Process for Community Partner Panels

Collaborating for Stronger Communities

The Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) convenes Community Partner Panels as part of our research and solution-building efforts as a way for faculty, staff, students, and community members to come together around shared priorities and ensure that TCI initiatives are guided by the lived experiences and expertise of local partners.

What is a Community Partner Panel?

Community Partner Panels are made up of local leaders, agency professionals, paraprofessionals, clients, and community members with interest or expertise on a specific issue who bring diverse perspectives to the conversation. Their role is to work alongside TCI in identifying community needs, guiding research, and co-creating solutions that strengthen Utah agencies and communities.

Panels meet regularly to:

• Share information about agency and community functioning.
• Define and prioritize community issues and related needs.
• Encourage dialogue that leads to creative, practical solutions.
• Develop strategies, actions, and projects that support long-term success.

What is the Process?

Community Partner Panels are central to every stage of TCI projects and initiatives:

1. Define the Project: TCI faculty and staff collaborate with the panel to shape the project’s scope
   and direction.
2. Research and Input: Researchers conduct literature reviews to further inform the project and
   develop study methods (e.g. surveys, interview guides) with panel guidance.
3. Sharing Findings: Research results are presented to the panel, with panel input shaping next
   steps.
4. Solution-Building: Together, faculty, staff, and community partners collaborate to design
   strategies, resources, or actions that address identified needs.
5. Ongoing Partnership: Final details are decided in collaboration, ensuring projects are
   meaningful, practical, and responsive to community priorities.

Why Participate?

Community partners bring invaluable expertise, historical context, and insight into local needs, resources, and assets. Your participation helps:

• Shape research in real-world contexts.
• Ensure that marginalized voices are included and centered.
• Build adaptive, innovative strategies to address pressing social issues.

By joining a Community Partner Panel, you help ensure that community-driven knowledge leads to stronger, more equitable solutions.