Community Engagement: Make an Impact Through Health Promotion
Community engagement is a powerful strategy for promoting health and fostering meaningful connections. Partnering with and learning from community-led programs, advocacy efforts, and solutions is essential to advancing health equity. Thoughtful, intentional collaboration strengthens partnerships and supports effective implementation.
Looking to collaborate with an organization or individual on community projects, but unsure where to start? UCSF offers numerous opportunities and resources to help learners get involved.
Steps to Get Started:
1. Explore UCSF Community Engagement Resources:
- Check out the UCSF Community Resource Guide for programs and individuals who can assist in connecting with community health organizations.
- Through your school, you can participate in electives, Registered Campus Organizations and student groups, one-time events, or longer-term activities with a community engagement focus.
2. Educate Yourself:
Review the CCPH Principles of Community-Campus Partnership and the Principles of Trustworthiness to understand how to approach partnerships effectively.
CCPH Principles of Community-Campus Partnerships
When forming partnerships, keep these principles in mind:
- Shared Goals: Establish clear mission, values, and measurable outcomes.
- Mutual Respect: Build relationships characterized by trust, genuineness, and commitment.
- Balance Power: Share resources fairly and ensure equity among partners.
- Strengths-Based Approach: Build on existing community assets while addressing needs.
- Open Communication: Prioritize understanding, transparency, and the development of common language.
- Ongoing Feedback: Continuously evaluate and improve the partnership.
- Shared Benefits: Ensure that all partners benefit from the collaboration’s accomplishments.
Read more about the CCPH Principles of Community-Campus Partnerships.
AAMC Principles of Trustworthiness
Read about the AAMC Center for Health Justice: Principles of Trustworthiness.
3. Engage with Intention:
Approach partnerships with cultural humility and a willingness to learn.
- Do your homework. Know why you want to partner.
- Collaborate on mutually agreed goals and prioritize respectful communication.
- Plan for sustainable outcomes and long-term impact.
How Learners Engage in Community Projects
Project deliverables are co-created with the community.
Health Promotion
Deliver health education with nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and healthcare providers. Develop health education materials such, presentations, workshops, Art activities- murals, beautification of healing spaces.
Research & Evaluation
Participate in community-based research and program evaluations. Conduct focus groups, create and distribute surveys, facilitate a photo voice project, create infographics to share data and outcomes.
Advocacy
Support initiatives driven by community identified needs. Through writing op-eds, developing infographics that translate scientific information, presentations to policy makers
Health Career Pathways
Inspire and mentor future health professionals. Participate on panels, volunteer in pathway programs, be a mentor.
Find UCSF programs and individuals collaborating with community partners.
Stay updated on new ways to engage. (coming soon)
Need guidance? Connect with experts to plan your next step.