1. Community Based Research and PolicyOptions Exploring the Possibilities of CBR and PolicyOptions at our Bonner Service Sites

2. Community Based Research (CBR) collaborative CBR is a collaborative enterprise undertaken by academics (professors and students) and community members. meet community identified needs. The purpose of CBR is to compile information, identify resources, and create knowledge in order to meet community identified needs. The most effective CBR projects result from strong developmental community partnerships. – Ex: DEEP (Developing Engaging Educational Partnerships) each stage of the research process. CBR Projects with highest utility involve participation from both parties at each stage of the research process.

3. Goals of Community Based Research Meet the primary needs of the community partner organizations and individuals within the community. Encapsulate and institutionalize CBR within an institution of higher education. Increase interdependency and collaboration amongst community partners, public institutions, and higher education. Mobilizing resources to drive positive outcomes in the community, achieve social change, and promote social justice

4. Mutual Capacity Building Through CBR Build and enhance organizational capacities for both parties, – Providing a valuable learning opportunities for the students – Developing the undergraduate research competencies of Siena College. – Analyzing and assessing needs of the organization’s community and constituencies. – Information can be used to help secure funding & organize community members. – Facilitates the development of research competencies on part of the agency staff and community members.

5. What is PolicyOptions? A national network created by the Bonner Foundation for the purpose of disseminating public policy information, best practices, and community based research across the Bonner Network. The Mission The Mission – “To fill an important gap in our public life: the availability of accurate, balanced, comprehensive information and analysis about the issues we care about and hope to impact through public policy and civic engagement.” ― PolicyOptions.org

6. How this Goal Accomplished “Think Tanks” “Think Tanks” are created at institutions of higher education within the Bonner Network which focus on – Local, state, national and global policy information – Investigation of model programs that address potential issues. – Facilitating greater access to information. Each institution conducts research on local issues & searches for model programs to address those issues. – Research is compiled in the PolicyOptions Wiki in the form of issue briefs. Local issues are connected to the national Bonner network. – Allows for the dissemination of public policy research and information across the nation’s 80+ Bonner schools.

7. Why Does PolicyOptions Matter? Policy issues are often very complex and full of a vast array of components. A public or non-profit organization may not have the necessary resources such as time or personnel to conduct research. PolicyOptions can provide these community organizations with the opportunity to get this information. – Accomplished by: Filtering out important information. Organizing information in a clear, concise, and coherent manor. Developing a complete understanding the nature of the issue.

8. What is an Issue Brief? Model Program: Model Program: – http://policyoptions.pbworks.com/w/page/26035707/Policy%20Option%20- %20Brownfield%20%20Reclamation%20in%20Charlottetown%2C%20Canada http://policyoptions.pbworks.com/w/page/26035707/Policy%20Option%20- %20Brownfield%20%20Reclamation%20in%20Charlottetown%2C%20Canada Local/State/National Information: Local/State/National Information: – Information regarding the issue that is being researched. – This information includes: The Scope of the Problem Past Policy Current Policy Key Organizations/Individuals Link to Example (?) Link to Example (?)

9. PolicyOptions Links PolicyOptions.org - http://www.policyoptions.org/http://www.policyoptions.org/ PolicyOptions Wiki - http://policyoptions.pbworks.com/w/page/17512763/FrontPa ge http://policyoptions.pbworks.com/w/page/17512763/FrontPa ge

10. The Next Step Identifying Research Opportunities Identifying Research Opportunities – Where information acquired provides the greatest potential utility for the organization & community. Creating Pilot Sites – Developing Bonners at the service sites to take on formalized public policy and community based research roles. – Building a cross-organizational research competencies. Collaboration Collaboration – Involving faculty, staff, students, community members, and other organizations. Putting the Research to Work Putting the Research to Work – Using research to create programs, address needs, inform decision making, and drive positive outcomes/impact within the community – Using research to predicate student projects for the next academic year.