Community Engagement Framework Research Articles

Swimming and water safety delivery for newly arrived Australians.

In Victoria, Australia, culturally and linguistically diverse communities are more than twice as likely to drown than their Australian-born counterparts. One explanation is the lack of feasible, community-led approaches to water safety and swimming education. A community engagement framework was used to develop and implement a 5-day pool program to teach swimming and water safety to newly arrived migrant children attending an English language school in Victoria. Socio-cultural needs of the predominantly Afghan cohort were incorporated through in-language consultation with parents who requested males and females be educated separately. Participants were assessed against Victorian aquatic competency benchmark standards at pre- and post-program, however, there was no expectation to achieve these competencies within the 5 days due to a lack of prior aquatic exposure. Independent and paired samples t-tests determined changes in skills, including by sex and number of lessons attended. Forty-one participants completed all assessments. Excluding lifesaving skills, there was a significant increase in total competency attainment overall from pre- to post-program (p < 0.001), and for each competency (p's ≤ 0.002)-predominantly knowledge and rescue skills. Improvements were mostly recorded among males, demonstrating that females may require more specialized support to achieve similar outcomes. Improvements in rescue skills and knowledge indicate the program's effectiveness in increasing newly arrived migrant children's awareness of, and exposure to, foundations of safe aquatic behaviours. Future programs tailored to newly arrived migrant communities should consider implementing water familiarization activities as a stepping stone to engagement with structured swimming and water safety education.

Advancing team science and health equity in clinical oncology using the All of Us Research Program dataset.

e13741 Background: The All of Us Research Program ( All of Us) is one of the largest, most diverse health databases developed to expedite medical breakthroughs and is a resource for cancer researchers. The size and diversity of participants along with data types within the program, coupled with the program’s cloud based data analytics platform, encourage both team science and equitable health research outcomes. All of Us is dedicated to advancing the science of health equity with a focus on populations underrepresented in biomedical research and workforce, and embedding health equity across all aspects of the program. Methods: All of Us uses a centralized protocol where participants may elect to 1) enroll, consent, and authorize EHR, 2) answer surveys, 3) provide physical measurements, 4) provide biosamples, and 5) share data from wearables. High levels of participant diversity was achieved through an Engagement Ecosystem of outreach leaders, participants, and engagement awardees. Outreach, engagement, enrollment, and retention efforts are strategically directed by a Community and Participant Engagement Framework and a Health Equity Strategic Plan. Results: As of January 2024, health data from 413,450+ participants is available, including eight survey types from 337,500+ participants, electronic health records (EHR) from 287,000+ participants, wearable data from 15,600+ participants and whole genome sequencing from 245,350+ participants. Over 75% of participants self-identify as underrepresented in biomedical research, and about 45% self-identify as racial and ethnic minority groups. Cancer data includes history at enrollment as well as incident ascertainment via EHR (N = 26,323 total cancers and 13,067 incident cancers, from 7,544 participants assigned female at birth and 5,264 participants assigned male at birth). As of February 2024, All of Us data has been used in more than 221 publications. Of these, 35% (78) discuss cancer or oncology. More than 10% of active workspaces (921 out of 8000+ as of January 2024) include “cancer” in workspace descriptions. Commonly studied cancer types include breast, prostate, lung, ovarian, and colorectal. Conclusions: All of Us has established itself as a resource for cancer researchers. This database has the potential to provide insights into the development of treatment guidelines and emerging indicators for screening and early detection guided by health equity built on participant engagement, diversity, and broad data availability. Finally, the breadth of All of Us data also offers potential insight into cancer etiology and opportunities for prevention.

What Drives Student Engagement?

Cultivating a sense of community can be difficult in online education. We build on the work of Redmond et al. [9] and their proposal of an Online Engagement Framework for Higher Education to investigate online course designs and pedagogies that are likely to foster increased perceptions of social capital, confidence, and resilience in the learning process among students. Our research builds on the student-engagement themes proposed by Redmond et al.: cognitive, behavioral, collaborative, and emotional engagement; these forms of engagement can be facilitated by online course design and pedagogy. These types of engagement, in turn, help foster students’ social engagement, which, as a manifestation of social capital, is linked to better learning outcomes, increased confidence, and resilience in the online learning process. Following a comprehensive literature review that draws on concepts from the community of inquiry and community of practice frameworks, we propose a new model—a Community Engagement Framework for Online Education. With this model, we aim to identify the elements of online course design and pedagogy that correlate with increased student social engagement and, therefore, increased students’ social capital. Our model is more theoretically complex and analytically sound than previous proposals, rendering applicability through testing with real-world data. Future studies can use this model to survey online students and cross-validate it using path analysis and structural equation modeling. Future research can also survey online instructors to identify practical uses of our proposed engagement constructs.

9DF: a nine-dimensional framework for community engagement

Participatory planning literature has yet to fully engage with the situatedness of community engagement and diverse experiences of involvement. In this article, nine dimensions based in core concepts of engagement in decision-making are explored using data co-produced with community researchers. Empowerment, influence and inclusion are distinguished as: connection and legitimacy of voice; enacting change in development or plans; and the representation of minorities or disadvantaged groups. When articulated in terms of process and outcome, and planning context, they offer a nine-dimensional framework (or 9DF) for a more community-oriented evaluation of community engagement.

Experiences and Lessons Learned From the RADx-UP Consortium Community Engagement Projects.

In this study, we used emerging community engagement frameworks to describe the structure and outcomes of a large-scale, community-engaged, research-to-practice initiative, RADx-UP. Qualitative methods were used to analyze survey and meeting data from 2022 for RADx-UP projects. Most projects had diverse partners, achieved moderate levels of community engagement, and experienced positive outcomes. Challenges related to engagement readiness and partnership functioning. These findings demonstrate that community engagement is measurable and valuable. However, additional support is needed to achieve the highest engagement. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S5):S405-S409. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307615).

The Revolutionary Impact of Regenerative Agriculture on Ecosystem Restoration and Land Vitality: A Review

The revolutionary impact of regenerative agriculture on ecosystem restoration and land vitality in India delineates the nuances of its principles, practices, and the symbiotic relationship with community engagement and policy frameworks. Regenerative agriculture, a holistic approach prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, water management, and carbon sequestration, emerges as a critical solution to the challenges of soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change faced by Indian agriculture. Through a synthesis of comparative studies and case analyses, this review highlights the tangible benefits of regenerative practices, such as enhanced soil structure, fertility, and microbial health, alongside improved water infiltration and conservation, underscoring the pivotal role of biodiversity in bolstering farm resilience and ecological balance. The narrative further delves into the socio-economic dimensions, examining the economic viability, knowledge dissemination, and the vital role of measurement and verification in scaling regenerative practices. Community and societal engagement, pivotal for fostering consumer demand for regeneratively produced products and collective restoration efforts, is identified as a cornerstone for the transition towards sustainable agriculture. Moreover, the review identifies the need for long-term impact studies to monitor ecosystem changes and assess global scalability. By integrating scientific research with policy analysis, the review advocates for innovations in regenerative techniques, aligned with precision agriculture, and underscores the necessity of supportive policy and economic incentives to catalyze the transition towards regenerative agriculture in India, thereby contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.

States' investment in recovery support services: An exploratory analysis

IntroductionRecovery support services (RSS), while not yet precisely defined, nevertheless have a longstanding role in managing chronic illnesses including substance use disorders (SUDs). This exploratory study is the first to identify the amounts of money that states invest from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Block Grants; SAMHSA discretionary grant and state-appropriated sources; the types of organizations from which RSS are purchased; and the non-financial supports states provide for RSS. MethodsThe study is a mixed method exploratory analysis, based on three data sources: content analysis of all 51 (Washington, D.C. included) Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) state applications; in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of ten states and one territory; and a structured electronic survey sent to all SABG recipients. Forty states and 2 territories returned a total of 42 questionnaires from 56 possible states and territories (75%). Thirty-two of the responding states provided complete FY2022 financial data. ResultsStates reporting financial data spent $412 million from SABG, SAMHSA discretionary grants, and state appropriations for RSS. An estimate based on extrapolating regionally grouped per capita spending averages to non-responding state populations projected $775 million spent from these sources for all states. The study also calculated per capita and SUD prevalent population expenditures from these sources for each state. States purchase services from recovery community organizations and SUD treatment organizations in equal proportions, as well as from statewide recovery support organizations, educational institutions, hospitals, community health centers, and justice system organizations. Purchased services are not uniformly defined, but include community centers, peer staff, housing, and other support services. States provide non-financial support in forms that include technical assistance, community engagement, practice guidelines, and regulatory frameworks. ConclusionsThis first report of states' investments establishes a baseline to serve as a reference point for future analysis of these expenditures, as well as a foundation to which other sources of RSS funding such as Medicaid and other state and federal (e.g. HRSA, CDC, DOJ) dollars may be added. Uniform definitions for RSS will be necessary to support future reporting, accountability, and research. Finally, newly formed peer-based provider organizations need particular attention in order to be sustainable.

Dynamic of Product Innovation, Community Involvement, and Regulatory Policy: Case Study of MSME Entrepreneurship in Indonesia

This research examines the dynamic interplay of product innovation, community involvement, and regulatory policies in the context of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) entrepreneurship in Indonesia. MSMEs are pivotal contributors to Indonesia's economy, constituting a significant portion of the GDP and providing substantial employment. The study focuses on understanding how product innovation, community engagement, and regulatory frameworks influence the success of MSMEs. The research employs a conceptual framework, literature review, and empirical analysis to explore the relationships among these variables. Data collection involves structured surveys distributed among MSMEs, and the analysis employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM). The results indicate positive correlations between product innovation, community involvement, regulatory policies, and entrepreneurial success. The study's implications highlight the need for supportive regulatory environments, community-centric policies, and innovation support for MSMEs. The research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and MSME entrepreneurs in Indonesia.

Community Engagement from Theory to Practice: Co-design and Implementation of Inclusive Language Principles in a Community-based Organization Serving People with Disabilities

Introduction: March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Canada that provides programs and support services to people with disabilities. MODC is in the process of transforming all its programming and services using co-design to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. The Empowering Client Voices (ECV) initiative was designed to create a co-designed community engagement framework to center the voices and ideas of people with disabilities in how the organization engages with its community and provides services. This project looks to fill a gap in knowledge of how community-based organizations can move from theory to praxis when using co-design and community engagement.&#x0D; Methods: The initiative is a three-phase process: (1) internal review of current organization engagement practices; (2) external environmental scan and a rapid review; and (3) two advisory committees to develop the principles for greater community engagement. The purpose of the co-designed community engagement framework is to create actionable principles based on the guidance of our advisory committees and other research tools. Phases 1 and 2 will create foundational themes to be discussed with our advisory committee made of people with disabilities. These themes will help provide initial guideposts for discussions about what community engagement should be within MODC. Language will be the first theme to be explored with the advisory committee to create recommendations and guidelines for better communication and inclusive language across the organization. &#x0D; Results: The inclusive language recommendations and guidelines developed by the ECV Advisory Committee will initiate the development of an inclusive language toolkit by the research team. The inclusive language toolkit will be shared throughout the organization as a template to follow when discussing disability and people with disabilities using language that represents our community in their own words. Before the start of the ECV Initiative, inclusive language guidelines did not exist within the organization requiring the development and implementation of a change-management process at the Micro (MODC staff members) and Meso (Organization) to ensure the guidelines will be adopted across a national community-based organization.&#x0D; Discussion and Conclusion: This poster presentation will outline the development of the co-designed inclusive language toolkit and change management process for our organization to adopt standardized inclusive language through all forms of community engagement and communication in collaboration with people with disabilities in our communities of operation. International audiences can use our project as a case study of how co-design can inform and drive organizational change. This case study will highlight the implementation factors that were found to be advantageous in a community-based organization, factors that hindered organizational change, and mitigation techniques used to make lasting change across the organization. &#x0D; Lessons and Future Research: Future research for the ECV Initiative will continue to implement the additional themes within the ECV community engagement framework with the intention of making the additional toolkits based on co-designed themes and change management knowledge products publicly available to help other community-based organizations improve their own community-engagement practices.&#x0D;

Empowering the voices of persons with disabilities: Co-creating and implementing a community engagement framework for inclusive program design and organizational development

Increasing efforts in public and patient engagement have resulted in several approaches, theories, models, and frameworks. While many of these efforts have merit, they tend to be designed for engagement in healthcare organizations and services, or research. Focusing on these specific areas is useful, but these approaches lack the contextual considerations community-based organizations must work through when looking to change or improve their engagement practices. March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is a complex national organization that serves people with disabilities, operating across multiple jurisdictions and health authorities to provide community health and social care services, conducts research, provides peer support programming, and engages in advocacy work. MODC recognizes the need to improve engagement practices across all aspects of the organization, however it is difficult to implement a single engagement model or framework consistently across the organization. For this reason, our study aimed to co-create a community engagement framework that is contextually relevant to MODC and our communities, supporting the improvement of engagement practices within all aspects of the organization. &#x0D; We are using a co-design approach to complete the study; inviting MODC’s clients, who are people with disabilities to participate as co-researchers in this work. The co-creation of the framework is currently underway and consists of three phases. Phase one included: conducting surveys, group interviews, and a document analysis of current organizational engagement practices. Phase two included: conducting an environmental scan of other community organizations’ engagement practices; and completing a rapid review to identify theories, models and frameworks for client and public engagement. Phase three, which is currently underway, includes establishing an advisory committee of individuals who: 1) reside in Canada, and 2) have experience living with a disability. The advisory committee will co-design the engagement framework and co-create the implementation materials and processes for the resulting framework. During this phase we will also convene working groups with specific populations (i.e., caregivers, youth and their families, frontline staff, management etc.) to review the framework for validation and further refinement. &#x0D; &#x0D; To date results from phase one have found Canadian non-profit organizations that provide services and supports for people with disabilities are moving towards including clients more meaningfully through advisory committees, having people with disabilities as board members, and moving away from the charitable model of disability and tokenism. Some barriers to meaningful client engagement include funding constraints, organizational policies, accessibility, and lack of action following client feedback. These findings, along with the rapid review findings will inform the engagement framework co-design with the advisory committee. &#x0D; This study can provide insight on the process of developing and implementing a contextually relevant engagement framework that guides more meaningful community engagement for program design, creating organizational policies, conducting research and advocacy activities, and strategic planning. The framework will be evaluated following its implementation for continuous refinement and improvement across all levels of the organization. There will also be ongoing knowledge translation and mobilization activities to share the process, experiences, and results from the framework development within the disability and non-profit communities.

Establishing a consumer advisory group at the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research.

The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research (ABCPTR) established the Bragg Consumer Advisory Group (BCAG) in 2023. The ABCPTR, being the first of its kind in Australia, will offer proton therapy treatment for challenging solid tumours with the potential to reduce radiation-induced side effects. With over 110 Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) centres globally, Australian patients currently can apply to access government funded treatment overseas, however, international travel for treatment presents various, significant challenges. Consumer engagement in healthcare plays a pivotal role in navigating the multifaceted journey of cancer treatment and can complement cancer control strategies by ensuring the practicalities of the cancer journey are realised. The ABCPTR aims to involve consumers in decision-making processes, especially as it prepares to open Australia's first national proton therapy centre. The aim of this commentary is to highlight the importance of involving consumers in cancer care, and to demonstrate how this was done in Australia's first proton therapy centre. To establish a consumer engagement team, ABCPTR utilised existing clinical staff. The team's formation and upskilling were integral to the project's success. The engagement framework was developed based on the five stages of commitment by the Australian Health Research Alliance and Western Australian Health Translation Network. The ABCPTR consumer engagement team successfully created a community engagement framework and upskilled in consumer engagement principles over 9-12 months. An Expression of Interest (EOI) was launched, resulting in the formation of the BCAG comprising of 10 members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The BCAG has been actively involved in decision-making processes, with a consumer-led chair and co-chair in place. The group's feedback is expected to influence key performance indicators for the centre. The establishment of the BCAG at the ABCPTR emphasises the importance of integrating patient and community perspectives into clinical initiatives. This proactive approach ensures that processes remain patient-centred. The ongoing multi-level consumer engagement strategy aims to shape a more inclusive approach to cancer care in Australia, especially concerning PBT.

The essential role of ABCD in developing two community engagement frameworks for supporting Latinx students

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is an important framework to understand and develop community-engagement experiences for Latinx students, especially at Hispanic Serving Institutions that play an important role in educating Latinx students. This article presents the conceptual findings of a research project that looked at the community-engagement experiences of Latinx students at an HSI. Drawing on in-depth interviews and critical frameworks for engagement, two models were developed: Prism of Liberatory Engagement and Asset Based Critical Engagement. These frameworks are presented as ways to (1) understand and differentiate the service learning experiences of Latinx students and (2) provide a framework for faculty and Community Engagement Professionals (CEPs) to situate their courses and community relationships, and work from an asset-based philosophy of engagement. The Prism of Liberatory Engagement gives explicit attention to the themes (awareness, agency and action; positive interaction with faculty; engaging sameness, and engagement for uplift) and the significant factors (personal/familial trauma, constraints and previous experience with service) that shape the community-engagement experiences of Latinx students. The Asset Based Critical Engagement model presented in this article provides a theoretical asset-based framework for critical pedagogy for service learning and community engagement that can be vital for institutions, in and outside of the United States, which are serving an increasingly diverse student population.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Elevating community voices through inclusive science communication: a case study of the We are Water program in the Southwestern United States

Science communication plays a pivotal role in cultural engagement and life-long science learning. However, historically marginalized communities remain undervalued in these efforts due to practices that prioritize specific individuals, such as those who are affluent, college-educated, able-bodied, and already scientifically engaged. Science communicators can avoid these practices by acknowledging the intersecting historical and cultural dimensions surrounding science beyond those of the majority culture and practicing inclusive science communication efforts. Here, we define and describe the importance of inclusive science communication and outline how we use an asset-based community engagement framework in a place-based education program's communication practices with rural communities in the Southwestern United States. We describe how we designed our communication spaces, found our voice, and effectively communicate with non-English speaking and bilingual communities. We provide examples from the We are Water program, demonstrating how we utilize inclusive science communication practices to engage more widely with diverse communities and create space for community voices to be heard and shared. We conclude that the use of inclusive science communication strategies and an asset-based community engagement framework has allowed the We are Water program to connect with rural communities while communicating in a way that elevates historically marginalized voices, creates space for communities to share their own experiences through memories and stories, and honors diverse perspectives and ways of knowing.

Modelling Interrelationships of the Factors Impeding Community Engagement in Risk-Sensitive Urban Planning: Evidence from Sri Lanka

During the last two decades, global disasters have impacted over 5.2 billion people, with economic losses exceeding USD 2.97 trillion. This underscores the critical need for inclusive risk-sensitive urban planning (RSUP) that integrates community insights. Community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) has demonstrated a potential reduction of up to 40% in mortality rates during disasters and cost savings in disaster response and recovery. However, research has shown that only 20% felt they are involved in decisions related to neighborhood planning, despite communities’ lived experience in surviving local hazards. This highlights a gap where practitioners dominate the development of mitigation and development plans, sidelining local perspectives. Using Sri Lanka as a case study, this study investigated the barriers to effective community participation in the decision-making of RSUP and thereby developed an interpretive logic model to establish an understanding of why they occur and how each barrier is interlinked. The data gathered from a sample of 44 experts and community representatives revealed 19 factors that impede community inclusion in the decision-making of RSUP in Sri Lanka. The Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) analysis adopted identified that the absence of legal provisions for inclusive development, political dynamics, and corruption are the most significant barriers. The Matrix Impact of Cross Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) further revealed that fewer financial provisions and the absence of an institutional framework for community engagement are the linking barriers to the other 17 barriers. This study not only extends the theoretical debate on barriers to community engagement for risk-responsive and equitable development but also helps urban planners, disaster management practitioners, and strategy policymakers focus on critical areas that need major reforms.

A Logic Model Using Theory of Change Applied in Grant Development of Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in Public Libraries

This poster highlights insights from application of a logic model using Theory of Change (ToC) applied in ongoing grant development of civic engagement for racial justice in public libraries of the American South. An externally funded grant project, Civic Engagement for Racial Justice in Public Libraries (RJ@PL), awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ “National Leadership Grants for Libraries” to the University of Alabama and the Chicago State University serves as focus in partnership with multiple state public libraries (August 2022 – July 2025). RJ@PL explores the role of public libraries in their support of racial justice and positive social change in communities. RJ@PL is conceptualized in five interrelated components in the logic model: (1) Assessment; (2) Strategic planning; (3) Actualization of information-based solutions; (4) Evaluation; (5) Dissemination. Data collected will help develop contextually relevant strategic information tools (e.g., roadmap, action plan, taxonomic framework of information responses) for civic engagement that public libraries can use to overcome problems related to racism in their communities. ToC will be used to develop the community engagement frameworks and strategic action plans. ToC is an approach to creating change that emerged from the efforts of philanthropic associations that funded comprehensive community change initiatives; it was developed to measure philanthropically funded projects’ progress and determine their efficacy in meeting their goals (Andrews, 2005; Weiss, 1995). RJ@PL bridges gaps at multiples levels, including (not limited to) social justice scholarship, competences and practices, and has strong implications for LIS education.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Cultural Trauma Scale (CuTs): Parsimonious Principal Component Analysis, Independent Black American Male Sample

ABSTRACT Psychometric research is necessary to facilitate reliable and valid measurement of Black men’s perceptions of cultural trauma. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the factor structure and internal consistency of the Cultural Trauma Scale (CuTS), using a more parsimonious factor model. The study used a community-engaged framework and was approved by an Institutional Review Board for research with human participants. A principal component analysis with equamax rotation (N = 240) was conducted. The CuTS factors were replicated and measured constructs of Tripartite Police Fear (Cronbach’s alpha = .83), Beliefs about America and It’s Justice System (Cronbach’s alpha = .84), Black Injustice Emotions (Cronbach’s alpha = .74), Cognitive-Behavioral Coping (Cronbach’s alpha = .75), Willingness to Seek Cultural Trauma Treatment (Cronbach’s alpha = .74), and Resilience (Cronbach’s alpha = .64). The pattern/structure coefficients within these subscales ranged from .50 to .87. With a slight variation, the results of the present study replicated the initial CuTS factor structure using a more parsimonious measurement model. The factorial validity and internal consistency of the CuTS will advance the reliable and valid measure of Black-oriented constructs among Black men.

Design and pilot implementation of the Achieving Cancer Equity through Identification, Testing, and Screening (ACE-ITS) program in an urban underresourced population.

The Achieving Cancer Equity through Identification, Testing, and Screening (ACE-ITS) program is a community-engaged framework to improve mammography maintenance and rates of genetic risk assessment, counseling, and testing using a multilevel approach that enhances patient navigation through mobile health and community education. The ACE-ITS program is based on the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework focused on the individual (genetic testing, screening navigation) and community (community-based breast health education) levels and targeted to the biological- (genetic risk), behavioral- (mammography screening), sociocultural- (underserved Black and Hispanic women), and the health care system (patient navigation, automated text messages)-related domains. We further integrate the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to describe our program implementation. In collaboration with genetic counselors and community partners, we created educational modules on mammography maintenance and genetic counseling/testing that have been incorporated into the navigator-led community education sessions. We also implemented a universal genetic risk assessment tool and automated text message reminders for repeat mammograms into our mammography navigation workflow. Through the ACE-ITS program implementation, we have collaboratively conducted 22 educational sessions and navigated 585 women to mammography screening over the 2020-2021 calendar years. From January to December 2021, we have also conducted genetic risk assessment on 292 women, of whom 7 have received genetic counseling/testing. We describe a multilevel, community-engaged quality improvement program designed to reduce screening-related disparities in Black and Hispanic women in our catchment area.

Development of a watershed health assessment framework integrating ecological, social, cultural, economic and policy attributes

ABSTRACT Watershed health assessment is vital for effective resource management, necessitating an integrated framework that captures the multidimensional nature of watershed health and guides protection and restoration efforts. This study presents the development of the Integrated Watershed Health Assessment Framework (IWHF), incorporating ecological, social, cultural, economic and policy attributes to comprehensively assess watershed health as a socio-ecological system. By integrating primary and secondary data, including literature reviews and expert opinions, the IWHF captures the multidimensional nature of watershed health and provides a practical tool for sustainable watershed management. The results, evaluated through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) within the context of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), prioritize ecological factors (48.80%), followed by economic considerations (21.90%), socio-cultural factors (16.91%) and policy aspects (12.39%). This highlights the critical importance of preserving ecological integrity, emphasizing sustainable economic practices, inclusive community engagement and well-defined policy frameworks. The IWHF's holistic and flexible approach, comprehensive integration, and enhanced decision support capabilities set it apart from other frameworks, contributing to the understanding, management, and preservation of watershed health while guiding policy direction and optimizing the utilization of watershed resources.

South African academic libraries as contributors to social justice and ubuntu through community engagement

The purpose of this article is to assess the role of academic libraries as social justice and ubuntu advocates, promoters and contributors within a community engagement framework. This was a qualitative study that utilised interviews with 20 library heads and 8 focus group discussions with librarians from South African university libraries to gather data. The findings reflect that South African academic libraries’ community engagement approaches can be grouped into several themes. These include contributions to quality education, health and wellness, work and employment, food security, addressing the digital divide, environmental concerns, equality and gender equality, the preservation of national heritage and food security. With regard to social justice, there were four themes that emerged from the participants’ narratives: (1) they stated that community engagement is a deliberate social justice action; (2) community engagement was associated with a contribution to the rights to education and information access, among others; (3) they pointed to the social-redress actions of their libraries as contributing to social justice; and (4) they associated community engagement with ubuntu, which they argued is itself a social justice concept. The findings support community engagement activities as a contribution to a socially just society and ubuntu. The results confirm the need for academic libraries (and universities in general) to go beyond their traditional role of teaching, learning and research support, and participate in community engagement not only as an expected social responsibility but also as a contribution to a socially just society and development. Based on the results, this article considers social justice and ubuntu as inherent to, and not an accidental notion of, community engagement.

Community engagement in tuberculosis research: the EU-Patient-cEntric clinicAl tRial pLatforms (EU-PEARL) experience

ObjectivesCommunity representatives are key to ensuring that tuberculosis (TB) research is relevant, culturally sensitive, and appropriate. For all trials (new drugs or treatment regimens, diagnostics, or vaccines) this can result in improvement of recruitment, retention, and adherence to the trial schedule. The early engagement of the community will, later in time, support the process of implementation of new policies designed for successful products. We aim at developing a structured protocol for the early engagement of TB community representatives developed in the context of the EU-Patient-cEntric clinicAl tRial pLatforms (EU-PEARL) project. DesignThe EU-PEARL Innovative Medicine Initiative 2 (IMI2) project TB work package has developed a community engagement (CE) framework to ensure fair and efficient participation of the community in the design and implementation of TB clinical platform trials. ResultsWe showed that early engagement of the EU-PEARL community advisory board highly contributes to the process of development of a community-acceptable Master Protocol Trial and Intervention-Specific Appendixes. We identified capacity building and training as major gaps in advancing CE in the TB field. ConclusionDeveloping strategies to address these needs can contribute to preventing tokenism and increase the acceptability and appropriateness of TB research.