Lay the Foundation
Community-based research begins with laying a foundation, to ensure the project is community-driven, participatory, and action-oriented. This necessary phase creates a strong starting point for the research design, and the relationships between team members, stakeholders, and communities.​
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ON THIS PAGE
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Steps
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Video tutorial
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Workbook PDF
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Case example PDF
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STEPS INCLUDE:
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Identify stakeholders (through stakeholder mapping) and build trusting relationships to foster a strong starting point for the work ahead.
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Establish a steering committee made up of key stakeholders to help guide the research and form the research team (the 'doers'). Clarify roles and responsibilities of these two groups and individuals (e.g., name a research lead).
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Identify assumptions about the research, such as what approach you are taking, what type of knowledge you value, etc.
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Highlight the context and your positionality. If doing an evaluation, highlight the theory of change of your organization or program. This might include developing, refining or revising a program or organization logic model.
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Identify the purpose of the research.