Research

The research “brand” of
the Volunteering and Participation Foundation

Apart from single work areas and the relative and specific projects, it is desirable that the research activities of the Foundation are based on some elements that unite all projects. These elements represent the substantial "brand" of the whole complex of research activities of the Foundation (and by extension all of its assets).

Some first indications that constitute the "brand" could be:

1. Scientific: the Foundation develops research activities according to the criteria of objectivity and the corresponding methods and protocols for investigation recognized by the scientific community of reference disciplines;
2. critical and constructive approach: in continuity with the tradition of CNV, the approach of research is critical, that means oriented to understand - along with the actors involved – values, potentialities, ambivalences and criticalities that exist in the field of civil society. In the belief that volunteerism can and should continue its 'political' role, which contemplates a marked sensitivity to the extension and qualification of substantive democracy and universalism (art.2.2, lett.f-g Statute), the research of the Foundation develops an approach to constructive criticism of the phenomena studied;
3. from practice to theory (and back) in continuity with the tradition of CNV, the research develops following a basically inductive method, proceeding - on the basis of existing conceptualizations - from particular experiences to come to contribute to the theoretical reflection originally;
4. useful to think, useful to innov(action): since there is no conscious action without thought, the entire research activities of the Foundation is proposing to develop knowledge useful to the practical improvement of operation of all involved in activities accompanying the growth of their self-reflexivity.To extend the usefulness and usability of research, results will be socialized outside the specific context of those involved directly, thus helping to fuel the scientific and cultural debate (art.2.1 and art.2.3 Statute).This characteristic of the approach to research also appears to be a useful force for innovation.
5. Plurality of skills and methodologies: as social phenomena linked to research areas of the Foundation are highly complex and elusive, the Foundation's activities are characterized by the coexistence and integration between different skills and methods of investigation,useful to focus the various components of the issues in the field;
6. Tendency to comparison: In line with statutory intent (cfr.art.2.1 Statute) research activities of the Foundation, although individually focused on specific items of work, has as its horizon of work the national and international level, taking strategic objectives of compared analysis.