PROGRESS Dialogue on Community Engagement and Design Justice

October 17th, 2024

The Prevent Gun Violence: Research, Empowerment, Strategies & Solutions (PROGRESS) initiative held a dialogue focusing on community engagement and design justice at the University of Maryland.  This convening brought together members of the PROGRESS team and a diverse group of community-based organization (CBO) representatives and other community stakeholders. The discussion sought to foster active participation and collaboration among CBOs and PROGRESS, emphasizing the importance of equitable partnerships in community engagement efforts.

The dialogue included three lively sessions focused on gaining answers to critical questions:

• What principles and best practices should PROGRESS adhere to when engaging in university-community partnerships?
• What do CBOs hope PROGRESS can provide in terms of research deliverables, training, and technical assistance? 
• What research should PROGRESS be doing on community violence, data & technology, and safe storage?
• What are CBO perspectives on drafting university-community agreements, such as MOUs, contracts, and letters of intent?

The format encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to share insights, concerns, and potential solutions to the challenges faced in their partnerships. The interactive sessions fostered collaboration and generated innovative ideas for future initiatives.

The series of PROGRESS dialogues/workshops will continue with later convenings to further the dialogue on equitable and effective research practices for both CBOs and academic institutions.

Read More:

• Jacob's Ladder Youth Foundation, Inc.'s Facebook Post

Left: PROGRESS Co-Director Joseph Richardson addresses the room.

Right: PROGRESS Co-Directors Woodie Kessel (left) and Joseph Richardson (right).

Right: PROGRESS Co-Director Joseph Richardson pictured addressing the room.