The growing need for community partnering

Intentional and meaningful community partnering is needed now more than ever to address the health inequities, social injustices, and institutional and systemic racism that exists in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has made these challenges even more notable as we see the virus’ disproportionate impact on many underserved and marginalized communities. As change agents, we are in the position to raise our voices against oppressive and discriminatory practices and to stand up for what is right and just. We must engage with communities in an intentional and meaningful way if we are to have productive and impactful outcomes. This type of engagement should start with simple questions such as, “How do you enter into and engage with diverse communities in which your organization is embedded?”; “How do you collaborate with diverse community stakeholders and incorporate their input in all phases of your program planning, implementation, and evaluation?”; “How do you promote, support, and sustain shared goals and decision-making dialogues at local, state, national, and international levels?” If you are on a leadership team, “Are you creating coalitions and making time, resources, and technical assistance available to your agency staff to effectively engage and sustain community collaborative efforts?”

Div. 37’s Diverse, Racial, Ethnic, and Multicultural Special Interest Group (DREAM SIG) has been very active since its launch in spring 2020. Some of its recent activities include a live webinar titled, “Intentional and Responsive Community Partnering.” More than 50 participating individuals were provided with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on intentional and responsive community outreach, engagement, and partnerships. Participants discussed effective ways to build partnerships and best practices as they engage with the communities they serve.

For more information on community partnering, see the following resources:

Div. 37’s DREAM SIG also hosted a webinar on “Supporting Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Youth” and included special guest, Jim St. Germain, author and co-founder of PLOT. Mirian Ofonedu moderated the session, which challenged participants to consider the strengths and needs of incarcerated and formally incarcerated youth in their advocacy efforts and engage in ways that are culturally responsive and amplifies the voices of marginalized youth and families. In an effort to continue to address issues impacting children, youth, and families from historically underrepresented diverse communities, Div. 37 hosted a presidential symposium on “Mental Health Among Black Boys: Changing the Narrative to Foster Resilience.” Division President Earl Turner moderated the session, which attracted over 400 participants. Div. 37 also hosted a collaborative symposium titled, “Walk a Mile Crossing the Border and Facing the System: Experiences of Immigrant Families and Children” at the American Psychological Association 2020 virtual annual convention. It brought together professionals and community stakeholders involved in creating awareness of the challenges faced by immigrant families within a restrictive immigration socio-political context. Over 90 participants joined that session and renewed their commitment to embrace diversity and build pathways that promote immigrant families’ health and well-being.

Learn more about Div. 37’s DREAM SIG and how you can join.