A communication framework for community-based organisations to facilitate mutually beneficial long-term relationships with supporting stakeholders

Land is the most important asset for Myanmar population dependent on access to land for their livelihoods. During the past several years, land dispossession has accelerated causing social, political and economic ramifications. Historical land dispossession also remains a significant challenge until the present day. This has provoked a response from civil society actors and farmers who have engaged with different approaches to battle land disputes. This thesis is a result of a qualitative field research utilizing various methods: documentary research, exploratory research, focus group discussions, in-depth and expert interviews all including 21 people and focused detail on three CBOs based on diverse approaches, having different levels of achievements and failure over the past several years. Maubin Township is one of the most land problem areas in Myanmar and CBOs are working to solve their problems. The analyses are made by looking at land tenure security and land dispossession, farmers’ access to justice for land losses, and the role of civil society organizations in promoting access to justice and eliminating land issues. Even though CBOs’ role in battling land issues and mobilizing farmers to promote their access to justice can be considered to have had positive impact, there are gaps and barriers in process and implementation. Farmers and CSOs have yet to see good results because there are restrictions created by the government’s centralized control and weak legal mechanisms. CBOs have used different approaches to promote farmers’ access to justice; however, their work is affected by their weaknesses, for instance the lack of strong coordination among themselves. There have also been cases where there was friction among themselves because of their political inclinations. Other civil society stakeholders focus their work on pushing forward better land laws and policies for the longer-term benefits. Even though this is a right approach, these groups need the government’s cooperation as the government is still in favor of using a controversial and manipulative mixture of old and new laws in accordance with the problematic constitution. This thesis argues that the work of CBOs has both strengths; using different strategies and awareness providers on land issues to communities, and weaknesses; less influence on land management bodies and companies and limited resources and their informal or casual way of working can affect their performances. To facilitate access to justice, CBOs should have better networking, managing community expectation and harm reduction among stakeholders, and cooperate formal or structured patterns with different level of stakeholders. Furthermore, Myanmar’s current legal mechanisms are struggling with corruption and inefficiency, therefore improving land laws and policies would be the key solution for the long-term gain and for mitigating land issues.

This paper presents an operational framework and a research base for creating sustainable community-based organizations in diverse rural communities. Special attention is given to criteria used to assess six input variables in creating sustainable community-based development organizations: (1) stimulation through knowledge, (2) responsible freedom, (3) social and psychological support, (4) focus on sustainability, (5) commitment to "the new, " and (6) self-insight. In addition, the authors suggest methods used to assess seven outcome indicators of sustainable community-based development organizations: identity with the community, sense of belonging, community solidarity, community pride, sense of achievement, sense of fulfillment, and sustainable and on-going projects. These models succeeded as expected in the diverse populations of the Mississippi Delta where the majority residents are African American. The authors suggest that the models and methods used in this paper will be effective in helping to create social change by integrating previously segregated organizations in urban and rural communities.

How to change contracts into beneficial relationships – the results of empirical research

The purpose of this brief report was to qualitatively explore barriers to fostering equitable partnerships between community-based organizations (CBOs) and traditional public health (TPH) groups, and to provide interviewee-driven recommendations. We conducted semi-structured interviews from February to June 2019 with representatives from CBOs (n = 9), TPH groups (n = 12), and the Praxis Project (n = 2). We used thematic analysis with a priori categories (e.g., barriers) and themes being allowed to emerge within the categories. Interviewees discussed group tensions arising from power dynamics, initial distrust, and inherent differences. Also, the TPH-dominated funding landscape reportedly caused issues for CBOs, such as mission distortion, inequitable funding distribution, and lack of long-term funding. Interviewees suggested several potential solutions such as personal relationship building, addressing power dynamics, and inclusive funding agenda-setting processes. Those working in public health can follow the practical guidance presented in this study and others to foster equitable partnerships with communities and the CBOs that represent them.

PURPOSE Coordinated social care networks (CSCN) could improve patient access to community-based organizations (CBOs) that address cancer disparities and health-related social risks. However, little is known about CBO leaders' perspectives regarding serving patients with cancer, addressing health-related social risks, or participating in CSCNs. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using the most common CBO referrals from 2020 to 2021 in a New Haven CT-based hospital system to guide sampling. We compiled a list of relevant CBOs and conducted semistructured interviews with CBO leaders from June 2021 to January 2023. The interview guide explored CBO leaders' awareness of cancer-related service needs, the CBO referral process, and perceived barriers and facilitators of CSCN participation. Thematic analysis identified emerging themes related to CBO ability to support needs of clients with cancer, challenges in accessing services, and interest in joining a CSCN. RESULTS Leaders from 13 CBOs participated, representing food pantries (n = 4), financial assistance and medical equipment (n = 3), cancer-specific advocacy groups (n = 2), homeless shelters (n = 2), transportation agencies (n = 2), and general services (n = 2). We identified five themes related to context and needs of CBOs and their clients: cancer-specific service needs, challenges accessing services in community, service gaps in community, CBOs' ability to address client needs, and challenges referring clients to other services. Two themes emerged in CSCN participation: perceived value of participation and key barriers to CSCN engagement including lack of resources, staff, and training and prior experiences with existing referral platforms. CONCLUSION Although CSCNs could be a helpful mechanism for addressing service gaps and improve CBO collaboration in cancer care, critical barriers such as awareness of specific needs for patients with cancer and limited CBO resources for engaging with and supporting CSCNs may hinder implementation.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) generally face challenges of meeting clients’ complex needs with limited resources. Partnership development can be a strategy for the CBOs to expand capacity and improve performance. However, relevant evidence is scant and tends to lack a theoretical base. This study examines the relation between networking and performance of a CBO from the perspective of social network analysis. The sample consists of 15 CBOs relying on volunteers to provide primary care services for older adults in a suburban area of Taiwan. Data analyzed include an expert evaluation record, a sociomatrix data set denoting the CBOs’ relationships, and a focus group of the social workers supporting the CBOs’ services. The breadth, brokerage, and embeddedness of networking are measured by centrality indicators and are hypothesized as being beneficial for service performance in terms of effectiveness and innovation. The study reveals that brokerage and embeddedness of networking are positively associated with effectiveness. A CBO may enhance its performance by bridging less connected organizations that need the relationship or by partnering with other organizations that bring in information from many others, but a wide social network is not necessarily helpful. Future studies can strengthen the findings by employing large samples and advanced statistical methods.

BackgroundLike other women in India, female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence from their intimate partners (IPs)-a reality that increases their risk of acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Less is known about the nature of these intimate relationships or what aspect of the relationship increases the risk of IP violence (IPV). We measured the prevalence and determinants of IPV on FSWs in the context of north Karnataka, India, characterized by high HIV-prevalence and extreme poverty.MethodsOverall 620 FSWs with an IP participated in a baseline survey conducted for an on-going cluster-randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the impact of a multi-level intervention on IPV reduction. We characterize the nature of intimate relationships and explored determinants of severe physical and/or sexual IP violence using univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsThe median age of participants was 35 years with 10 years of duration in an intimate relationship. Though most relationships originated from a sex work encounter, 84% stated that IPs did not know they were currently practicing sex work. In past 6 months, the experience of emotional violence was 49% (95%CI:45.2–53.2), physical 33% (95%CI:29.5–37.1) and sexual violence 7% (95%CI:4.8–8.9), while 24% (95%CI:21.0–27.9) FSWs experienced recent severe physical and/or sexual violence from IPs. Factors associated with recent IPV included experience of physical and/or sexual violence from their clients in last 6 months (AOR 2.20; 95%CI: 1.29–3.75), sexual intercourse in the past 1 month when their IP was under the influence of alcohol (AOR 2.30; 95%CI: 1.47–3.59) and providing financial support to their IP (AOR 2.07; 95%CI: 1.28–3.34).ConclusionsThe association between increased risk of violence and provision of financial support to an IP is indicative of gendered power dynamics as men remain dominant irrespective of their financial dependency on FSWs. Interventions are needed that address inequitable gender norms which makes FSWs tolerate violence even though she is not financially dependent on IP. Higher likelihood of violence in presence of alcohol use and FSWs’ previous experience of workplace violence linked to IPV call for strengthening the crisis management systems within community-based organisations that can address all forms of violence and associated risk factors.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT02807259

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test O’Reilly and Madill’s (2012) process model to assess social marketing elements of a multi-year partnership between Coca-Cola Canada and a physical activity microgrant program, known as Teen Challenge, managed by ParticipACTION, a Canadian not-for-profit organization that champions sport and physical activity participation. ParticipACTION’s Teen Challenge is a multi-year initiative that was developed in 2008 and involves over 5,800 community organizations (COs) and over 500,000 Canadian teens across the nation (ParticipACTION, 2016). Design/methodology/approach A series of ten hypotheses related to the evaluation are tested using longitudinal data from event participants over a five-year period from 2009 to 2013. Findings The study revealed that sponsor and sponsee shared objectives around sport participation, including the three found in this study. Practically, this is a positive result for sport participation properties who might now consider this as part of a sponsorship sales strategy. The research found that both Coca-Cola Canada and ParticipACTION have the following shared objectives in this particular sponsorship: motivate and support youth to get active and live a healthy life; remove barriers that youth face in getting physically active; and encourage more COs to be involved in the program. Conceptually, this finding extends the discussion of shared social marketing objectives in sponsorship proposed by Madill and O’Reilly (2010). Research limitations/implications The findings support the sponsorship literature, in suggesting that shared objectives among sponsorship partners are important for the sponsorship to achieve successful outcomes (Cornwell et al., 2001). Shared sponsorship objectives can be utilized as a strategic tool for the sponsee to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program and to build a long-term relationship. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that COs which viewed partners’ collaboration as positive agreed that the Teen Challenge program made physical activity more accessible and affordable for youth. Practical implications This study provides several important implications for non-profit organizations that aim to establish an effective social marketing campaign. One way for non-profit organizations to build a strong relationship with sponsors was through positive collaboration where the two partners work together (e.g. activation) to maximize the sponsorship’s effectiveness. First, it increased youth participation in the Teen Challenge program and made it affordable for teens to participate in other physical activity programs. Second, it enhanced Coca-Cola’s image as supporters of active lifestyle in the eyes of COs. Finally, it affected the likelihood that COs would recommend the program. Social implications Results of the survey of COs that are registered with the program provides us with another important finding that positive partner collaboration is only one component of overall effectiveness. Another component would be to take action to communicate to COs that positive collaboration indeed took place in the sponsorship. One way to achieve this goal is to demonstrate to COs the importance of funding that the sponsor provides as well as the impact of sponsorship partners’ positive collaboration on the overall program. The authors also found that sponsorship partners’ positive collaboration in the delivery of the Teen Challenge program played an important role in whether COs recommend the program to others. Originality/value The results of this research contribute to the evaluation of the sponsorship of a health-oriented social marketing sponsorship of a sport participation property or sponsee (ParticipACTION) and a major brand as sponsor (Coca-Cola).

Community-based management of commons is now widely promoted, but the sustainability of project based institutions has been questioned. In Bangladesh since the mid-1990s many community-based organizations (CBOs) have been formed to manage fisheries and water, empower local communities, and achieve a fairer distribution of benefits. Assessment of 153 CBOs receiving limited facilitation to share lessons revealed that most improved the productivity of their commons and broadened their management activities. They also strengthened governance (transparency in financial management and elections of leaders), and empowerment of the poor including access to natural resources. CBOs involving a range of stakeholders managing larger diverse floodplains and rivers have sustained and improved their practices just as well as where smaller communities manage small, well-defined water bodies. CBOs were able to reduce local conflicts despite complex natural resource interactions, but the long-term future of these achievements depends on an enabling co-management policy.

Access to credit remained a critical factor influencing the growth and sustainability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Makueni County, Kenya. Despite the significant role these organizations played in promoting social cohesion and local development, many faced persistent challenges in obtaining adequate and affordable credit to support their income-generating activities. This study investigated credit access in SHGs and CBOs in Makueni County, examining both the challenges and opportunities influencing their financial inclusion and development outcomes. The study was guided by four objectives: to examine institutional factors influencing credit access; to determine the effect of group governance on credit access; to assess the influence of financial literacy on credit access; and to explore opportunities for improving credit access. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting 180 registered SHGs and CBOs from which 120 respondents were selected through stratified and purposive sampling. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis via SPSS. Correlation results revealed that institutional governance had a strong positive relationship with credit access (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), while financial literacy also showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.52, p < 0.05). Regression analysis established that institutional governance, financial literacy, and group savings discipline had positive and significant effects on credit access, whereas adverse socio-economic conditions had a negative and significant effect. The study variables jointly explained approximately 58 percent of the variation in credit access (R² = 0.58). The study concludes that strengthening group governance, enhancing financial literacy, and fostering partnerships with financial institutions can significantly improve credit accessibility for SHGs and CBOs. It recommends stronger regulatory oversight of lending conditions, investment in digital financial platforms, and targeted capacity-building initiatives for community groups.

To document the process, outcome and effectiveness of a community-based intervention for dengue control. The primary intervention, focused on strengthening intersectoral coordination, was initiated by researchers in January 2000 in a pilot area in Playa municipality, Havana. In August 2002 health authorities extended the intervention to neighbouring areas, one of which was selected for evaluation. In August 2003 a complementary strategy, focused on community empowerment, was initiated in half of the pilot area. In our control area, routine dengue activities continued throughout the study period. Longitudinal process assessment was carried out using document analysis, interviews and group discussions. Random population surveys in 1999, 2002 and 2005 assessed levels of participation and behavioural changes. Entomological surveillance data from 1999 to 2005 were used to determine effectiveness. Mean scores for participation in the pilot area were 1.6, 3.4 and 4.4 at baseline, and 2 years after initiating intersectoral coordination and intersectoral coordination plus community empowerment interventions, respectively. While in the control area little behavioural change was observed over time, changes were considerable in the pilot and extension areas, with 80% of households involved in the community empowerment intervention showed adequate behavioural patterns. The pilot and extension areas attained comparable entomological effectiveness with significantly lower Breteau indices (BIs) than the control area. The pilot (sub-) area with the community empowerment intervention reached BIs below 0.1 that continued to be significantly lower than the one in the control area until the end of the study. The study showed a trend in the levels and quality of participation, behavioural change and effectiveness of Aedes control from the routine activities only over an intervention with intersectoral coordination to one that combined intersectoral coordination and community empowerment approach.

Inclusivity in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta, is starting to become a visible issue and is starting to be noticed. This issue is not only from a social perspective, but also from a work perspective. Jobs are now starting to employ people with disabilities, but the number is not large and there are still many people who are not used to interacting with people with disabilities because of the social stigma related to disability. This study explores the role of public relations in promoting inclusivity and fostering engagement between deaf employees and customers at Sunyi Coffee, a socially conscious café in Indonesia. Guided by the Two-Way Symmetrical Model, the research analyzes gaps in interactions and provides actionable recommendations for future strategies. Using qualitative methods, including interviews, observations, and case analysis, this study emphasizes the importance of open communication in building a vibrant and inclusive digital community. The findings offer practical insights for organizations aiming to enhance inclusivity and customer relationships through digital platforms.

Community capacity for cancer control collaboration: Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training for Pacific Islanders in Southern California

BackgroundPregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders (SUDs) face complex and overlapping challenges, including substance use, legal issues, housing instability, and trauma. Effective interorganizational collaboration is critical but often hindered by fragmented care and resource limitations. This study explores the key barriers and facilitators that impact collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations in addressing SUD among pregnant and parenting women.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in New York State between April 2022 and April 2023. The study focused on organizations that provide services to pregnant and parenting women with SUDs, including government agencies, SUD treatment centers, healthcare settings, and community-based care organizations. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with staff to explore how their organizations coordinate care. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns related to interorganizational collaboration. Primary data were collected through interviews with 30 staff members across multiple stakeholder groups: child welfare services (n = 8), criminal legal agencies (n = 5), health agencies (n = 3), healthcare service settings (n = 4), SUD treatment programs (n = 6), and community-based organizations (n = 4). Interviews lasted approximately one hour and focused on organizational roles, referral processes, and coordination efforts in serving the target population.ResultsCollaborative care was primarily facilitated through referral networks, case management teams, and the presence of embedded healthcare professionals. However, these systems were frequently limited by fragmented communication, stigmatizing attitudes, and insufficient resources. Organizational facilitators included co-located healthcare staff within child welfare services and formalized partnerships across sectors. Key barriers included staffing shortages, burnout, and misalignment of organizational goals. At the individual level, collaboration often depended on informal relationships and staff-driven initiatives, though interdisciplinary knowledge gaps remained a significant challenge.ConclusionsImproving service coordination for pregnant and parenting women with SUDs will require stronger organizational infrastructure, investment in cross-sector communication strategies, and deliberate efforts to address stigma. Future research should explore models that support sustained, formalized interagency partnerships to enhance care integration.

The use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012, but delivery to at-risk persons has lagged. This critical review analyzes the current state of PrEP implementation in the United States, by reviewing barriers and innovative solutions to enhance PrEP access and uptake. Clinical care settings, public health programs, and community-based organizations (CBOs). Critical review of recent peer-reviewed literature. More than 100 papers were reviewed. PrEP is currently provided in diverse settings. Care models include sexually transmitted disease clinics, community health centers, CBOs, pharmacies, and private primary care providers (PCPs). Sexually transmitted disease clinics have staff trained in sexual health counseling and are linked to public health programs (eg, partner notification services), whereas PCPs and community health centers may be less comfortable counseling and feel time-constrained in managing PrEP. However, PCPs may be ideal PrEP providers, given their long-term relationships with patients, integrating PrEP into routine care. Collaborations with CBOs can expand PrEP care through adherence support and insurance navigation. Pharmacies can deliver PrEP, given their experience with medication dispensing and counseling, and may be more accessible for some patients, but to address other health concerns, liaisons with PCPs may be needed. PrEP implementation in the United States is moving forward with the development of diverse models of delivery. Optimal scale-up will require learning about the best features of each model and providing choices to consumers that enhance engagement and uptake.