In collaboration with the Community Advisory Board (CAB), the CTSC is working to strengthen Community Engaged Research (CER) capacity across its institutional and community partners. To support this goal, we are developing a CER training that draws on core principles of community engagement.
Guided by feedback previously shared by the CAB, the CER core design team has identified two primary goals for the training: (1) to bring tangible value to both community and academic participants, and (2) to strengthen trust between academic and community investigators.
At its heart, CER is about mutual respect, trust-building, and perspective-sharing. Our training aims to ensure that everyone involved finds meaning and benefit in the experience.
On May 29 and 30, the CTSC of Northern Ohio hosted a dynamic two-day design workshop at the new Midtown Collaboration Center in Cleveland, OH. Facilitated by Abby Wilson and Michael Walton, the workshop brought together community leaders and researchers from diverse areas of expertise and lived experiences, all united by a shared commitment to community-engaged research.
Participants engaged in small group activities, creative problem-solving exercises, and collaborative brainstorming. Over the course of the 10-hour workshop, the CER design team gathered invaluable insights, ideas, and perspectives to guide the development of the training. Just as importantly, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the power of CER—and with new connections to future collaborators.
Author: Ranjini (Rini) Ghosh - Assistant Director of Health Research Outcomes and Engagement - CTSC of Northern Ohio