Scaling Meaningful Impact Through Relational, Purpose-Driven Approaches to Community Engagement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18060/29433Keywords:
community engagement, replication, shared valuesAbstract
One way to address the concern of health systems, academic institutions, and community organizations working in parallel rather than in partnership is to adopt place-based community health models. These models offer opportunity to align and tailor resources and supports to community resident needs and culture; however, questions remain on how such context-specific and deeply relational work can be replicated responsibly and effectively across settings or geographic locations. The purpose of this article is to position a current model, designed to bring together multi-sector partners to implement sustainable, trauma-responsive programs shaped by locally identified health priorities, within the broader landscape of community health. The model’s first phase, building shared values, creates the foundation for overall integrity, adaptability, and sustainability. Shared values help shape organizational culture, partner alignment, and organization-community relationships, which influences every subsequent phase of replication. Two examples demonstrating how shared values are operationalized within this specific model are presented, demonstrating practical ways to embed foundational beliefs or norms across organizations and disciplines. While the model does not eliminate all challenges to community health or replication, developing shared team or organizational values is an intentionally purposeful, reflective, and grounded process that helps to shape a culture that can be adapted and reinforced across place, time, and setting.
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