Co-Creating Civic Engagement: A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Advocacy Training

Background:
Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) emphasizes equitable partnerships, shared decision-making, and the integration of community knowledge into research and action. In the context of civic engagement and advocacy, CBPR offers a framework for centering residents with lived experience in the co-creation of programs aimed at advancing equity. However, there is limited research on how CBPR principles are operationalized in the design and operationalization of advocacy and organizing training initiatives. In alignment with the 2027 conference theme, this presentation will illustrate how CBPR can further civic engagement in ways that are inclusive, opening opportunities for residents to equitably participate in improving their communities.

Methods:
Drawing on qualitative data from project documentation, focus groups, and stakeholder reflections, we analyze how CBPR principles—co-learning, shared decision-making, capacity building, and equitable partnerships—were integrated across all phases of the project. Residents played central roles in shaping research questions, designing training curricula, developing recruitment strategies, and co-facilitating sessions. A Regional Steering Committee guided decision-making, ensuring alignment with community priorities and lived experiences. Participants were compensated for their contributions, reinforcing equity in partnership structures.

The training itself was co-created with residents and community stakeholders, incorporating local knowledge, advocacy expertise, and existing community resources. Participants transitioned from trainees to Community Facilitators, leading advocacy action plans and collaborating with regional networks to address cross-cutting equity issues (e.g., housing). Iterative feedback loops—through focus groups and ongoing engagement—enabled continuous refinement of the training and research design across cohorts.

Findings:
Findings highlight that embedding CBPR principles enhanced participant ownership, strengthened trust between partners and increased the relevance and applicability of the training. Participants reported increased motivation, collaboration, and confidence in engaging in community change efforts. The integration of CBPR also facilitated sustained engagement beyond the training period, contributing to the development of regional networks and collective action strategies.

Implications:
This study contributes to CBPR and macro social work literature by providing a process-oriented account of how participatory principles can be translated into practice within advocacy training initiatives. Findings highlight the importance of power-sharing, structured collaboration, and iterative co-creation in building community capacity and supporting resident-led policy engagement. These insights offer practical guidance for designing and sustaining equitable partnerships in community-based social work research and practice.