Bridging Research and Community: Advancing Health Through Community-Based Organizations
The NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Community-Based Organization (CBO) Community of Practice (CoP) aims to deepen partnerships between researchers and community-based organizations. Led by community health workers (CHWs) and CBOs partnering with CEAL, this collection of community experts fosters mutual trust, collaborative learning, and community-centered public health strategies, especially in communities most impacted by health differences. Community-engaged research is designed to involve the community in the research process, especially those members most affected by the health issues being addressed. In community-engaged research, research teams and communities work as equal partners to design and carry out studies, analyze data, and share and implement study findings.
Goals of the CEAL CBO CoP
Strengthen partnerships among CBOs, CHWs, and research entities.
Build a sustainable network of community leaders to address health challenges.
Support CHW engagement by recognizing and partnering with their insights and strong community ties.
Promote collaborative learning through regular meetings, knowledge exchange, and resource sharing.
Why Community Partners in Research Matter
CBOs and leaders, trusted community partners, including faith-based groups, CHWs, patient advocates, and more bring vital lived experience, trust, and local knowledge to the research and implementation of science based interventions to improve health. They translate research into action and ensure that community voices shape health priorities. Their leadership is crucial for enhancing the health of the community.
Key Offerings of the CEAL CBO CoP
- Bimonthly Meetings: These meetings are designed to support the development of mutually beneficial relationships and are specifically for CEAL partners who share a vision of improving health.
- Peer-to-Peer Sessions: Forums for community partners to share expertise, build capacity, and improve health through collaborative learning on a bimonthly basis.
- Research Partnership Opportunities: By working together, the CEAL CBO CoP will have the opportunity to shape research questions, contribute expertise, elevate the expertise of those with lived experiences, and apply findings within their own networks. This will foster strong connections across the community, ensuring that research outcomes are practical, relevant, and beneficial to communities.
- Leveraging Subject-Matter Expertise: Supporting the development of CEAL resources with collective knowledge and insights to strengthen the depth and relevance of research outputs.