Tatiana responded to a blurb in the research4impact newsletter from a practitioner looking to discuss participatory research. They had a collaborative conversation with some brief follow-up, and here's what she said afterwards about the experience:

"I appreciate the opportunities research4Impact offers to connect with other researchers and practitioners across the county. I met with a non profit evaluator to discuss ways to incorporate community-based participatory research (CBPR) practices into program development. I was excited to meet with others who share passions for equity and in centering communities. I was able to offer some frameworks and models that I had used previously in CBPR related projects. I shared some tips and lessons learned for others who are just starting to engage in this type of work. I was also able to advise on how to create community advisory groups expanding the scope of "community" to boots on the ground program implementers. Really fun and engaging conversation! Look forward to future collaborations or discussions with others interested in embedding CBPR into their work."

As she embarked on a project with several new elements -- incorporating participatory research and social network analysis, as well as measuring social capital -- Sharon reached out to research4impact to connect with researchers who focus in each of these three areas. The researchers, in turn, got an inside look at how their work is relevant in a new area. Afterwards, Sharon shared her experience:

"I have greatly appreciated the willingness of the researchers to have informal conversations with me as our team works to design a brand new program from the ground up.  Hearing from a wide range of experts helped move my thinking forward by questioning my assumptions, giving me advice, and sharing resources.  Adapting research to community-level activities is not always straightforward, so I appreciate the input from the researchers and look forward to further collaborations as our program takes shape."