Government Community Research Articles

4.A. Skills building seminar: Waves of community health engagement and governance: innovating through a design-as-policy approach

Abstract In this workshop we will engage our participants in a practice oriented exercise to experiment with a collaborative design-as-policy approach for a community health action plan. The exercise will be based on the lessons learned in two large evaluation projects: 1) an 8-year evaluation of the Dutch All about Health (AaH) platform of social health initiatives on the local, regional and national level; and 2) a comparative multiple case study, including Portugal, building a framework for sustainable citizen engagement, published in the WHO Handbook ‘Voice, Agency, Empowerment: The Handbook on Social Participation for UHC’. Both projects show striking similarities in findings, and developed guidance for devising collaborative action through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. These will be brought together in a Guidance Tool that participants will work with in the exercise. The aim of the tool is to support initiatives to bring together both top-down participatory efforts and bottom-up grassroots movements in order to anchor community and minority voices into policy decision-making for a more level playing field for policy influence. The aim of the workshop is to let participants experiment with the Guidance Tool and develop collaborative design-as-policy skills. The outline of the skills building exercise: 1. Group introductions using Mentimeter and invitation to pick a particular complex health issue from participants’ own work or community setting (5 mins). 2. Three pitches on the projects, the Portugal case and the Guidance Tool (10 mins). 3. Exercise instructions (5 mins). 4. Exercise (35 mins) a. Upon room entrance participants receive a colored badge based on their professional background: public health professional/practitioner, community resident, researcher or policymaker; b. Form small sub groups of 6-8 participants with different backgrounds (2 mins); c. Introduce with key words on paper their respective complex community health issues and sub group jointly selects one issue for which most information and experience is present (6 mins); d. First round in duos within sub group: participants work through the guidance steps to an initial idea for the collaborative action approach consisting of a community platform, engagement mechanisms, and mediating civil society organizations, drawn out on paper (10 mins); e. Second round in duos within the sub group: duos review another duos initial design idea and conduct an intuitive SWOT analysis of feasibility, acceptability, and practicability (8 mins); f. Third round in sub group: compare the three proposals in SWOT perspective, select the most salient one, and improve with strong elements from other proposals (8 mins); g. Summarize in key words the final proposal and enter into Mentimeter. 5. Plenary wrap up using Mentimeter: select the winning proposal, and evaluate the exercise (5 mins). Key messages • Collaborative action is enhanced considerably through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. • The Guidance Tool offers concrete steps for designing a reflexive and adaptive structure and process for community collaborative action and self-governance. Speakers/Panelists Marleen Bekker Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands Dheepa Rajan WHO, Brussels, Belgium Goncalo Figueiredo Augusto National Health Council, Lisbon, Portugal

Epistemic silences, subversive politics: post-disaster economic assessments as technologies of persistent coloniality and route to an emancipatory climate justice agenda in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Economic analyses of losses and damages or post-disaster needs assessments (PDNAs) are silent about the longstanding reparatory claims related to the legacies of African enslavement, colonial violence and indigenous dispossession that compound uneven racialized geographies in the Caribbean. This paper unpacks these so-called ‘objective’ valuations drawing attention to their (neo)liberal framings, technocratic underpinnings, and historical origins in the Caribbean plantation economy. Using case studies of catastrophic hurricanes Matthew (2016), Irma (2017) and Dorian (2019) in Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Bahamas respectively, the paper exposes critical tensions, knowledge hierarchies, and contradictions embedded within empirical assessments that justify and prioritize preferred policies of powerful international development, financial and governance institutions. PDNAs under-value and neglect important community and local knowledge, solidarity practices, cultural institutions, and relational ethics in the face of climate disasters in these Caribbean islands. Taking a Black geographies and political economy approach, the paper addresses the limitations and risks associated with PDNAs, deemed political tools or technologies of climate disaster that reinforce oppression. To advance an emancipatory climate justice agenda to enable more radical reparative measures and possibilities, the paper suggests that analyses and political strategy must be grounded in people's history, cultural, ethical, and communal governance practices.

Methods and approach to the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Alaska Arctic Salmon Workshop: critical self-reflections from fisheries scientists

Redistribution and shifting habitat envelopes are impacting organisms across many taxa, which in turn are impacting Indigenous ways of life. In Arctic Alaska, Pacific salmon are known to have occurred for at least a century, but in recent years appear to be increasingly common. With the goal of holistically understanding and describing these changes in a way that equitably considers Indigenous, local, and western knowledge, we share our experience and methodologies in facilitating the Arctic Alaska Salmon Workshop. We share our perspective, approach, and methods as fisheries natural scientists convening this workshop, which included community-based knowledge holders from the Iñupiat communities of Kotzebue, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik, and Kaktovik, and western scientists and researchers from universities, fishery management agencies, and local community government. After briefly discussing some of the workshop highlights, we conclude with four key takeaways: 1) that the process of co-production of knowledge is an ideal towards which we must strive, but acknowledge we may rarely, if ever, fully achieve, 2) pursuit of the ‘good science’ should guide our work, 3) examination and assessment of assumptions should occur early and often, and 4) Anglanikina! Make sure you have a good time, (Yup’ik).

Comparison of Intelligent Community Design from the Perspective of Modernization--Shenzhen and Singapore as examples

With the continuous advancement of modernization, globalization, and urbanization, smart communities have received widespread attention as an important part of modern urban development. Taking two typical cases, Shenzhen and Singapore, as objects, this study compares and analyzes the design and practice experiences of the two smart communities from the modernization perspective. By comparing the design and practice of the two smart communities in Shenzhen and Singapore, it explores the common features and differences of smart community construction in different modernization contexts and provides reference and inspiration for smart community construction in future cities. Through literature research and case studies, a comparative analysis is conducted to study the design concepts, practice methods, and effects of two smart communities in Shenzhen and Singapore. The results of the study show that Shenzhen focuses on innovation and cutting-edge technology, which improves the efficiency of community governance and the quality of life of residents;Singapore focuses on community autonomy, and through intelligent management and residents' cooperation, it has improved the level of community facility management and residents' participation.This study provides useful experience and enlightenment for the construction of other urban smart communities, and provides a reference for promoting the smooth progress of urban modernization.

Urbanization factors and the vagaries of the rural health care industry in Nigeria: an analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services by older adults in the Nsukka Local Government Area

This study sought to determine the effects of urbanization on access to healthcare services by older adults in Nsukka Local Government Area. The Nigerian healthcare industry is organized under the three tiers of government: Federal, State and Local governments. As such, most of the healthcare facilities are located in urban areas while majority of older adults reside in different local governments in rural communities where there are a few of the facilities. This has led to poor utilization of medical services by older adults in rural areas. This study adopted a mixed method approach. While questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, interviews were used to collect qualitative data for the study. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 1180 older adults between the ages of 60 years and above from six communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics and Chi square were used to analyze the data while frequency distribution tables and percentages were used to present the results. The research showed that there are inadequate health facilities for the older adults in rural communities in Nsukka LGA. It also found that the older adults suffered challenges arising from lack of medical doctors, nurses, equipments, and drugs for effective healthcare delivery. It is recommended that more efforts should be geared towards providing adequate health facilities and health workers by government at public hospitals in rural communities to increase accessibility and adequate utilization by the older adults.

Decentralized Web3 Reshaping Internet Governance: Towards the Emergence of New Forms of Nation-Statehood?

This article explores how decentralized Web3 is reshaping Internet governance by enabling the emergence of new forms of nation-statehood and redefining traditional concepts of state sovereignty. Based on fieldwork conducted in Silicon Valley since August 2022, this article systematically addresses the following research question: How is decentralized Web3 reshaping Internet governance and influencing the rise in new nation-statehood paradigms? It compares three emerging paradigms around Web3: (i) Network States (Srinivasan), envisioning digital entities rooted in crypto-libertarian principles; (ii) Network Sovereignties (De Filippi), emphasizing communal governance aligned with digital commons; and (iii) Algorithmic Nations (Calzada), drawing on Arendtian thought and demonstrating how communities—such as indigenous and stateless groups, as well as e-diasporas—can attain self-determination through data sovereignty. This article contributes a unique conceptual analysis of these paradigms based on fieldwork action research in Silicon Valley, responding to evolving technologies and their potential to reshape Internet governance. This article argues that decentralized Web3 provides a transformative vision for Internet governance but requires careful evaluation to ensure that it promotes inclusivity and equity. It advocates for a hybrid approach that balances global and local dynamics, emphasizing the need for solidarity, digital justice, and an internationalist perspective in shaping future Internet governance protocols.

“Plomo por hablar, plata pa’ que hablemos”. Diversidad étnica y educación en el suroccidente colombiano

How do the relationships between the concept of being indigenous and the processes of ethnoeducation manifest in southwestern Colombia? This ethnographic study explores the complexities of constructing ethnic identity among the indigenous peoples of Nariño, focusing on the implementation of educational programs driven by a population perspective. By questioning the foundations of ethnoeducation from the late 20th century to the early 21st century, we establish a dialogue among various institutional agents within the broader framework of ethnic-based social organization. We also examine the historical relationships, institutional archaisms, and contemporary challenges faced by ethnic educational processes in Nariño. We conclude with insights into the construction of ethnic identity and its implications for the social order governing the interactions between community members and government representatives. We conceptualize the relationship between the State, school, and ethnic identity as a fundamental part of Colombia’s modern project, which has been in development since the republican era. The institutional framework has fluctuated between protectionist, paternalistic, and cultural assimilation policies. However, the current threats to the physical and cultural survival of ancestral peoples must be addressed through the State’s institutional mechanisms and governance technologies. These mechanisms are designed to tackle the challenges of interculturality within a complex and often contradictory framework of relationships.

Intelligent vs. Cultural: Research on the Path to Improve the Resilience of Urban and Rural Community Governance Based on the AHP-FCE Model

Community resilience is a core component of grassroots governance modernization, and community resilience shows different characteristics depending on the type of community. Existing research on community resilience mainly uses direct questionnaire data, relatively ignoring the differences in weights of various dimensions. Different categories of community resilience components play different roles in community resilience. Based on this, the study cited the logic of the AHP-FCE model and added objective data based on empowering resilience, thus making up for the model's shortcomings while giving full play to the model's advantages. The quantitative analysis of 353 questionnaires from five urban districts and five rural communities in the sample city was based on the community resilience evaluation model. In the current process of community resilience construction, there are typical problems of a lack of cultural resilience in urban community resilience construction and a need for more intelligent resilience in rural community resilience construction. The key to future community resilience construction is reconciling the relationship between cultural and intellectual resilience to solve the problem of targeting deviation in urban communities and rural community resilience construction. It is necessary to adhere to the spirit of "long-term construction" to build the cultural resilience of urban communities, implement the path of "digital empowerment" to make the intelligent resilience of rural communities, and adhere to the standard of "complete redundancy" to form an urban and rural community resilience governance mechanism gradually, and then Move towards more resilient urban and rural community governance and help realize the modernization of grassroots governance.

Exploring the Impact of Public Spaces on Social Cohesion in Resettlement Communities from the Perspective of Experiential Value: A Case Study of Fuzhou, China

With the rapid pace of global urbanization, the urbanization of resettlement communities in China has garnered increasing attention from scholars. This study, grounded in experiential value theory, delves into the relationship between public spaces in resettlement communities and their social cohesion. Focusing on resettlement communities in the central urban area of Fuzhou, this study employs a mixed-method approach to analyze the functional characteristics of public spaces using geospatial data, including their green coverage ratio, spatial accessibility, facility configuration, and neighborhood density. A correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were employed to identify the key elements influencing social cohesion. The results indicate significant disparities in the green coverage, accessibility, facility configuration, and neighborhood density of public spaces. These differences are evident in the quantitative metrics used and also reflect imbalances in spatial layout and resource distribution, highlighting potential pathways for optimizing the quality of public spaces. Further data analyses revealed that both emotional value (β = 0.602, p < 0.01) and functional value (β = 0.136, p < 0.01) have significant positive impacts on social cohesion, with emotional value being particularly influential. This study offers insights for urban planners and policymakers by providing scientific evidence for the optimization of public space design in resettlement communities, with implications for community governance and urban sustainability.

EVALUATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL PLASTICITY OF HIGH BORON CORROSION-RESISTANT STEEL DURING HOT DEFORMATION OF PIPES USED FOR SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE

Statement of the problem. The sustainable development of the global nuclear power industry in the future depends on how effectively the problems of radiation safety and nuclear proliferation are addressed. Such problems occur, among other things, at the final stage of the nuclear fuel cycle – spent fuel management. This task is currently on the agenda of both the international community and national governments of countries that develop or intend to develop nuclear energy [1−3]. Today, in connection with ensuring the safety of nuclear energy, boron-containing steels are widely used in the world practice as a material for biological protection and for the manufacture of special equipment parts. This is due to the fact that the B10 isotope in steels provides neutron capture [4]. Hexagonal pipes made of high-boron steel were needed to shield the support cover of the compacted spent fuel storage facility at nuclear power plants. Corrosion-resistant steels alloyed with boron are widely used in the nuclear power industry due to their special nuclear properties. During the operation of nuclear power plants, fuel assemblies that have served their useful life must be stored in special storage facilities using containers – hexagonal tubes made of 04Сr14Ti3B2V steel. To reduce costs during in the construction and operation of NPPs, part of the spent nuclear fuel management should be performed at Ukrainian enterprises. This will provide a significant import substitution effect. To manufacture hexagonal tubes from 04Сr14Ti3B2V steel according to the ingot-hot deformation-profiling-heat treatment scheme, it is necessary to develop the parameters of hot deformation and subsequent technological operations. The use of these pipes in compacted spent fuel storage facilities of NPPs will allow to increase the storage capacity by 2 times, which will give a significant national economic effect Material and methods of research. Material used for the study was steel 04Сr14Ti3B2V (CS-82), smelted using two variants (vacuum-induction – “VI” and vacuum-induction followed by vacuum-arc remelting – (“VD”). Steel grade 04Сr14Ti3B2V belongs to high-alloy, corrosion-resistant ferritic steels with a high boron content of up to 2 %. The method of differential thermal analysis was used to study the phase transformation temperatures in the steel. X-ray diffraction and micro-X-ray spectral analysis were used to assess the phase state. The steel samples were tested for weldability After cooling, the welded samples were subjected to X-ray transmission [5]. Hot twisting tests and mechanical tests at high temperatures were also performed. The macro- and microstructure of the metal was studied. Results. The macro- and microstructure of steel was evaluated depending on the smelting method. The phase composition of the steel was studied. The study of the plastic properties of steel ChS-82 by means of penetration and hot twisting tests showed that the temperature range of maximum plasticity is in a wide range (from 1 025 to 1 150 0C) with a rather low resistance to deformation. During hot deformation in the temperature range of 1 175 0C and above, metal fracture was observed along the grain boundaries at the melting points of the Cr−Fe−B boride phase. The optimal temperature range for hot deformation of steel ChS-82 is 1 000−1 050 ⁰С. Scientific novelty. For corrosion-resistant high boron steel used for spent nuclear fuel storage, the temperature range of hot deformation was selected and the structural and phase composition was estimated, which will allow deforming the metal on the piercing mill and manufacturing pipes.

A geospatial assessment of the resilience of municipal water supply to flooding in Nowshera District, Pakistan

Post-disaster functionality of the potable water supply infrastructure is crucial for maintaining public health and safety. The failure of the water supply system may harm inhabitants and significant users, which can impact other services and various types of infrastructures. It is vital to assess climate change impacts on water resources to ensure resilience and sustainable management. The study assessed the resilience of 22 municipal water schemes using an indicator-based framework, How Tough is Wash (HTIW), across six domains: environment, infrastructure, community governance, water supply management, supply chains, and institutional support. The sites of municipal water supply were purposively selected based on specific criteria to include those water supply schemes which have been directly affected by flooding or are vulnerable to the impact of the flood. The resilience scores ranged from (6 to 7.5) for schemes with very low resilience, (7.5 to 10.5) for those classified as poor, and (10.6 to 16.5) for schemes considered moderately resilient. It was discovered that protective measures against the risk of flood were negligible. Community engagement governance and water supply management needed to be stronger. Local governments can pinpoint current advantages and disadvantages by utilizing these metrics and their impact on the public water supply's resilience and strategically allocate resources for optimal outcomes. Furthermore, the metrics that have been suggested simplify and unify the multiple dimensions of the elements, enabling decision-makers to optimize the measures.

What Is the Spatial Construction in The Process of Community Governance

Based on the case of Community A and Fishing Village B in City S, this study delves into the multidimensional transformation of spatial construction in the process of community governance and the influencing factors behind it. The study employs snowball interviews and participant observation to reveal the interplay between institutional change and spatial transformation in community governance and how the two together affect the outcome of the constructs. Community A, as a representative of an urban community, has a spatial trans-formation that is mainly manifested in the construction of social space, whereas Fishing Village B demonstrates the evolution of both physical and social space from traditional fisheries to modern tourism. The study finds that national and local policies have an important influence on community spatial planning, while factors such as social relations, organizational capacity, and residents' willingness within the community also play a key role in spatial construction. The article suggests that community governance should deepen the leading role of party building, implement the concept of resilient governance, and optimize the benefit distribution mechanism to promote the harmonious and sustainable development of communities.

INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION: PESANTREN-BASED INSTITUTIONS

This research examines the intellectual capital (IC) at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro, an Islamic higher education institution based on pesantren principles. The objective is to analyze the institution's human capital, structural capital, and relational capital, along with the challenges faced in managing IC in the digital era. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, gathering data through in-depth interviews and documentary studies. The findings reveal that STAI Attanwir possesses strong human capital in terms of academic competence and Islamic knowledge among teaching staff and educational personnel. Structural capital is evident in the physical infrastructure and integrated information systems such as SIM STAI Attanwir, while relational capital is demonstrated through partnerships with community organizations, government entities, and alumni. Key challenges identified include adapting to technological advancements and managing social and political issues like radicalism. The research concludes by emphasizing the critical role of IC management as a strategy to enhance educational quality and institutional competitiveness in an increasingly competitive future.

MANAJEMEN TATA KELOLA LIMA PONDOK PESANTREN SALAFIAH DI KABUPATEN SERANG

This study analyzes the management of five Salafiah Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) in Kabupaten Serang, focusing on planning, organizing, executing, monitoring, and financial management. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document analysis. The results show that these pesantren have structured planning with clear vision, mission, and curriculum aligned with Salafiah Islamic education principles. The organization of administration and student activities is effectively managed by the Kiyai, senior students, and alumni. Regular implementation of educational programs and extracurricular activities helps develop students' character, spirituality, and skills. Monitoring is conducted based on pesantren norms with appropriate sanctions. Financial management relies on voluntary contributions, infaq, zakat, and waqf, without charging fees to students' parents. Community support and government policies significantly aid the development of these pesantren. Overall, the management of Salafiah pesantren in Kabupaten Serang is effective with good planning, organized administration, structured implementation, strict monitoring, and transparent financial management.

Understanding drivers of changing flood dynamics for enhancing coastal community resilience: a participatory approach

In recent decades, coastal communities globally have experienced increased frequency and intensity of flood hazards, especially in developing nations. An increase in flooding has often been attributed to population growth, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, rapid urbanization, and poor land use, often exacerbated by insufficient urban flood risk management policies. However, flood risk management is complex and necessitates an in-depth look at factors that drive changing flood dynamics in coastal cities. This study used a participatory approach to identify, categorize, and analyze drivers of change in the flood-prone city of Limbe, Cameroon, a major tourism hub and contributor to Cameroon’s GDP. The study engaged key stakeholders, including community members, government authorities, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The study led to the identification of 46 major drivers classified into six clusters. The study findings emphasized four key priority areas to enhance policy and community resilience: restoring natural buffer zones like wetlands, increasing local involvement in flood risk planning, implementing risk-informed land use regulations, and investing in flood infrastructures. To ensure effective flood risk management in Limbe, a collaborative bottom-up approach involving all stakeholders, especially marginalized community members, is necessary to tailor solutions that meet their needs.

Public Libraries Encouraged to Meet the Health Information Needs of Tribal Women in Bangladesh

A Review of: Yesmin, S., Abdul Karim, M., & Atikuzzaman, M. (2023). Community engagement of public libraries for ensuring tribal women’s health literacy in Bangladesh. IFLA Journal, 49(4), 678–693. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352231198260 Objective – To investigate public libraries’ existing community engagement practices, explore their willingness to provide health information services to tribal communities in Bangladesh, and examine tribal women’s health information-seeking behavior and interest in obtaining health information from public libraries. Design – A cross-sectional study using online interviews and structured questionnaires. Setting – Public libraries and tribal communities in tribal regions of Bangladesh. Subjects – Public librarians (n=11) and tribal women (n=276) from three tribal districts in Bangladesh (Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Mymensingh). Methods – Interviews were conducted with librarians via Zoom in January 2023. Survey questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample of 300 tribal women from February to March 2023. Data was analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), using univariate and bi-variate measures. Main Results – All of the libraries provided print materials (books, newspapers, and periodicals) for reading and lending and offered photocopying and Internet browsing services. Other forms of resources such as microfiches and digital materials, inter-library loan services, and facilities for people with disabilities were not widely available. Most libraries (72.8%) did not provide any specific program (e.g., health-related outreach program) for tribal community engagement, although they all recognized the urgency and value of such programs. Lack of funding and bureaucratic complexities were identified as the top two barriers. Out of the 276 tribal women responding to the survey, close to two-thirds of the respondents indicated they were either moderately or very interested in receiving health information. The top three health topics the respondents sought information on were vaccinations, symptoms of disease, and nutrition. The primary health information sources for the respondents were doctors at nearby community clinics or government hospitals, and none of the respondents sought health information from public libraries. Most respondents acknowledged the importance of being informed about health issues and found it difficult to locate health information on the Internet. High costs and lack of awareness regarding health issues represented the main challenges the respondents encountered when seeking health information. Among the demographic variables, respondents’ religion and age were negatively correlated with their interest in health information, while their education status was positively correlated with it. Conclusion – Public libraries in tribal areas in Bangladesh lacked health information services but recognized the importance of providing them. Tribal women expressed interest in receiving health information, encouraging public libraries to develop and implement related services and programs. Public libraries may consider adding new job titles such as consumer health librarians and partner with other stakeholders for better community engagement. The government of Bangladesh should substantially invest in public libraries as community hubs and minimize bureaucratic hurdles that prevent public libraries from initiating new services. Professional library organizations in Bangladesh may also draw ideas from the study in establishing professional guidelines for health information services and community outreach programs.

Public Awareness and Perceptions of Environmental Protection Initiatives: A Survey in Nyanya, Abuja

This study investigates public awareness and perceptions of environmental protection initiatives in Nyanya Community, Abuja. Data from 310 participants were analyzed, focusing on demographic characteristics, awareness levels, associations between demographics and awareness, public perceptions of initiative effectiveness, and factors influencing public engagement. The result showed that most respondents were females (51.5%), and a significant portion had a Bachelor's degree (50.2%). Employment status varied, with 53.2% employed and 21.3% unemployed. 69.4% were aware of environmental protection initiatives, 20.6% were not, and 10% had no response. Females demonstrated a higher awareness level (69.4%) than males (39.9%), significantly associated with gender (p-value = 0.000). Also, Youth (25-34 age group) showed the highest awareness (69.4%), with a significant association (p-value = 0.000). Those with a Bachelor's degree had a higher awareness (71.5%), a significant association (p-value = 0.000). Respondents were skeptical; 30.6% found initiatives 'not effective at all.' Females showed higher skepticism (35.5%), significantly associated with gender (p-value = 0.000). With respect to factors Influencing Public Engagement, Environmental concern (64.8%) and lack of time (81.1%) were predominant. Lack of information (9.3%) and social influence (6.6%) also played roles. For effective environmental protection intervention, community should be encouraged to get involved through awareness campaigns led by leaders and stakeholders, comprehensive education campaigns should be conducted to address public perceptions and increase understanding and proper waste disposal and recycling practices should be promoted. Enhancing public awareness and engagement in environmental protection initiatives requires a multi-faceted approach involving community leaders, educational campaigns, and government interventions.

Conceptualizing community data governance for race-related, population data: a scoping review and key informant interviews

ObjectiveThere is growing recognition of the importance of community data governance to build accountability of research institutions to communities. Our organization, a steward of health and administrative population-level data, has previously implemented community governance structures for Indigenous data. This scoping initiative explores development and implementation of an additional community governance structure for race-related data. ApproachWe conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify existing practices of community data governance. We also conducted key informant interviews with thirteen racialized community stakeholders, who addressed open-ended questions on potential co-design processes as well as governance mandates, scopes, barriers, and facilitators. ResultsThe scoping review identified eight community data governance examples. Two of these pertained to race-related data, while the remaining six pertained to other data that identified “community” geographically, by disease condition, life stage, and/or economic circumstance. Governance structures were diverse, ranging from one-time crowd-design of a data-sharing agreement to quarterly meetings of a governing board to review project-level data requests. Key informant interviews provided four themes to guide implementation in the context of our organization: exploring organizational readiness, considering who should be involved, defining the scope and mandate, and drafting an approach and process. ConclusionWe are committed to implementing a community governance structure for race-related, population-level data. However, there are limited examples of similar structures in the existing literature. ImplicationsThe identified examples and the advice of community stakeholders will guide co-design of a preliminary structure, scope, and mandate for community governance of race-related, population-level data.

The Respectful Terminologies Platform Project and Envisioning Indigenous Governance

This paper will discuss the Respectful Terminologies Platform Project (RTPP), a project focused on creating a system of Indigenous terminologies, and questions of governance within cataloging and other descriptive practices. As an emerging Indigenous-lead project created through years of advocacy work, RTPP is engaged in work to vision a means of Indigenous vocabulary development focused on community governance and protocols. At the same time, existing governance systems for terminology and vocabulary systems such as the Library of Congress, and the Canadian Subject Headings, and projects such as the Homosaurus serve as examples of different models of governance. This paper will explore concepts of governance, the role of UNDRIP in systems of terminology, and Principles such as CARE. Woven throughout the paper will be moments to envision a system which human rights as the central guiding consideration for systems of terminology.

Identifying Patterns among Tourism-Oriented Online Communities on Facebook

The proliferation of social media has transformed how people engage in communication and community building, with platforms like Facebook becoming central to connecting individuals with shared interests. Despite the extensive formation of tourism-oriented online communities on these platforms, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies examining their structural and managerial dynamics. This study addresses this gap by systematically analyzing fifty international tourism-focused Facebook communities to develop a novel typology based on the nature and type of information shared. The research identifies significant variations in community sizes, engagement levels, and management structures, highlighting that only 6% of these communities qualify as large, with membership exceeding one million. Contrary to common assumptions, a direct link between community size and engagement was not found, with qualitative factors like community purpose and content type being more influential. A notable correlation was observed between the number of administrators and moderators and the member count, emphasizing the importance of effective community governance. The study’s findings contribute to a deeper theoretical understanding of online community dynamics and offer practical implications for tourism marketers and community managers aiming to optimize engagement strategies on social media platforms. The research sets a foundation for future exploration of the interplay between virtual community management and tourism-related discourse.