A Comprehensive Library of Community-Engaged Research Resources - Implement Stage

Guidance for the Implement Stage of CEnR

The implement stage puts research plans into motion. At this stage, training ensures ethical and effective data collection, recruitment efforts engage participants, and data is gathered. Ongoing communication with community partners helps address challenges and maintain alignment with research goals. This stage involves the following:

• Training researchers and community partners: Researchers and community partners receive training on human subject research, facilitation, and survey administration, as needed.
• Recruiting and compensating participants: Recruitment follows the outreach strategies developed during the plan stage and participants receive appropriate incentives.
• Collecting data: Data are collected following the agreed-upon methods.
• Staying in communication with community partners: Regular check-ins with community partners ensure that the research remains responsive and collaborative.

Following the research plan while staying flexible allows for meaningful engagement and high-quality data collection.

Train Researchers and Community Partners

Before data collection begins, researchers and community partners need to prepare. Training ensures that all partners involved in gathering information do so ethically, effectively, and with confidence. The level of training needed depends on how deeply community members are engaged in the research process. For example, collaborative or empowered CEnR projects often require more training for community partners, who typically take part in data collection and analysis. Examples of required trainings include the following:

• Human subject research training: If community partners are directly collecting or handling data from participants, they require training on research ethics, confidentiality, and informed consent. Many institutions require completion of online courses, such as the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program or National Institute of Health (NIH) ethics training. Other institutions may permit researchers to design their own training programs, provided they receive IRB approval.
• Facilitation of interviews and focus groups: If the research includes qualitative methods, community partners may need training on active listening, asking open-ended questions, and avoiding leading participants toward specific answers. Mock interviews and role-playing exercises can be useful practice tools.
• Administering surveys: For surveys conducted in-person or online, training may be required to help community partners introduce the survey and respond to participant questions.

Providing community partners with hands-on practice and ongoing support ensures that they feel comfortable in their research roles and that data are collected in a way that aligns with ethical and methodological effective practices.

Recruit and Compensate Participants

A successful research project depends on getting the right participants and valuing their time and contributions. Recruitment efforts should follow the strategies outlined during the plan stage, ensuring that all outreach efforts align with community priorities and logistical considerations.

Follow the recruitment plan.

During the plan stage, the research team and community partners developed a detailed recruitment plan that included the following:

• Target participant groups: Identifying who should be involved and ensuring that multiple voices are represented.
• Best outreach methods: Determining whether flyers, social media, word-of-mouth, or direct invitations would be most effective.
• Appropriate messaging: Ensuring that recruitment materials are accessible in multiple languages and reflect community values.
• Logistical considerations: Identifying recruitment timelines, who is responsible for outreach, and locations for engagement.

Now, in the implement phase, this plan should be followed closely and adapted as needed based on real-time changes.

Provide incentives for participants.

Recognizing participants for their time and expertise is not only ethical but also removes financial and logistical barriers to participation. Incentive distribution will align with the budget determined in the partner stage and with guidelines developed during the plan stage to ensure fair and transparent compensation.

Types of incentives:

• Cash or e-gift cards: These represent a direct and often preferred option.
• Food and refreshments: Providing meals or snacks can make participation more comfortable.
• Transportation support: Bus passes, gas cards, or rideshare vouchers can help remove barriers.
• Child care stipends or on-site child care: Supporting parents can increase participation rates.

Ensure that incentives are effectively distributed:

• Confirm that all incentives align with funder guidelines.
• Ensure that participants understand what they will receive and when.
• Track and document distributions to maintain transparency.

By following the recruitment and incentive plans developed earlier, the team can ensure that participant engagement is efficient and ethical.

Collect Data

Once participants are recruited, data collection begins. This stage follows the data collection plan created during the plan stage, ensuring that methods remain accessible, ethical, and aligned with community priorities.

Follow the data collection plan.

The plan stage outlined the following:

• Data collection methods: Ensure alignment with the research goals, whether using surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations.
• Location and format: Ensure that data collection takes place in locations that are convenient for participants and using formats that accommodate different needs (e.g., in-person, online, phone).
• Language and accessibility: Provide materials in multiple languages and ensure that they are easy to understand.
• Confidentiality and ethics: Follow protocols to protect participants’ privacy, including informed consent and secure data storage.

Now, in the implement stage, the research team will carefully follow this plan, making adjustments as needed to ensure that data collection remains efficient and responsive to community priorities.

Stay flexible during data collection.

Although a plan is in place, real-time adjustments may be necessary based on participant feedback, field conditions, or shifts in community partner priorities. The team should remain open to the following:

• Clarifying questions: If surveys or interviews seem confusing, minor adjustments may be needed to improve clarity.
• Extending data collection periods: If participation is lower than expected, additional recruitment efforts may be required.
• Changing locations or times: If turnout is low at certain times or places, data collection logistics might need adjustments.

By sticking to the structured plan developed in the early stages while remaining adaptable, the research team ensures the collection of high-quality data that accurately reflect community experiences.

Stay in Communication With Community Partners

Strong, ongoing communication with community partners ensures that the research remains aligned with community priorities and that any challenges are addressed quickly.

• Regular check-ins: Schedule consistent meetings, even if they are brief, to discuss progress, concerns, and next steps.
• Transparent updates: Keep partners informed about how data collection is going and about any adjustments being made. Short email summaries or newsletters can be helpful.
• Two-way communication: Actively seek feedback from partners. This helps ensure that adjustments are made collaboratively.
• Recognizing contributions: Show appreciation for community partners' time and effort through public acknowledgments, co-authorship opportunities, or other forms of recognition.

By maintaining open, respectful, and responsive communication, researchers build trust and foster long-term partnerships that extend beyond a single project.

Wrap Up

The implement stage turns planning into action, ensuring that research is conducted ethically and efficiently, and in a way that is responsive to community partners. Flexibility remains key, allowing for adjustments based on real-time feedback while staying aligned with research goals. Key activities during implement include the following:

• Train researchers and community partners on human subject research and data collection roles, as needed.
• Recruit participants using planned outreach strategies while adapting to emerging challenges.
• Provide incentives to support participation and reduce barriers.
• Conduct data collection following agreed-upon methods and ethical guidelines.
• Maintain regular communication with community partners to troubleshoot challenges.
• Adjust recruitment, data collection, and participation strategies based on feedback.

By balancing structure with adaptability, research teams strengthen community partnerships, ensure high-quality data, and produce findings that are both meaningful and actionable.

Implement Resources

These resources provide practical tools and insights to support your work during the implement stage of your CEnR project. Explore our projects further to discover research work across different CEnR approaches. At the bottom, you will be able to search through our implement resources. Resources are organized by project, with each project labeled according to where it generally falls on the CEnR spectrum. This structure helps you quickly identify relevant examples and guidance that align with your approach.