Building Equity and Social Justice

The Institute pursues a three-tiered model of community led issue identification, community research, and community engagement. While community led issue identification and research are, of course, necessary, it’s the community engagement process that makes the Institute unique among its peers. Community engagement is about empowerment and collective efficacy – providing a group with the information and technical support needed to achieve the change they seek. At the core, the community directs our work. Our Community Advisory Board provides direction to our senior staff, ensuring that the issues we pursue will have meaning to the community.  Finally, through research utilization, support, and technical assistance, we ensure that our results are available to those that desire to use them.