Although the joys (and challenges) of working collaboratively are a large part of what keeps us going, ultimately the value of the work lies in the results achieved; partner capacities developed; deeper understanding of issues; policies changed; and communities made safer, healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable.

Ensure reciprocity and mutual benefit.

All partners—community and academic—should benefit from partnerships in ways that are meaningful to them. Define expected benefits up front and organize the work to ensure they are achieved.
Pursue action and community change.

Pursue action and community change.

Community-engaged research does not end with the dissemination of findings.  Rather, this is the beginning of the next phase of work, which involves translating those findings into actions that transform policies, institutions, systems, and communities.

Build capacity among all partners.

Community engagement enhances the capacity of both community and academic partners to achieve their goals through sharing and further developing their collective knowledge, skills, resources, and systems. When knowledge, skills, and resources are insufficient, partners work together to secure the resources needed to advance the work to the next stage. As a result of CER, the capacity of communities to use evidence to make decisions and take actions to achieve their self-identified goals should be enhanced.

Make data and findings accessible to all partners.

Establish agreements on who has access to research data and where the data will be stored. Work to disseminate findings to all partners in comprehensible, respectful, and inclusive language. Ensure that all partners have the opportunity to serve as reviewers and co-authors of publications and co-presenters at conferences.