This document discusses effective community engagement and knowledge mobilization. It defines key terms like knowledge transfer, translation, and mobilization. Successful collaborative efforts are built on mutual respect, trust, participatory research, and understanding different knowledge cultures between communities and universities. Conditions for success include equal balance of power, sharing resources, strong leadership, and sufficient time for relationship building. Indigenous community engagement requires capacity building, cultural revitalization, traditional knowledge, and meaningful consultation.

1. Effective Community Engagement
Michael Johnny, York University
Manager, Knowledge Mobilization Unit

2. Overview
1. Introductions – Objectives and Biases
2. Assumptions
3. Intersections with KMb
4. Successful Collaborative Efforts
5. Intersections with Industry Liaison
6. Indigenous Communities
7. Questions - Discussion
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3. 3

4. Problem Statement
Community-university engagement is not a new term,
nor are the processes new. However, there are
increasing interests from stakeholders in academic
research to see findings from research be utilized for
the benefits of Canadians, and people around the
world. This is changing the nature of scholarship for
many academic researchers.
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5. Working to Eradicate Bullying: Deb Pepler
Bullying is a relationship problem that
may carry through adolescence and
into adulthood in the form of
aggression, sexual harassment, dating
aggression, and substance use.
Working on the determinants
interventions and treatments for bullies
and victims of bullying, Deb Pepler
works with researchers, governments
and NGOs to enhance awareness,
build research capacity, assess
bullying problems and promote
evidence-based programs and
effective policies across Canada.
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7. Definitions – Knowledge Mobilization
WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION
Knowledge Mobilization is about ensuring that all
citizens benefit publicly from funded research. It can
take many forms, but the essential objective is to allow
research knowledge to flow both from within the
academic world, and between academic researchers
and the wider community
http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/society-societe/community-communitie/index-eng.aspx
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8. Definitions – Knowledge Transfer and Exchange
Knowledge Transfer and Exchange is collaborative
problem solving between researchers and decision
makers
Canadian Health Services Research Foundation
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9. Definitions – Knowledge Translation
Knowledge Translation (KT) is defined as a dynamic
and iterative process that includes synthesis,
dissemination, exchange and ethically sound
application of knowledge to improve the health of
Canadians, provide more effective health services and
products and strengthen the health care system.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
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10. Definitions – Knowledge Mobilization
Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) is a suite of services that
enhances the two-way connection between researchers
and community stakeholders so that research and
evidence can inform decisions about public policy and
professional practice.
KMb encompasses methods of knowledge transfer,
translation, and exchange but extends these concepts
to include the co-production of knowledge.
York University’s Definition of Knowledge Mobilization
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11. KMb-related Assumptions (linked to engagement)
1. KMb is a social process. There is action and
activity.
2. Co-production of knowledge is the most effective
form of KMb.
3. Impact is measured at the level of the end user.
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12. Co-production in the world of KMb
Knowledge Mobilization
Research Producer User
Summaries Research
Push Exchange Pull Translation
Research (KE)
(KT) (KT) Help Desk
Translation
Help Desk
co-production
partnerships CBR
Research Partnerships Research Forums Community Based Besearch
KMb Interns KM in AM
Social Media
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13. Portugal Cove, NL
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14. Partnerships for KMb throughout the Research Cycle
Plan Consultation
Wikis, blogs Partnerships
Web site Research forum
Town hall
Theatre
Posters
public policy
Policy brief Disseminate Execute
professional practice
PSA
Practice Populations
guideline Clinical practice
Popular press Intervention
Social studies
Marketing Internships
Evaluate
Researcher
exchange
Surveys, case studies, expert panelists
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15. More Assumptions
“There is value in research partnerships in solving
community problems, building capacity, generating new
ideas, expanding research agendas and managing new
skills and technologies”
Learning from SSHRC Funded Partnerships, University of Victoria, Centre for Public Sector Studies,
May 2012, Dr. Budd Hall and Crystal Tremblay
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16. Findings and Experiences of Successful Collaborative Efforts
1. From Community Perspectives
2. From University Perspectives
3. Overarching Findings
4. Conditions for Success
5. York Industry Liaison
6. Indigenous Communities
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17. Community Perspectives
• Building stronger and more respectful links with universities
• Building organizational capacity in the community
• Personal transformation and empowerment
• Improved services and policies
• Economic contributions
• Policy and Legislative impacts
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18. University Perspectives
• Student training and research fellowships
• Career development
• Better receptivity to community partners and more inter-university
linkages
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19. Other Findings
• New “architecture of knowledge” – new phase of engaged
scholarship
• New appreciation of place
• More dynamic and relevant curriculum
• Recognition of roles of regional, sectorial and national
research alliances and networks
• Bringing new resources to our community in need
• Partnerships can create a ‘new normal’ way of working
• Knowledge cultures are different in communities and the
university
• Increasing recognition of partnership as a measure of
academic excellence
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20. Conditions for Success – part 1
• Governance – structure based on consensus making
• MoU and Partnership Agreements
• Values – mutual respect and trust
• Range of partnership options
• Participatory research approaches
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21. Conditions for Success – part 2
• Equal balance of power
• Sharing resources
• Understanding the research process
• Time for relationship building
• Strong leadership
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22. Grand Canyon, AZ
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23. Industry Liaison at York
Industry Liaison Manager
Cheryl Giblon – ext 55753
cgiblon@yorku.ca
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24. Indigenous Communities
A unique framework for engagement
• Capacity building
• Economic development
• Language and cultural revitalization
• Valuing traditional knowledge
• Reciprocal, trusting relationships
• Be present. Practice meaningful consultation
• Relevant KMb practices
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25. Resources
• Learning from SSHRC Funded Partnerships, University of Victoria,
Centre for Public Sector Studies, May 2012, Dr. Budd Hall and Crystal
Tremblay
• York KMb Unit, Industry Liaison Office, York TD Centre for Community
Engagement (http://cec.info.yorku.ca/)
• Campus Community Partnership for Health
• http://www.communityengagedscholarship.info/
• Institute for Community Engaged Scholarship
• http://www.theresearchshop.ca/
• http://cescholarship.ca/
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26. Community Engagement, Research and KMb
Things I Think I Know
• Like KMb, success in community engagement can be
facilitated by relationships – get to know leaders in your
field within your community. Get to know these
people…and let them get to know you!
• Values – truth, honesty, respect, integrity.
• Recognition for CES is lagging, but there are ways to link
engagement to academic T&P.
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27. Summary – Michael’s Ideas
What the heck is knowledge mobilization?
- collaborative, relational, purposeful
Respect the clash of cultures…make time for effective
engagement…expand the project planning cycle
“Go slow in order to go far and fast”
Knowledge is Power
Sharing is Power
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28. Michael Johnny
mjohnny@yorku.ca
http://www.researchimpact.ca