Table 3.

Stages of community engagement, recruitment and retention for community-based intervention research

1st Relationship individual to individual

Identify a Champion The champion should have sufficient influence and power in the community organization. The champion will speak on behalf of the health initiative to decision-makers in the community. The process is easier if there is already an established relationship between researchers and the community

Create a Shared Agenda This stage incorporates listening, shared learning and negotiation in order to identify whether and how partnership on the project will benefit the community/organization and the research team. It is important to know the community/organization and their needs and priorities

2nd Relationship individual to community

Obtain Commitment Respecting community/organizational procedures, a representative from the research project (e.g., the Community Engagement Specialist) and the community (e.g., champion) advocate for the project with appropriate decision- making groups or individuals

Adopt Formal Agreement Depending on the project and the individuals or organizations involved, this may take the form of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), other written or verbal agreement, or signed consent form. This will provide a foundation for the research project and should outline expectations and benefits for both parties. Researchers should allow several months to get to this stage

3rd Relationship research team to community

Foster Partnership After a formal agreement has been signed, listening, shared learning and negotiation will take place between the research team and multiple members of the communities and organizations involved. This is a trust-building period for partners. During this stage formative assessment is conducted to determine how to best implement the intervention in the specific partner environments

Nurture Relationships While Implementing Research Activities This stage is focused on the continued cultivation of relationships through mutual respect, bi-directional communications, and regular contact. New relationships may need to be developed (e.g., in cases of staff turnover or program growth). Researchers need to balance flexibility to accommodate community needs with fidelity to intervention research protocols. Research staff should also provide results to the community when available and in a manner suitable to the community