Knowledge sharing between researchers and community-based partners is a dynamic, iterative process that fosters mutual learning and effective collaboration. It also offers significant benefits to researchers, community stakeholders, and funders. Aligned with the ethos of community-based participatory research (CBPR), reflexive knowledge-sharing ensures both researchers and community-based partners contribute to and learn from the research process.

As part of funding from CUNY ISLG and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Center for Trauma Innovation (CTI) at Exodus Transitional Communities was charged with delivering innovative trauma treatment, training, and education to a local and international community of individuals impacted by the legal system and organizations seeking to support the health and wellness of their communities.

In partnership with the Center for Complex Trauma (CCT) at Icahn School of Medicine, CCT and CTI have put reflexive knowledge sharing into action in evaluating the CTI. Guided by this approach, evaluators have identified data-driven recommendations, conducted joint discussions between researchers and partners, and outlined plans for the implementation of feasible recommendations—all in partnership with CTI staff.

The process, specific recommendations, and blueprint of the feasibility discussion are detailed in the latest memo, which provides a closer look at the CBPR process and use of reflexive knowledge sharing to foster equitable partnerships.

CUNY ISLG’s blog highlights how CBPR gives community stakeholders a voice in evaluating the programs designed to support them.

Download the memo.

As part of this partnership, the CCT produced a process evaluation as well as a series of briefs that explore these core prongs in theory, how they were put into practice by the CTI, and their impact on participants and the community. The first memo explores the role of learning communities in this evaluation. This second memo, the focus shifts to the use of data and collaboration to inform future program recommendations. The third memo looks into how participants’ characteristics impacted how the healed from and coped with the trauma.