Recommendations for Community Driven Drug Policy Research

Community-driven research (CDR)  necessitates creating a space where people do not feel bound to the traditional binary of the “researcher” and “researched”. The following recommendations aim to support you in creating an environment where all people are empowered; feel belonging in the research process; and can explore and own their positionalities, identities, and lived experiences: Understand that community driven research requires time and care. Build relationships with community organizers and organizations prior to engaging in research. Compensate community researchers for their time and expertise. Focus on research that benefits the community. Challenge the notion that the best research is distanced and “objective” and be open to different research methodologies. Make your research procedures accessible for all people to participate. Work with community organizations to leverage research as credibility and power. Structure your research findings so that they have the greatest possible impact for community collaborators.