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Equity Capacity Building Hub

Transforming how we conduct research to have greater impact on dismantling systems.

Equity-centered methodology requires transforming power relationships so that the voices of those with lived experiences and who have historically been excluded from having power in the research process are centered. Researchers should critically examine their backgrounds and personal biases, understand how biases in traditional research methods perpetuate oppression, and learn new practices that redesign research so that the process leads to liberation. We train researchers and community members in equity-centered methodology to deconstruct the entire system of research which was created under white supremacy.   

Key Objectives

The Equity Capacity Building Hub facilitates leadership in equity-centered and culturally responsive methods by transforming research and community engagement practices through training and mentorship. We:

  • Provide training and consultation with researchers to ensure they have access to the latest innovations in equity-centered and culturally responsive research practices and methods. 
  • Provide holistic mentorship and resources to RTI’s Emerging Equity Scholars, an annual cohort of people from groups that are underrepresented in research careers who will thrive as they transform their fields with excellence and vibrancy.
  • Provide intensive cohort training experience as well as providing monthly topic-centered workshops to RTI staff to support researchers in applying an equity and culturally responsive lens to conduct equity-centered research. 
  • Elevate community-engaged research methods that value the assets and expertise of the community by supporting RTI staff to work collaboratively with community-based organizations in developing community informed research questions, developing community scholars who are rooted in the community and engaging communities to build community capacity. The community-engaged research activities will serve to shape new narratives about communities, provide opportunities for economic development and serve as a model to inform RTI staff of equitable and inclusive research. 

Our Team