Translational Science Benefits
Policy & legislative benefits (Community-centered policy)
Definition
Community involved in creating policies that impact them. Community perspectives are clear, apparent, and drivers of the policymaking process. Ensures that all communities, particularly those historically insufficiently catered to populations, have a voice in the policymaking process. Examples include Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Rationale
Community-guided policy ensures that the voices of those most affected by policies are central to the decision-making process. By actively involving communities, especially those insufficiently catered to, in the creation of policies, this approach leads to more relevant, fair, and effective solutions. It fosters trust and ensures that policies reflect the needs and priorities of all people, promoting fairness and reducing differences.
Guidance
Advice from authors on searching for information:
Use search terms like “community-led policymaking,” “fairness in policy design,” or “participatory governance” to find relevant sources. Look beyond academic databases to include reports from nonprofits, local governments, and advocacy groups. Prioritize sources that center community voices, such as testimonies, co-authored reports, or participatory research.
Resources & Data
Organizations, repositories, websites, and other sources where you can find more information:
- National Civic League (NCL). Provides information and resources to support civic engagement.
- Pennsylvania State University in collaboration with the University of New England (Australia) – Community engagement for collective action: A handbook for practitioners. Offers guidance for practitioners to develop, implement, and evaluate community engagement plans.
- Facilitating Power – Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership. Introduces framework outlining a pathway for communities to move from passive engagement to community-driven decision-making. Explains how to apply the tool to assess community engagement efforts, set goals for advancing community efforts, and inform development of policy and community campaigns.
- A collaboration of the University of California, Berkley’s School of Public Health and PolicyLink: Ten case studies showcasing policy impacts from community-based participatory research. Highlights the partnership of academic researchers and community members engaging in healthy community change making missions. Includes recommendations for incorporating a policy component or improving effectiveness of advocacy work in community-based participatory research.
Data Limitations
Challenges you may encounter while searching for information:
Searching for information on community involvement in policymaking can be challenging due to inconsistent terminology like “community-led,” “participatory,” or “co-produced” policies. Much of the most relevant content is found in grey literature—such as local government reports or advocacy group publications—which may not be indexed in academic databases. Additionally, examples of authentic community leadership may be underreported or undocumented, especially in historically underserved communities.
Publications
Articles, books, and other publications in translational science using the indicator:
- Romero-Lankao P, Blanco L, Rosner N. LA100 Equity Strategies. Chapter 3: Community-guided energy equity strategies. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. November 2023. Report No.: NREL/TP-5400-85950.