TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

Steps

• Define the objectives of your work with the community, and identify what competencies you wish to build. Consider things like data collection, campaigning, or even data analysis.
• Organise an event where everyone can get to know each other and have access to training in various fields. Your training sessions could include: theoretical knowledge on the issue and its impacts and consequences; practical skills in how to engage with the media; skills for using various sensors to capture data on pollution; uploading data online and developing a scientific approach (i.e. what does the data say about the air quality?) and a critical skills (i.e. what actions do we need to undertake to fix the situation?).
• Conclude the event with concrete follow-up actions where you identify the work to be undertaken over the next three months, and the responsible persons involved.
• Completing the event does not mean that the community is ready to undertake the work: they need further mentorship and coaching. As such, it is crucial to create weekly or bi-weekly meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to discuss the work and any potential challenges. It would also be helpful to establish more real-time communication channels, such as mailing lists or mobile chat groups: this will provide the community with access to real-time responses, as and when required.