CCRC Kicks Off Community Research Workshops

Building Authentic Relationships: Community & Campus Partnerships

On Monday, May 8, the CCRC hosted their first event bringing together community organizations and non-profits from across the city to discuss what academics and community members can learn from each other and how to build more effective partnerships.

Over thirty people were in attendance at this event and a consistent theme addressed the need to empower the community when entering into partnerships. The university is useful for its expertise and research, but the community should always be given the opportunity to speak on their specific needs and set their own goals, which will not be the same for every community. The six panelists described the process of building trust by meeting people where they are. Pitching in, meeting at a neighborhood location, following up on projects, and providing compensation are just some ways to shift the perception of the university simply as project-oriented to truly equity-serving.