Offering a unique set of case studies that invites readers to question and reimagine the
concept of community engagement this collected work provides an overview and analysis of
numerous creative participatory research methods designed to improve well-being at both the
individual and societal level. In a world where there are enormous differences in the wealth
and health of people it is increasingly recognized that sustainable peace requires both a
broad---based public commitment to nonviolence combined with noticeable increments in the
wellbeing of people who occupy the lowest socioeconomic strata of societies. This volume
focuses on the latter-how to use qualitative research methods to improve well-being of research
participants and thus the wider society. The participatory research examples described in
these chapters are meant to encourage researchers scholars and practitioners to question
assumed knowledge about community engagement research and practice and toinspire social
justice-oriented scholarship.The cases studies and methods portrayed are as varied as the
situations and cultures in which they take place. In most of the case studies the personal is
linked to the political with a social justice imperative as participants from marginalized
communities express an understanding of their own position within power hierarchies
deconstruct power relations and experience a sense of agency. In other instances the methods
are no less participatory but the aim is more focused on inner and outer harmony psychological
wellbeing conflict resolution and intergroup reconciliation. In all the cases studies there
is a strong emphasis on methods in which community members are at the center of efforts to
promote social change. The methods described include group storytelling community arts asset
mapping dialogues creative writing embroidery filmmaking Photovoice writing back to power
and other means of engaging inemancipatory praxis and promoting personal wellbeing. Taken
together the chapters illustrate creative ways in which community members embedded in
disadvantaged contexts can engage in a dynamic process that stimulates individual and
collective agency. Ultimately this volume will provide readers with a deeper understanding of
a wide range of creative qualitative research methods and will encourage establishment of an
effective social justice agenda essential to human wellbeing and sustainable peace.
