Strengthening Community Engagement: Highlights from the ACTRI-CAB Meeting
Hello everyone!
We recently had an engaging and productive meeting at the UCSD Park & Market on December 1, 2023. The ACTRI Population Science Unit convened with the San Diego County Community Advisory Board (CAB) to discuss several crucial topics that aim to strengthen community engagement, foster collaboration, and promote inclusivity in research endeavors.
1. KL2 Scholars Seek Valuable Insights:
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation by KL2 scholars on their projects. They sought advice from the Community Advisory Board on various aspects such as community engagement, information dissemination, and recruiting participants from underserved areas. The CAB members offered invaluable feedback, providing insights that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of their community interactions. This collaboration between scholars and community members underscores the importance of integrating local expertise into research endeavors for meaningful impact.
2. Aligning Goals for Upcoming Grants:
The meeting also delved into the discussion of population science specific aims for upcoming grants. Seeking alignment and potential collaboration, the ACTRI team turned to the CAB members for guidance. The CAB provided essential insights on drafting directives, understanding community needs, and fostering collaboration. These insights will help ensure that research goals are not only met but also closely align with the expectations of the community, thus promoting more effective partnerships.
3. Community Engagement in Scientific Publications:
One of the intriguing questions raised during the meeting was whether community members involved in community-engaged projects would be interested in being part of the authorship in peer-reviewed publications. The CAB's response was overwhelmingly positive. Community members expressed their willingness to be included as authors if they contributed to data collection, planning, or any research-related aspects. This is a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of community members in the research process.
4. Expanding the CAB Community:
Lastly, the ACTRI team sought the Community Advisory Board's assistance in identifying new members. Dr. Davey Smith suggested a strategy to create a diverse pool of community representatives with various capacities and expertise. This approach allows for a more tailored and efficient recruitment process for specific projects. By tapping into this diverse pool, the team can approach individuals who can make meaningful contributions without overextending their commitments across multiple projects.
In conclusion, the ACTRI-CAB meeting was a remarkable step forward in strengthening community engagement, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that research initiatives are closely aligned with the needs and expectations of the community. This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of involving the community in research endeavors, recognizing their expertise, and fostering partnerships that drive positive change.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to empower communities and advance scientific research together!
ACTRI Communications