The mission of Just Connections is to invigorate grassroots democracy among residents of distressed mountain communities by creating and using models for participatory research and service in support of self-sustaining communities that offer equitable access to resources for local citizens.

Just Connections defines participatory research as a process which places researchers and apprentices at the service of communities seeking help with the exploration of local assets, needs, and opportunities, as well as with the planning, enaction, and evaluation of development programs. This research model admits that the core knowledge about a situation resides in the community itself, and thus community members are the most qualified to bring meaning to the application of research skills. We believe that participatory research entails an equal partnership between campus and community.

Website: http://www.ferrum.edu/aca/justconnections/index.htm