"Why should communities conduct research with academics?

"What are communities' rights in research?"

These are some of the questions that were discussed on February 10, 2016 as part of the Detroit URC's Introduction to Collaborative Research" workshop, which is designed for CBOs to explore how they can collaborate as equal partners with academics to pursue research to benefit their community. Nearly 20 people from Detroit social service, education, and community development organizations participated in the training session.

Instructors included Sherita Smith, Director of Development for the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation; Alex J. Allen, III, Director of the Chandler Park Conservancy; and Chris Coombe, Assistant Research Scientist at the Detroit URC.

"What was most valuable to me about the training was understanding that the work that I do matters," said one participate. "Community involvement is crucial, and community has rights as related to research."

In addition to the workshop curriculum and free resource packet, participants said they appreciated the networking opportunity provided by the workshop. They were also grateful to learn about the Detroit URC's Small Planning Grant program, which is currently accepting applications until April 1, 2016. 

The workshop was held at the U-M Detroit Center on Woodward Ave. in Detroit's Midtown.