In the first year of the Community-Driven Research program, the Iowa Coalition for Collective Change, formerly the Networking Project of Iowa, developed and implemented a study to identify the needs and resources of 7 marginalized communities in Des Moines. Through interviews and community forum/focus groups, we were able to learn from Black/African American, Asian American, Latinx, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Native American community members.

 

Based upon our belief that community members are the greatest experts on their communities’ experiences, needs, and resources, the Iowa Coalition for Collective Change is led by community-driven research. Through this method, we learned from nearly 50 community members who represent thousands of constituents across Des Moines.