Tips from Fellow USC Researchers
This information is based on conversations with USC faculty, staff, and community partners during ’21-’22 school year. There is a strong tradition of community-engaged research at USC and a wealth of knowledge and experience to share!
• Discuss and set clear goals, responsibilities, funding, and time/capacity/scope expectations for each research party up front (but be flexible if situations change).
• Provide space and time for community participants to provide input, feedback, and be part of the research team (not just a guest or outsider).
• Welcome the lived experience of community-members.
↳ Learn about the community with whom you will partner and conduct research.
- ✓ Demographics
- ✓ Physical/environmental assets in community
- ✓ Sensitivities/vulnerabilities/stressors on community and individuals
• Build trust through a productive relationship with the community – this can take time.
• Attend events, become familiar with and be a presence in the community to meet people, learn about what’s happening, and build rapport.
• Train community members with research, data collection, and evaluation skills so community organizations can continue research and work without institutional support.
• Data sharing and dissemination should reflect community preferences.
↳ Consider what happens after the research project is complete.
- ✓ How will the community be able to use the findings?
- ✓ Can they continue to use the skills/information/resources developed from participating in the research?
- ✓ Is there a long-term partnership opportunity?
• Avoid ‘one and done’ projects that do not facilitate or allow for a long-term relationship with the community.
↳ Leave the community with tangible benefits and outcomes from research.
- ✓ Ongoing training opportunities
- ✓ Publishing credit and community acknowledgement through authorship
- ✓ Findings must be accessible to community members (not just in academic journals)
- ✓ Connections to organizations and resources for continued funding and collaboration