Community Engagement Core

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CORE SUMMARY The overarching goal of the CEC is to align the research practices of the Center with the needs of our community members and organizations. Through authentic connections and innovative approaches, this Core will identify and promote community-supported strategies for health resilience in relation to extreme weather conditions that affect communities in the Midwest and Appalachia. The CEC recognizes the expertise of both community members and academics and is guided by an asset-based, rather than a deficit-based, approach to community engagement. The aims of this core are three-fold: Aim 1) to engage regional organizations and community members in order to understand their perceptions of the health concerns related to extreme weather events and potentially health-promoting interventions such as tree canopy and green spaces; Aim 2) to facilitate and support community-academic research collaborations that address community-perceived health concerns pertaining to extreme weather events and potentially protective health-related interventions; and Aim 3) to optimize multidirectional science communication between the center and the public on extreme weather and health. These aims and approaches will enable the overall efforts of the Center for Collaboration on Climate and Community for Health (C4Health). The co-Directors of the CEC are deeply experienced in community engagement work. Their efforts will be enriched by the inclusion of two major community-based non-profit organizations dedicated to climate and environment that are notably experienced in promoting tree canopies and other green spaces, and a cadre of academics from three institutions that have a history of environmental research and community engagement. Under aim 1, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) will be created that brings together a wealth of capacity, inclusive of new partners, to create a strategic plan for engagement and outreach that links the efforts of community groups and academics and identifies the climate and health-related needs of concern to the community. Under aim 2, this Core will enact, in collaboration with the Development Core and community partners, a Grassroots Awards program that provides grants for community-led projects that engage academic partners (awards may range from $2000-$5000 each). Under aim 3, this Core will enact a hub for multidirectional science communication that links the center and the public and addresses health risks of extreme weather and research on potential health interventions. That will include training for students and academics in community engagement, “climate cafes” that enable relaxed presentation and discussion with interested community members regarding scientific research on the health effects of extreme temperatures and other extreme weather events. We will seek review and feedback from CEC academic and community members on proposed scientific communications from the Center and its members to ensure that communications are clear and useful for community organizations and members. This Core has key responsibilities to the success of the overall center.