Module Aims
• To support students in developing critical understanding of the theories, practices and politics of community-based volunteering activity, in a range of geographical contexts
• To develop students’ skills in developing, undertaking and reporting on a collaborative research/ placement activity
• To give students an opportunity to develop graduate employability skills and gain an insight into Geography-related graduate careers with relevance for the non-profit voluntary sector

The module involves a set of core lectures on the history, theory, practices, politics, ethics and methods of community-organising, community-based research, and volunteering in the non-profit sector. This taught content is combined with a volunteering placement with a community partner (70 hours between October and March each academic year).

The placement may produce a defined piece of research (such as a survey of community need) or it may involve an element of community organising activity (such as helping to organise events or outreach material). Students will co-design and agree the research/activity collaboratively with the partner organization, for the direct benefit of the partner and community concerned.

At all stages students will work in the same small group (of 3-5) and with the same partner organisation. Assessment includes a collaborative research/activity report which is to be written for the partner organisation to read and keep.

The module is intended to be of mutual benefit to the student and the partner organisation. For this purpose the module is designed as a flexible fit to the needs of the voluntary sector. Alongside the experience of group-work, this module aims to give the student the chance to reflect first-hand on what it is like to work in a non-profit or social enterprise setting.