Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

The Re-Imagining Community-Based Research (CBR) workshop explores the meaning and implications of conducting research with and within communities, and its evolving role in both academic and community contexts. Community-based research (CBR) is grounded in addressing issues identified by communities themselves and empowering marginalized groups through collaborative and participatory approaches. While traditional CBR values community voices and knowledge, it does not always prioritize political change. This workshop explores how researchers can go further and challenge systemic inequalities and foster social justice by producing counterhegemonic knowledge. This approach foregrounds transformative change, emphasizing the dismantling of oppressive structures and privileging the experiences of marginalized communities. The workshop will examine and discuss how researchers can assume dual roles as scholars and activists, working in solidarity with communities to amplify their voices and address root causes of inequality. In contrast to Traditional CBR, we argue that researchers collaborate with and involve community members as co-researchers, creating a mutually respectful and inclusive research environment towards increasing addressing social inequality and empowering marginalized communities more effectively. Expected Outcomes: Participants will gain practical tools to design and implement research that amplifies marginalized voices, addresses social inequities, and fosters community empowerment. The workshop encourages a paradigm shift towards solidarity-driven and ethical research practices that advance the well-being of marginalized populations through collective action and allyship. This workshop offers an opportunity for community-based researchers and stakeholders to reimagine their roles, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to the creation of research that not only addresses community-identified needs but also drives systemic and transformative change.