scholarly journals Connecting with Community and Facilitating Learning through the Little Rock Congregations Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-43
Author(s):  
Rebecca Glazier ◽  
Gerald Driskill ◽  
Kirk Leach
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Political Activity ◽  
Little Rock ◽  
Community Institutions ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Anchor Institutions ◽  
Faith Based Organizations ◽  
The University

Places of worship play important roles as anchor institutions that promote community engagement and motivate political activity. Universities, particularly in urban settings, can also serve as anchor institutions that connect communities. Yet, there is often a gulf between the two, to the detriment of the broader community. In this article, we present the Little Rock Congregations Study (LRCS) as an approach to community engagement with faith-based organizations in an urban setting. This research project, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, involves an interdisciplinary team focused on understanding and improving the community engagement of congregations in the city of Little Rock since 2012. We present qualitative and quantitative data to illustrate the benefits of our approach, including research results returned to community organizations, greater visibility of the university in the community, student involvement in research and with faith-based organizations, and substantive findings that inform the greater body of knowledge and our own community. Through more than eight years of community-based work on the LRCS we provide six key lessons learned for researchers and students building relationships with religious leaders that can help bridge the gulf between these two key community institutions.

Trosbaserade organisationer och professionsutveckling

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Hallenius
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Critical Reading ◽  
Religious Identities ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Ibn Rushd ◽  
Is Theory ◽  
Faith Based Organizations ◽  
The Relationship

Faith-based organizations and professional development: A case for practical theology? The question discussed in this article is: “in what ways can perspectives from practical theology  contribute to the study of professional development within faith-based organizations? To an swer this question, I present my critical reading of the report, När tilliten prövas: En studie av  studieförbundet Ibn Rushd samhällsbidrag (2019) and the results are analyzed utilizing per spectives from practical theology. My method is theory-testing critical reading where I search  for and present concepts in the report concerning 1) What is said of religion in the relationship  between religion and society in the report? 2) Which perspectives are raised in the report con cerning stakeholders, staff, and visitors/participants behavior? Finally, using perspectives from  practical theology, I outline two answers addressing what professional development in faith based organizations is and how practical theology can contribute in this field. Firstly, I propose  that professional development in faith-based professions occurs when one’s own and other’s  expression of intentional religion is perceived as one of many positive assets from the onset.  Practical theology has the resources to both study and develop knowledge in these processes.  Secondly, I claim that practical theology has resources to identify and utilize lessons learned  from other professions with clear religious identities. Their experiences should be of interest  for actors dealing with similar challenges and for society in general. Professional development  in faith-based organizations is a case for practical theology.  

On Not Knowing

2021 ◽  
pp. 151-168
Author(s):  
Carol Ann Muller ◽  
Nina C. Öhman
Keyword(s):  
Community Service ◽  
University Of Pennsylvania ◽  
Community Research ◽  
Hip Hop Culture ◽  
Community History ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Musical Practices ◽  
Faith Based Organizations ◽  
Ethnographic Films ◽  
The University

The Department of Music of the University of Pennsylvania has an ongoing research partnership with several faith-based organizations in the Philadelphia area. At the core of this partnership, ethnomusicology professors are leading academically based community service (ABCS) classes in which students engage with local Christian and Islamic communities in order to produce ethnographic films that document the history and musical practices of these communities. The chapter discusses the authors’ experiences in ABCS work, with a focus on gospel music research projects and studies of the relationship between music, spirituality, and Islam. A second project explored the ways in which young members of an Islamic community partnership organization engaged with hip-hop culture. The process described can be best characterized by an idea of “creative uncertainty.” Drawing on growing literature in visual arts that takes the position of “not knowing” as a strategy of engagement, the authors suggest that the production of community research through principles and processes of academically based community service and engagement are best served if researchers know how little they know, and are humbly open to what they might learn, while willing to share expertise they may have to jointly create narratives of community history and belonging in dialogue with members of neighborhood faith-based organizations.

A Mixed-methods Pilot Study of Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency Among Faith-based Organizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie M. Muller ◽  
Rita V. Burke ◽  
Bridget M. Berg ◽  
Ann C. Lin ◽  
Jeffrey S. Upperman
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Faith Based Organizations

AbstractIntroductionFaith-based organizations represent a source of stability and are an established presence in a community. They frequently serve their community following disasters. They are not formally included or identified as a disaster resource; thus, there is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness with which faith-based organizations prepare for and respond to disasters.ProblemThis pilot study aimed to assess perceptions of the level of disaster preparedness and resiliency among faith-based organizations as a first step in understanding how to improve disaster preparedness and resiliency among these organizations and their communities.MethodsSurvey and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six faith-based organizations, one with a leader and one with a staff member. Frequency distributions of survey questions were obtained. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was supported by analytical software, ATLAS. ti.ResultsResults of the survey indicated strong social networks among congregation and community members. However, half of the members indicated that they did not socialize often with other races and other neighborhoods. Additionally, trust of other groups of people was generally low. Themes that emerged from qualitative analysis were: (1) perceived disaster preparedness and resiliency; (2) barriers to community preparedness and resiliency; (3) lessons learned from past disasters; (4) social services and networks; and (5) willingness to be prepared.ConclusionsThe results suggest that there is a need for interventions to improve disaster preparedness and resiliency among faith-based organizations.MullerV, BurkeR, BergB, LinA, UppermanJ. A mixed-methods pilot study of disaster preparedness and resiliency among faith-based organizations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(2):1-7.

scholarly journals Lessons learned through a partnership with Marshallese faith-based organizations to screen for hypertension and diabetes

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pearl McElfish ◽  
Wanna Bing ◽  
Britni L Ayers ◽  
Lisa Smith ◽  
Michael Stephens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Faith Based Organizations

None at this time. 

scholarly journals Faith and Community Engagement at Anchor Institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-21
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Green ◽  
Cynthia Stewart ◽  
Daniel Bergen ◽  
Chris Nayve
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Editorial Team ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Community Partner ◽  
Religiously Affiliated ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Anchor Institutions ◽  
Faith Traditions ◽  
Democratic Principles ◽  
The Relationship

In a year that has featured a global health pandemic, a racial justice political-social movement, and a divisive political election that stretches democratic principles, the topic of faith and community engagement may seem more prescient than ever. The exploration of the intersection of faith and community engagement at anchor institutions, though, began prior to all of these events. Yet, the topics that emerge in this special issue of Metropolitan Universities journal are even more relevant in our current context, as scholars, practitioners, and community partner co-authors explore the relationship between faith traditions and engagement in the community.             As we framed this special issue as an editorial team, faith initiatives were initially broadly interpreted and all faith traditions were encouraged and considered (including, but not limited to, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu). Faith was loosely defined as a religious historical tradition and set of beliefs centered on a higher power. Faith-based organizations were generally communicated as religiously-affiliated colleges and universities, while faith-based initiatives included programs that were religiously affiliated. This special issue focuses on the intersection of faith and community engagement, specifically how they inform each other and the relationship between them at anchor institutions.

scholarly journals Community-Led Sanitation in Simoonga, Zambia

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-77
Author(s):  
Maggie McDaniel ◽  
Emerson Prebil ◽  
Robert Swap ◽  
Caroline Berinyuy ◽  
Dillon Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
University Of Virginia ◽  
University Of Georgia ◽  
Village Council ◽  
Pit Latrine ◽  
The University ◽  
The Village ◽  
Iterative Construction

This paper describes a sustainable sanitation project conducted by students from the University of Virginia and the University of Georgia. The team partnered with village council members and local experts in the village of Simoonga, Zambia, to design and build communal latrines using appropriate technologies and to create a village sanitation committee. The authors present the process of project development, including project topic, team dynamics, evaluation of alternatives, and the decision to build a Ventilated Improved Pit latrine. In preparation for arrival in Zambia, the team designed, developed and implemented a prototype in Charlottesville. The authors then describe community engagement in Simoonga and the iterative construction process of two Ventilated Improved Pit latrines over six weeks. The paper concludes with a discussion of project challenges, resolutions, results and lessons learned. 

Policy and Practice: Service Learning from Academy to Community

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-38
Author(s):  
Susan L. Schalge ◽  
Matthew Pajunen
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
State University ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Community Institutions ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The University ◽  
Work Done ◽  
Method Approach

Service learning represents a key intersection between the academy and the community. Institutions give back to the community through this work done by student hands, which bolsters university brands, as institutions attempt to meet external expectations. Despite the value being provided to colleges and universities through service learning, critical analyses of institutions are underrepresented in the literature. We, therefore, chose here to “study up” and direct our focus to the institution itself. This multi-method approach builds upon previous research with students, faculty, and community partners. We examine communications and materials produced by Minnesota State University, Mankato. Additionally, we interview policymakers within the university who influenced the current trajectory of service learning, as it has descended from an institutional focus to a division of community engagement.

scholarly journals PO 8574 LESSONS FROM ENGAGING AND TRAINING PRIVATE AND FAITH-BASED HEALTH FACILITIES FOR THE USE OF MALARIA RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN CAMEROON

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A56.2-A56
Author(s):  
Palmer Masumbe Netongo ◽  
Irénée Domkam ◽  
Séverin D Kamdem ◽  
Franklin Maloba ◽  
Akindeh Nji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
System Capacity ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Malaria Control Programme ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
And Training

BackgroundBespoke community engagement is critical for success of any intervention. Lessons learned from engaging and training private and faith-based health facility professionals (grouped as informal health professionals [IHPs]) in Cameroon could streamline training and community engagement activities of networks like ALERRT and PANDORA. With the aim of establishing a system for monitoring malaria RDT accuracy in Cameroon, and supported by a WHO/TDR Impact grant, we tested the hypothesis that training IHPs to use follow-up visits and telephone/online support will improve their ability to perform RDT by 80%. This will also improve access to accurate malaria diagnosis and treatment in the communities served by the IHPs.MethodsWe conducted a baseline survey to map target informal health facilities (GPS location, staffing, training on RDT) and challenges through focus group discussions and group questionnaires. We then organised rotation classroom for a three-day enhanced training on early diagnosis and prompt, effective treatment of malaria.ResultsWe found that though informal health facilities constitute approximately 30% of the country’s health system capacity, IHPs were seldom included in regional RDTs training by the National Malaria Control Programme. Also, some IHPs had limited training to deliver health care services and were not registered with the Ministry of Health. Started as common initiative groups, IHFs constitute major access points for health care within communities and could be major players for community engagement within Cameroon as a sizeable population relies on them for accessible care.ConclusionOur method is a feasible and cost-effective health worker-based approach for training and community engagement, which can help ALERRT to anticipate community preparedness for outbreaks in Cameroon and beyond.

scholarly journals 4475 Meeting Partners Where They Are: Tailoring Community-Engaged Research Consultation Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 87-88
Author(s):  
Adam Paberzs ◽  
Patricia Piechowski ◽  
Jordan Poll ◽  
Meghan Spiroff ◽  
Karen Calhoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
University Of Michigan ◽  
Community Partner ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Grant Applications ◽  
Funding Opportunities ◽  
The University ◽  
Consultation Services

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: One of the most significant challenges to community engagement experienced by Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institutions is inadequate capacity of academic and community partners to engage in collaborative research. Several CTSAs within the consortium provide consultation services to help address this gap. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: For over 10 years, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR), a CTSA at the University of Michigan, has provided CEnR-specific consultations to partners seeking support for a variety of needs. Consultations can be requested for assistance with identifying potential partners, developing partnership infrastructure, finding CEnR funding opportunities, and incorporating CEnR approaches into research plans. When a consultation is requested, MICHR’s Community Engagement (CE) Program responds by planning a meeting with staff and faculty who have relevant skills, expertise, and connections. After the initial meeting, the CE Program provides follow-up communication and support based on the needs of the specific request, and often facilitates connections with potential partners. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The two most frequent types of consultation requests involve 1) making connections with potential researchers or community partner organizations, and 2) providing guidance on research grant applications that involve community engagement. MICHR provides approximately 50 CEnR consultations each year, which have resulted in development of new partnerships, grant submissions, and research projects that utilize CEnR principles and address community-identified health priorities. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This presentation will describe the evolution of MICHR’s CEnR consultation process and highlight successful outcomes and lessons learned over its 12-year history. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: NA

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document