Marginalized communities often lack resources and platforms to alleviate complications arising from emerging and systemic social and public health challenges.  Researchers often have limited community partnerships and resources to gather narratives to unearth detailed and nuanced stories to assist marginalized communities. A qualitative inquiry focused CBPR approach addresses these issues.

This course will provide researchers with principles and tools to conduct qualitative-focused community-based participatory research. Drs. Gilbert and Ray will expose participants to a holistic approach to CBPR by focusing on 4 core topics essential to the approach: (1) CBPR foundation principles, (2) Methods principles and practices to guide the work, (3) CBPR practice goals, and (4) An eye toward the future of CBPR

1. CBPR foundation principles
   To effectively assist communities in need, marginalized voices must be central to understanding community perspectives and needs. In order to achieve sustainable goals, researchers must also learn how to identify synergies that foster long-term relationships and mutual commitments to social change. 
2. Methods principles and practices to guide the work
   The instructors will discuss innovative CBPR datatypes (including using social media and internet-based platforms as narrative- and content-based data) and approaches to triangulating multiple data sources to enhance impact and document the now.
3. CBPR Practice Goals
   The course will help you learn how to balance data collection with community-based goals and academic outcomes as well as develop pragmatic strategies to help get community members’ experiences to decision-making tables. 
4. An Eye Toward the Future of CBPR
   The course will address changes that occur at the local and global levels (such as advances in technology and data evolution) that will shape the future of your CBPR work.