Participation, Power, Knowledge and Praxis: Translating Key Community-Based Participatory Principles in REACH 2010

Increasing attention has focused on the benefits of community-based participatory approaches (CBPA) that incorporate a collaborative democratic process equitably involving all partners in program and evaluation and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. CBPA address important problems in society, such as racial and ethnic health disparities, through key principles regarding participation, knowledge, power and praxis. These principles aim to achieve community and social change by building on strengths and resources within the community; facilitating collaborative, equitable partnerships; promoting dialogue, co-learning, inclusivity and active participation by all community partners; acknowledging both learned and experiential knowledge; and assuring that all parties will mutually benefit from program and/or research activities. This presentation will describe key principles through examples of effective coalition development, program prioritization methods, and specific community-based strategies implemented by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH 2010) Program. These innovative strategies exemplify the strengths of using CBPA as a practical approach for understanding the complexities of the problem afflicting a community, as well as linking gained knowledge with action to improve the health of its members. REACH 2010 demonstrates how these CBPA strategies challenge traditional power dynamics and promote critical reflection and action. Despite the possible challenges faced by CBPA, they yield several opportunities for real social change through “engaged enlightenment” of the problem and builds community capacity and ownership of the solutions. Therefore, by increasing participation, power, knowledge, and praxis, CBPA can further the realization of eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities.