Social Work Question

Initial Post (due by 11:59pm EST on Saturday):

Working individually, respond to the prompts below using the additional context provided below about the Riverton East vignette and the CBPR framework discussed in class.

Brief Riverton East Vignette Addition (for this practice activity):

As part of the Riverton East revitalization efforts, a local nonprofit coalition has received preliminary funding to evaluate community concerns related to housing stability, access to food, and neighborhood safety. Previous evaluations conducted by outside consultants resulted in low participation and community mistrust. Several long-term residents have expressed frustration that research keeps happening to us, not with us. The coalition is now considering a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to guide the next phase of evaluation and action.

Step 1: Identifying the CBPR Team

Based on the Riverton East context, identify at least four stakeholder groups that should be included in a CBPR team.

For each group, briefly explain:

• Why their involvement matters
• What perspective or expertise they bring

Consider the following when completing this step: Which community members are most directly affected by the issues being explored, and who else needs to be at the table to support meaningful change?

Step 2: Applying the CBPR Process

Select three steps from the CBPR process and describe what each step might look like specifically in Riverton East.

Choose from:

• Recruiting and training community researchers
• Determining evaluation questions
• Planning and structuring the research
• Carrying out the research
• Presenting findings and recommendations
• Facilitating action
• Evaluating the process
• Reflection and learning
• Maintaining gains

Consider the following when completing this step: How would these steps help address past mistrust and support community buy-in?

Step 3: CBPR or Not?

Answer briefly:

• Why is CBPR an appropriate (or necessary) approach for Riverton East at this stage?
• What risks or challenges might arise if CBPR is not implemented thoughfully?

Peer Response Post (due by Monday at 11:59pm EST):

Review one peers CBPR plan for Riverton East. Respond to two of the three prompts below:

1. CBPR Alignment Check

• Identify one place where your peers proposal strongly reflects CBPR principles (e.g., shared decision-making, community ownership, empowerment).
• Explain why this element strengthens community trust or long-term change.

1. Power & Participation Analysis

• Where do you see power being shared with community members?
• Where might power still unintentionally remain with professionals or institutions?

1. Feasibility & Ethics Reflection

• Identify one potential challenge (e.g., time, training, representation, sustainability).
• Offer one suggestion to strengthen the CBPR approach while staying aligned with ethical practice.