Introduction to Community Action
Course information
Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking opportunities and lots of fun, the online Introduction to Community Action course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community.
Part of our Community Camp programme, this short online course explores how to make positive change where you live, from the comfort of your own home.
Applications for our September-October course have now closed (Friday 23 August) and we will be in touch with applicants within the next 14 days.
In the meantime, why not join our Network Facebook Group and get to know like-minded community organisers?
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Scroll down to next sectionCourse schedule
The Introduction to Community Action course will take place over five sessions, every Wednesday evening from 18 September to 16 October 2024. Sessions will take place from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Over the course of the sessions, you’ll gain inspiration and support to help you take the first or next step in supporting your community. That might be finding the idea, finding the people, finding the money or finding your confidence.
No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll guide you through and help you to meet like-minded people who can provide encouragement and advice.
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of participants say the course has motivated them to do something for their community
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new projects started as a result (since 2013)
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secured funding for their project within 6 months of the course
The collaboration within the community, all sharing ideas and hearing some of the great initiatives, feeling inspired and empowered and the support from each participant was so lovely. The sessions were always done so well and the breakout rooms were simple and easy and a lovely way to meet new people. REALLY well organised course!
Sowing the seeds of community initiatives
Our Community Camp programme (now including the Introduction to Community Action course) has sparked over 1,000 community initiatives across the UK since it started.…
What it’s like at on the Community Camp programme?
Many potential campers are unsure if they’re the right fit, so we’ve interviewed former participant Kathryn to tell us a bit about her experience.
How ‘the Eden effect’ changed our community forever
Herbalist Maria Billington got the impetus to take on a community space from the council after attending a Community Camp at the Eden Project.…
Get ready for the sessions
Read the information below before your first session.
Joining the sessions on Zoom
If you’re successful, you’ll receive a link to register for the sessions, taking place on Zoom, in your welcome email.
You use the same link to join all 5 sessions – so keep it handy or add it straight into your online calendar!
If you’re struggling to join a session, contact communitycamp@edenproject.com and we’ll help you out.
What you need for the sessions
For most sessions, you’ll need a pen and paper and resources from your Welcome Pack (which you’ll receive before the first session).
We’ll let you know in each session if there’s something to bring for the following one.
After the course finishes, you’ll have access to all resources, useful guides and further information.
Connections and safeguarding
During the course you’ll meet new people and we want people to make connections safely and comfortably.
We recognise that that is different for different people. So please only share personal details or personal experiences that you are happy to share, and respect people’s confidentiality in conversations, private messages and breakout rooms.
There will always be a designated member of the team on each session who will be there to help anyone if they feel uncomfortable at any time.
Recording and photography
We may record each session, for internal purposes to reflect on how the course went and snippets might be used for promotional material for future courses.
Please note: your name (and number if you dial in) will appear on the screen and in the recording. You can change this when you join the session (or in your Zoom account beforehand, if you have one) – we can help you if you’re not sure how to do this.
We may also take photographs, but we will let you know before we do. If you would prefer not to appear, please turn your video off while we take them. We may use these images for marketing purposes, including on social media.
Tips for using Zoom
We’ve put together a handy how-to video for anyone using Zoom on their phone.
We go through the main features of Zoom on mobile, plus some quick tricks that can help you make the most of the course while you’re listening!
Our Zoom top tips
- Before the call check your Zoom is up to date with the latest software updates.
- If you are having internet problems, try turning your video off and see if that helps.
- If you are attending the call on a phone and the chat notifications are too much, you can mute notifications by clicking on the chat icon and then clicking a button that looks like a bell.
- Remember to keep your microphone on mute if you’re not speaking
- You can add a ‘reaction’ such as a heart, clapping your hands or a thumbs up by clicking on the reaction button (smiley emoji with a plus sign). This can be a nice way to show support for your fellow course participants!
- On the same button, you can click ‘raise hand’ to indicate you’d like to speak.
Meet the team
Find out more about the lovely people who are leading the course.
Lucy Abbott
Community Network Developer, London and the South East of England
labbott@edenproject.com
Testimonials from our Community Camp programme
Testimonials from previous participants on how to squeeze every drop of inspiration…
Connecting with people
How to talk to anyone
Loneliness and isolation
15 ideas to improve community spirit
Been inspired by The Big Lunch or a Month of Community activity?…
Nature and environment
10 tips to make your community greener
We can all take small steps to make our communities healthier, greener…
Connecting with people
How to engage your community
Connecting with people
How to recruit volunteers
Funded by The National Lottery
Thanks to the generous support of our core programme funder, The National Lottery, we’re able to run this fantastic ‘Introduction to Community Action’ course to empower and inspire budding community organisers around the country.
Together with The National Lottery, we’re on a mission to help people build their skills and confidence in community action so people connect with their communities across the UK and more good things happen.
We’re excited to meet you