CREATIVE AND TAILORED STRATEGIES NEEDED TO FOSTER RESEARCHER-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Abstract

The strategies put forth by Christopher et al.1 are consistent with the experience of HIV researchers who are part of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions. These researchers (including us) have been working for more than 5 years in 13 urban areas across the United States and in Puerto Rico to help create and sustain local coalitions focused on HIV structural change strategies.2 We've found that having defined research parameters does not preclude building trusting and sustaining relationships with community members, as long as flexibility and transparency are employed. Researchers must be clear about the requirements versus areas of flexibility. In addition, researchers must allow opportunity for partners to lead in meaningful ways. Based on our experience so far, here are some additional strategies to consider: First, find ways to support community partners’ institutional needs. Before ever asking partners for their time, we provided them with several resources, including a community-wide resource directory of youth health services, as well as maps depicting local HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevalence, and results from interviews with local youth regarding their risk behaviors, which support grant writing. It is critical to become an honest broker that can help partners gain the resources that they need to prosper. For example, connect a partner who is looking for “people power” to another organization that has volunteers ready to staff community events. In addition, allow time at each coalition meeting for partners to discuss their assets and needs. Foster an environment where partners feel comfortable requesting assistance from one another and exchanging resources. Second, use an outside facilitator to help define the course of work for the coalition. In our case, this meant having a facilitator—who was chosen by researchers and partners—lead a strategic planning session whereby the goals and objectives of the coalition were identified. This helped build trust by keeping the planning process open. Third, maintain regular and ongoing communication, preferably face-to-face, with key managers and supervisors from partner organizations, even if those individuals do not regularly attend coalition meetings. Ensure that high-level staff has a clear understanding of the coalition's work. In our experience, this helps to facilitate a productive and trusting coalition environment, because coalition members are more likely to be active participants. In general, building trust between researchers and community members requires multifaceted and creative approaches. Strategies must be tailored, and researchers must be committed over the long haul.