Monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the impact of social movements presents inherent challenges due to their often indirect and intangible effects, making measurement complex. In addition, attributing impact solely to these movements becomes difficult amid numerous influencing factors.
Award: Residency
Academic: Dr Susan O'Leary
Department: Accounting and Financial Management
Project: Unveiling impact: Towards a comprehensive climate movement assessment
Partner: Parents for Future UK
Context and Underpinning Research
In the realm of social movements, especially those centered around climate action, understanding and measuring impact presents a unique set of challenges. The inherent complexity of assessing the effects of these movements stems from their indirect and often intangible nature. This is particularly true in the context of climate action, where influences range from personal experiences and networks to media and education. The non-linear effects of these movements add another layer of complexity, making it difficult to predict outcomes and assess cumulative impact.
Residency Overview
I will be embedded at Parents for Future UK - the biggest parent climate movement in the UK - that aims to inspire more adults to advocate for the climate. The aim of the residency is to collaborate on the complexities involved in monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the impact of social movements, with a specific focus on climate action. Together, we will develop impact strategies and frameworks that will empower grassroots community groups to effectively influence climate engagement in their local environments. By supporting these local initiatives, we aim to develop methodologies to assess their effectiveness and impact on the community.
Over the 30-day residency, I will be involved in meetings, consultations, co-creation workshops and will access data to gain insights and provide support.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
The anticipated outcomes of this project include a developed partnership between Royal Holloway and Parents for Future UK, and the creation of robust, flexible frameworks and strategies that grassroots groups can use to measure their impact on climate engagement. These tools are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of local climate actions and help in refining and enhancing their approaches.
The Role of Residency Funding
The residency funding supports the development of frameworks and strategies using research expertise and practical experience.
Next Steps: Research and Framework Development
Our immediate focus is using research to understand the various factors influencing climate action at the grassroots level. This research will inform the development of impact assessment frameworks and strategies tailored to the needs and realities of grassroots groups. We will engage with community groups, climate activists, and experts in social movement analysis to ensure our frameworks are practical, relevant, and effective.
Get Involved
We invite all those interested in the intersection of social movements and climate action to engage with our project. Your support, insights, and participation are invaluable as we strive to empower grassroots groups and enhance our understanding of their impact on climate engagement. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future, driven by informed and effective local action.
