In partnership with Dr Zack Marshall (and his research partners, the Pacific AIDS Network), we co-designed participatory research to 1) document how the COVID-19 crisis was impacting the lives of peer researchers in HIV Community Based Research and 2) identify how to minimize the indirect consequences of the pandemic by highlighting key recommendations for academic researchers, staff working in HIV community-based organizations, and peer researhers themselves. Data collection included a series of arts-based, popular education informed virtual focus groups with peer researchers across Canada. Project recommendations were mobilized through established communities of practice.

CCBR developed and delivered a tailored online community-based research certification course for Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities youth leaders and staff. Participants of online workshop sessions learned the fundamentals of community-based research.

This course, Special Topics: Research for Social Action was offered at Conrad Grebel University College to upper-year undergraduate students and Masters of Peace and Conflict Studies students. The course explored how research can be an intervention towards positive change in society. 

CCBR collaboratively conducted an evaluation with Community Living Ontario on the process, outcomes, and future directions of the Student Links Program delivered across Ontario. In addition, CCBR trained Community Living Ontario staff on community-based evaluation.

The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the process and outcomes of the Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentorship Initiative model delivered under the Opening Doors Project at CMHA Toronto. This initiative is funded by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.