The goal of this 2-year CIHR-funded project is to explore how participatory visual methods, specifically photovoice and digital storytelling have been adapted to online and hybrid platforms to support community-based research and related social change agendas.

In partnership with a youth advisory committee (YAC) and team of peer researchers, this CIHR-funded project validated the efficacy of Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research’s youth sexual health and harm reduction resource “Sexfluent”. CCBR worked alongside CANFAR and York University as a research partner on this research, and provided YAC coaching, peer researcher training, and analysis support.

Two community-based research projects with Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) were conducted with a mutually reinforcing goal of institutional change. The first project developed an equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy across CMU, using a systems change framework and theological lens and the second project explored what it means for diverse constituent groups to hold CMU in common.

CCBR partnered with FCHI to support community-based research capacity building on CIHR-funded projects tackling childhood and family health through structural and social determinants of health perspective. Projects were: adolescent physical activity; youth peer support and type 1 diabetes; and promoting equitable, responsive healthcare amidst COVID-19.

CCBR supported the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group (PNSG) to develop a regional accountability model for settlement. This project was initiated and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and involved multiple phases of research and community consultation to develop a Peel-specific model for governing settlement funding, systems planning, and newcomer support along the settlement journey.

The purpose of the Diversity Works project was to explore the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour who experience disability (BIPOC-D) as they navigate the labour market with the assistance of supported employment service providers. The Centre for Community-based Research (CCBR) and the Canadian Association of Supported Employment (CASE) worked collaboratively to meaningfully engage BIPOC-D job seekers in a sequential research design that included a national survey, focus groups, in-depth interviews and photovoice.

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.

In this collaborative project, we and our partners worked with adolescents with T1D and their caregivers to understand how peer support is helpful for improving disease self-management. This 4-phase project used a participatory research approach by working in partnership with adolescents with T1D and their caregivers.

The Mennonite Brethren (MB) Confession of Faith is a guide for biblical interpretation, theological identity, and ethical practice. This research project explored the divergent ways that Canadian MB congregations have used the Confession to guide their thought and action. 

The purpose of this project was to analyse and summarize survey data as a part of the larger strategic planning process for the Anglican Church. The survey was administered among clergy, lay staff, parishioners, and the broader community in Huron County Ontario. 

A national research collaboration, led by the Evaluation Capacity Network at the University of Alberta, to develop community-driven and culturally relevant approaches for producing and using evidence to improve early childhood practice, programs, and policy toward system effectiveness.