This was the AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation's second of four webinars in the Reigniting Civic Life Series following the release of the Current Population Survey, 2021 Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 26, 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. EST.
Webinar Introduction: Andrea Robles, PhD, research and evaluation manager, AmeriCorps
Perspectives from the field:
- Melissa Gouge, PhD, sociologist, research analyst, AmeriCorps
- Jennifer Willett, PhD, project director and researcher
- Najeh Abduljalil, former youth scientist, undergraduate student at Cornell University
Reflection: Tanya Gipson-Nahman, region director, AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region
Facilitated Question and Answer Discussion: Emily McDonald, PhD, research analyst, AmeriCorps
Abstract:
Engaging individuals and communities to deliberate and problem solve, advances equity and fairness, and serves as a basis for a thriving democracy. How can we use participatory research approaches as a pathway for community engagement? What are the outcomes to doing this work for community researchers and their communities? How can we engage national service as a partner to address community priorities? This webinar showcased how one participatory research project in Reno, Nevada brought together youth scientists from Title I high schools, university researchers and students, nonprofit partners, and national service to learn how to identify and tackle community priorities. We heard the triumphs, challenges, and continued ripple effects that come from authentically engaging community residents.