Throughout the learning process, we are engaging scholars, practitioners, young people, and parents to ensure that our approaches are grounded in both the social sciences and the realities of young people’s lives in different contexts.
We also take this approach because of the growing evidence that the traditional, linear dissemination model of information producer —> information media —> information user is inadequate and, often, ineffective. Waiting to address dissemination until after knowledge is generated reduces the likelihood that the research will effectively reach its intended audience or have its intended impact. Thus, we seek full engagement in the research process by multiple stakeholders, gatekeepers, and end users so that the resulting knowledge is relevant and that the recipients have buy-in and support for the research process. A priority in communication becomes supporting dialogue around issues of concern, not just delivering messages.
Thus, the center has engaged a wide range of both practitioners and scholars as advisors and stakeholders throughout the process. Furthermore, the center’s web site will feature a variety of mechanisms to elicit feedback and prompt dialogue. The engagement of practitioners, young people, and parents starts early in the process through focus groups and will continue throughout the research and dissemination process.
