Current Projects
PAR Houston
The purpose of this study is to explore the socio-economic challenges of Black and Latine communities in Houston during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study used participatory action research (PAR) by training five community researchers in mixed-methods research using surveys and focus groups.
PAR aims to change the traditional balance of power in research and education by recasting study participants as authorities on the production of knowledge. Using PAR, the lead researcher and community researchers used a mixed methods approach by developing a survey and focus group guide. The socio-ecological model, critical race theory, and language justice guided our methodological approach. Researchers used purposive and snowball sampling strategies to recruit Black and Latinx Houston residents.
NOLA C.A.R.E.S.
Through NOLA C.A.R.E.S. (Creating Access, Resources and Equity for Success), Beloved Community trained a wide variety of Early Childhood Educators in participatory research, and coordinated access to public policy advocacy for the issues identified by the PAResearchers. The project seeks to align policy and practice across sectors so Black & Latine mothers working in caregiving professions are valued and build wealth as the entrepreneurs, workforce, and beneficiaries of high-quality employer-supported child care. NOLA C.A.R.E.S. was developed by a cooperative of twelve organizations, led by Beloved Community.
Youth Participatory Action (YPAR) Academy
The YPAR Academy is a 3-week hybrid summer program for high school students (ages 14-18). Students join class sessions 5 days a week for 3 weeks. They will conceptualize, design, carry out, and analyze a research question that is important to them as youth in the community and to their community. After successful completion of the program, participants will have the option to continue as paid school-year researchers for Beloved Community for additional projects.
Learn more about the 2025 YPAR academy in Kansas City.
YPAR is an innovative approach to positive youth and community development based in social justice principles. Through participatory action research, young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their lives, their communities, and the institutions intended to serve them.
