The Institute for Community-Based Research engages in projects aimed at informing social change from the grassroots level. Substantive areas of focus include: 1) underemployment and persistent poverty, 2) environment, health and food security, and 3) organizing cooperative alternatives. Housed within the Division of Social Sciences at Delta State University, the Institute is also affiliated with the Center for Community and Economic Development.

A central aim of this effort is to provide an avenue through which DSU students, especially those pursuing a Master of Science degree in Community Development, are able to collaborate with faculty and community organizations to engage in timely and meaningful research.

The Institute works primarily with membership-based community groups (including nonprofit organizations and cooperatives) in Mississippi and other organizations in the region and country. Groups must demonstrate a commitment to active partnerships for seeking solutions to community problems.

Activities of the Institute entail:

• Engaging with community groups in meeting their research needs, including training and technical assistance with question formulation, research design, methods of inquiry, data analysis, and reporting.
• Linking community groups, larger area nonprofit associations, government agencies, and educational/research institutions.
• Developing and strengthening the research, outreach, and educational skills of Delta State University students in working with community groups and their partners in directly addressing social problems.

Contact:

John J. Green, PhD

Director

Institute for Community-Based Research

Delta State University

Phone: 662-846-4069

Fax: 662-846-4099

E-mail: jgreen@deltastate.edu