Community-Engaged Research is "a research approach that involves active participation of stakeholders, those whose lives are affected by the issue being studied, in all phases of research for the purpose of producing useful results to make positive changes." (Nelson, Ochocka, Griffin & Lord, 1998, p. 12)
Resources
Students and researchers may find the following resources helpful if they intend to conduct community-engaged research:
Community Development Institute (CDI)
The CDI at UNBC is dedicated to understanding and realizing the potential of BC’s non-metropolitan communities in a changing global economy, preparing students and practitioners for leadership roles in community and economic development, and creating a body of knowledge, information, and research that will enhance our understanding and our ability to deal with the impacts of ongoing transformation. The Community Development Institute is committed to working with all communities – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – to help them further their aspirations in community and regional development.
Co-Directors:
- Greg Halseth, Professor, Geography, and Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies
- Marleen Morris, Adjunct Professor, Geography
UNBC Courses
Geography 324 - Community-Based Research: This course provides an intellectual and practical foundation in community-based research approaches. Using a mix of seminar and practical instruction, students will learn about the varieties of collaborative practice involving community-based partners in each stage of research from preliminary negotiations to the presentation of results. The course prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of conducting social science research in the field.
Chair, Department of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment:
- Catherine Nolin, Professor, Department of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment
UNBC Community-based Researchers
UNBC has a number of researchers with expertise in community-based research. They are situated across different Faculties and Departments, and have different areas of interest. A list of researchers with expertise in "community-based" research can be found here.
Community-Based Research Canada (CBRCanada)
CBRCanada is a national non-profit organization contributing to equitable, just, and sustainable communities within and beyond Canada. CBRCanada works to connect individuals, communities and organizations to advance community-based research excellence.
UNBC is a CBRCanada member. As a member institution, UNBC students, staff and faculty members have access to all CBRCanada member benefits.
Texts
Convivial Toolbox by Liz Sanders
Webinars
BCcampus Research Speaker Series: Community-Engaged Research
Websites
SFU Community-Engaged Research Initiative
UBC Community-Engaged Scholarship
Canadian Science Publishing Community-Engaged Research
References
Nelson, G., Ochocka, J., Griffin, K. et al. “Nothing About Me, Without Me”: Participatory Action Research with Self-Help/Mutual Aid Organizations for Psychiatric Consumer/Survivors. Am J Community Psychol 26, 881–912 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022298129812
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