials:
    • Large paper or whiteboards to draw the map.
    • Colored markers, sticky notes, and cards to represent actors and connections.
    • Optional: Digital tools such as Miro or MURAL for online mapping.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain the objective of the activity: identifying and analyzing existing connections between key actors in the environment.
    • Provide visual examples of connection maps to help participants understand the approach.
  2. Identify key actors
    • Ask participants to list individuals, organizations, institutions, and groups relevant to the environment.
    • Write each actor’s name on a sticky note or card and place it on the board.
  3. Map the connections
    • Have participants draw lines or arrows between connected actors, indicating the nature of their relationship (e.g., collaboration, resource exchange, frequent communication).
    • Use different colors or symbols to represent types of connections (e.g., economic, social, institutional).
  4. Discuss emerging patterns
    • Facilitate a group reflection on what the map reveals:
      • Which actors have the most connections?
      • Which connections are the strongest or weakest?
      • Where are there opportunities to strengthen or build new connections?
  5. Analyze strengths and gaps
    • Identify areas of effective collaboration and gaps in the network.
    • Discuss ways to create new connections to address specific issues or achieve common goals.
  6. Closure and future actions
    • Document the final map and group reflections.
    • Define concrete steps to strengthen existing networks or establish new partnerships.

This version maintains the structure and formatting while ensuring clarity and natural flow in English. Let me know if you need any refinements!

Recommendations
  • Ensure diversity: Include participants who represent different perspectives and roles within the environment.
  • Facilitate clarity: Use consistent colors and symbols to avoid confusion on the map.
  • Encourage reflection: Focus on how existing connections can be strengthened or expanded.
  • Document the process: Keep a final version of the map along with associated discussions for future reference.
Inspiration

Examples of Connections to Identify

  • Relationships between community leaders and neighborhood groups.
  • Collaborations between educational institutions and cultural centers.
  • Fair trade networks between producers and consumers.
  • Links between youth groups and job training programs.
  • Alliances between hospitals and community health programs.
  • Environmental activism networks between volunteers and NGOs.
  • Informal connections between neighbors for resource sharing.
  • Interactions between public institutions and neighborhood leaders.
  • Mutual support networks among families in vulnerable situations.
  • Connections between libraries and community reading groups.
  • Digital networks between local entrepreneurs and e-commerce platforms.
  • Tourism promotion networks between local businesses and municipal offices.
  • Links between diversity collectives and human rights organizations.
  • Connections between local fairs and artisan producers.
  • Collaboration networks between animal shelters and volunteers.
  • Interactions between migrant groups and social integration programs.
  • Alliances between agricultural cooperatives and supermarket chains.
  • Networks between neighborhood associations and community safety projects.
  • Connections between technical training workshops and local employers.
  • Collaborations between urban artists and public space renewal projects.
  • Networks between youth groups and community leadership programs.
  • Links between recycling initiatives and waste management companies.
  • Connections between tactical urbanism projects and local governments.
  • Networks between organic food producers and conscious consumers.
  • Links between sports clubs and regional events.
Materials
  • Large paper or whiteboards.
  • Colored markers, sticky notes, or cards.
Online platforms
Purpose
The purpose of the Local Connections Map is to visualize and analyze existing relationships within a community or environment, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities to enhance collaboration and resource flow among key actors.
Type of activity
Participatory Action ResearchParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Planning
Level of participation
Collaboration, Empowerment, Knowledge generation
Target audience
Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government
Fields of application
Community development, Organizational and business management, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
From 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the group size and the complexity of the environment.
Ideal number of participants
From 8 to 20 people, ensuring a manageable discussion and a diverse representation of the environment.
Topics related to this activity
Causes and EffectsCollaborative DiagnosisCollaborative NetworksContextual SolutionsKnowledge GenerationLocal NetworksParticipatory MappingParticipatory MonitoringPartnership ManagementProblem SolvingProject ManagementRelationship AnalysisResource PrioritizationProblem SolvingTerritorial DiagnosisVisual DocumentationVisual Maps
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