Diverse Phases of Collaboration: Working Together to Improve Community‐Based HIV Interventions for Adolescents

Abstract

Although alliances between community-based organizations (CBOs) and university-based evaluators provide opportunities to enhance community-based interventions, such partnerships may be fraught with challenges and obstacles. This paper focuses on the "story" behind a collaborative partnership between a Latino-focused CBO and a team of university-based evaluators that was formed to evaluate HIV prevention interventions for Mexican American female adolescents and gay/bisexual/questioning (GBQ) Latino male adolescents. A developmental trajectory of the partnership is detailed, with a focus on the creation and enhancement of a reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationship. In tracing this history, the paper explores challenges that were faced and presents ways in which the partnership attempted to overcome obstacles. Recommendations are offered to assist in the formation and maintenance of collaborative partnerships between CBOs and university-based evaluators/researchers.

In-service teacher training to provide psychosocial support and care in high-risk and high-need schools: school-based intervention partnerships

“…The results obtained for the participating teachers' reported ability to build positive interpersonal relationships correlate with the view in the existing literature that relationship building and the quality of interpersonal relations are central to any partnership and fundamental to optimal living (Green, Daniel, and Novick 2001;Harper et al 2004;Lasker and Weiss 2003). In this way, the relationships that the teachers built in the reported study potentially added to positive group dynamics.…”

“…The participating teachers' demonstrated commitment to, and perseverance in pursuing, their goals are reflected in the existing literature on collaborative research partnerships that emphasise the importance of group members' commitment to shared goals and visions as an important element for successful partnerships (Harper et al 2004). This correlates with a finding of Michan and Rodger (2000) that commitment to a shared goal could enhance direction and motivation for group members.…”

A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a Community-Based HIV Prevention Intervention for Mexican American Female Adolescents: The Shero's Program

“…The SHERO's intervention was developed collaboratively among a Latino-focused CBO, university-based researchers/evaluators, and Mexican American adolescent females from the local community, utilizing CBPR and empowerment evaluation approaches (Harper, Bangi, Contreras, Pedraza, Tolliver, & Vess, 2004;Harper, Contreras, Bangi, & Pedraza, 2003). Narrative ethnographic methods were also used to reveal the community and cultural narratives that served both as barriers to sexual self-protection and facilitators of sexual health among Mexican American young women (Harper, Lardon, et al, 2004).…”

Taking note of obstacles research partners negotiate in long-term higher education community engagement partnerships

“…Another trend in participatory methodology debates relates to the challenge of partner expectations and the attrition of community partners (Harper et al, 2004;Israel et al, 2006). Foremost amongst such research-partnership barriers is the additional responsibilities and time constraints associated with the role of community partners (Bennell, 2004;Israel et al, 2006;Israel, Schultz, Parker, & Becker, 1998;Kegeles, Rebchook, & Tebbetts, 2005;Lantz, Viruell-Fuentes, Israel, Softley, & Guzman, 2001;Yoo, Butler, Elias, & Goodman, 2009).…”

“…Other authors (Harper et al, 2004;Israel et al, 2006) also highlight the attrition of group members as a barrier in the context of participatory research initiatives. Similarly, Nhamo (2012) emphasises that members moving in and out is a key challenge to higher educationecommunity partnerships.…”