UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY RESEARCH ALLIANCES Discussion

The discussion group noted that many different models of joint university- community research projects already exist. These include the SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), CURA (Community University Research Alliances) projects, feminist models of community research, and literacy practitioner research.

The University-Community Research Alliances discussion group offered ALKC and CCL three recommendations:

1. Strengthen relationships between academic researchers and community organizations.
   The discussions in the State of the Field sessions reflected the tension between academic and practitioner discourses and priorities, raising issues such as how decisions are made concerning definitions of terms and priorities for research, what ways can be developed to promote genuine collaboration, and how to ensure that research is relevant to the policy and practice issues in communities.
   The discussion group on University-Community Research Alliances encouraged CCL and ALKC to help academic researchers listen to the communities; to identify researchers and community practitioners; to bring them together through face-to-face workshops and effective use of technology; and to create a common vision.
   Suggestions for strengthening relationships between academic researchers and community practitioners include: finding common language; organizing workshops for both academics and practitioners – for skill-building and for developing common agendas; and encouraging mentorships between universities and community organizations. More symposiums, both national and regional, were recommended.
   ALKC could present awards for exemplary partnerships between universities and community groups, promoting the recipients in local papers, academic journals, on the internet, and through other community networks.
2. Promote a dynamic sharing of information.
   The discussion group proposed that CCL and ALKC seek to connect communities of practice, to empower groups, and to document case studies, lessons learned, and best practices. Possible tools to promote the sharing of information include databases of case studies (including successes and challenges), website references, and involvement of the community in disseminating information.
3. Develop protocols and principles for collaboration.
   It would be useful to document current collaboration protocols within universities, SSHRC, CURA, etc, and to build on what exists. The intention is to embed a reflective element in the practice and to generate guiding principles. ALKC has a role to play in promoting university- community research alliances by supporting research that identifies barriers to collaboration and recommends improvements.