The Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR), one of the Core Collaborators situated within the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, is pleased to launch a new Certificate Program in Community-based Research in partnership with Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo.
CCBR is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening communities through research and education. Their mission to promote equity and social innovation using community-driven, participatory, and action-oriented research is the hallmark of their organization. Rich Janzen, Executive Director of CCBR and one of the instructors in the program, is delighted to begin this journey: “CCBR has been offering customized training on community-based research to many community partners for over 40 years.”. He added that he and the CCBR team, “thought it was time to consolidate that training in a comprehensive Certificate Program that is more broadly accessible.”
The new Certificate Program in Community-Based Research is a leading resource for learning how to use research to drive impactful change. Taught by practitioners well-versed in academics and community-based research projects, the Certificate Program offers comprehensive customized workshops and capacity building events that can build a strong foundation in various related fields. With hundreds of previous partners nationally and internationally, CCBR has the tools to collaboratively create more responsive, supportive, and equitable communities. The program currently features six courses open for registration (with four additional courses scheduled to be available in the future):
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Essentials of Community-based Research (every Friday from March 7 – March 28)
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Community-based Evaluation (every Thursday from April 3 – April 24)
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Principles and Strategies for Community Engagement (every Wednesday from May 14 – June 11)
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A Menu of Community-based Research Methods (every Thursday from October 2 – October 23)
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Research Ethics in Community Settings (every Friday from October 24 – November 14)
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Arts-based Methods for Collective Action (Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29) - in person
These practical skill-building mini courses are groundbreaking for community leaders, non-profit organizations, family foundations, professors, and employees across all levels of government. Students are also welcome to enroll in the Certificate Program. Some courses may be eligible for partial course credit from participating university programs.
Centre for Peace Advancement Director, Paul Heidebrecht, noted that CCBR is in good company in launching this new program: “I’m pleased to see this significant new contribution to the range of professional development opportunities offered by organizations affiliated with our community, including Tamarack and The Ripple Effect Education.” Beyond the Centre for Peace Advancement, Conrad Grebel University College also has a long history of community education and non-degree training initiatives, most notably its Certificate Program in Conflict Management.