Neighborhood-Based Issue Research Project

摘要

This report demonstrates the value of an action research assistance function helping community groups build or improve a capacity to do research that would support organizing activities for neighborhood revitalization. Action research is the exercise of identifying, obtaining, and using information needed to be of tactical value in campaigns intended to bring about policy changes. It yields information tools that better enable community groups to approach and negotiate with those parties that are the source of problems encountered by lower income neighborhood residents. The researchers selected four community groups who submitted proposals on a questionnaire format regarding a problem related to housing, community development, or neighborhood revitalization. Each group was assisted in designing and carrying out a research plan; consultants provided extra technical backup for the groups' research effort. Each group received $9,000 for staffing and organizing. Information obtained by the groups' action research was used in organizing campaigns to directly address the problem studied. The experience resulted in a recommended model for similar endeavors. It asserts that financial assistance should be tailored to the demands of the research and the organizational needs of the group. Support staff should offer a range of services from basic coaching in research techniques, assistance with research design, information gathering and analysis, to development of action strategies, interpretation of research implications, and identification of sources and additional contacts. Tabular data are provided. Project forms and materials are appended.