Models of Practice
Then, drawing on insights from our rapid landscaping, we developed a set of inclusion criteria to help us identify promising models of practice that aligned with the commitments of the Centres for Exchange project. We agreed that the selected models of practice should:
Hold transformation or power shifting as a fundamental objective
Draw on innovative models and ways of working, moving beyond the “usual” modes of engagement
Focus on institutional culture change, not simply instrumental community engagement
Focus on engaging/working with those who have been unreached or actively excluded from research
Be place-based or have a geographically located component of their work
Through a rapid desk review, we applied these criteria to select priority models of practice in this phase . We focused particularly on organisations located in South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico and India, but also included case studies based outside of the priority geographies when these held outstanding opportunities for learning.
The case studies included key informant interviews, desk research, and dialogues with researchers, practitioners, and lived experience experts. In the repository, we share 14 of these case studies as an initial collection to help to ground the different strategic areas of the Centres for Exchange vision.
Models of Practice
Gallery
Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR)
The Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR) is an interdisciplinary natural and social science lab space dedicated to good land relations at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Napawika U'mukí
The Napawika U'mukí (United Women’s Network) is made up of 20 Ralamuli women from 10 urban indigenous communities from the city of Chihuahua in northern Mexico.
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a South African health research organisation known for its community-centred approach to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis research.
Conexão Saúde
Conexão Saúde is a collective response to the COVID-19 crisis in the Maré favela, bringing together NGOs, scientists, and the community to implement accessible tools and research.
The Canopy Collective
The Canopy Collective and PHIC work at the intersection of art, science, and action for wildlife conservation, aiming to foster community-owned, inclusive spaces for planetary health education.
The Banyan
The Banyan and its sister organisation BALM provide comprehensive mental health care for those in poverty and homelessness, fostering a peer-led model where individuals with lived experience contribute to leadership and research.
The Third Eye
The Third Eye is a feminist think tank operating at the intersections of gender, sexuality, violence, technology, and education, leveraging digital media to amplify marginalised voices.
Isivivana
The Isivivana Centre is a multi-purpose community centre based in the township of Khayelitsha, established to provide a space for social justice organisations to convene and collaborate.
Sangath
Sangath is a Goa-based nonprofit organisation that aims to address the holistic needs of children, adolescents, and families, particularly from underserved communities, while scaling up evidence-based mental health interventions.
Institute of HIV Research and Innovation
IHRI is a non-profit organisation in Bangkok known for its evidence-based, community-led approach to Key Population-led Health Services (KPLHS), effectively bridging research and service delivery.
Shujaaz Inc
Shujaaz Inc is a network of social ventures based in Kenya and Tanzania that aims to connect young people with the information, skills, and resources they need to take control of their own lives.
Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS
The Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS (ABIA) is a non-governmental organisation based in Rio de Janeiro, focused on interdisciplinary participatory research and advocacy related to HIV/AIDS policy and human rights.