The community-centered legal epi crosswalk is an invitation to practice research in a way that builds community power, shifts narratives, and sustains relationships that work towards lasting change.
As you have moved through the phases of planning, operationalization, and analysis, you have considered not only what questions to ask and how to collect and code data, but also why this work matters and who must be at the center of it. The process of aligning legal epi with community power building requires holding both rigor and relationship to ensure that our understanding of the laws we study is based on the lived experience of those most impacted by them.
Sustaining the work
Of course, the work of community-centered legal epi does not end when a report is published. Reflect on how you might translate findings into improving policy and practice while equipping those most impacted to lead. This might require commitments between researchers, decision-makers, and community members to act on the findings together, ensuring partnerships extend beyond a single project, and making time for ongoing reflection during future efforts.
Looking ahead
At the beginning of this guide, you named a vision for your community. Now, let’s revisit it:
- Has that vision evolved as a result of engaging partners and community members?
- Whose voices were amplified, and whose are still missing?
- How have your goals shifted as you deepened your understanding of both the laws and the forces that shape disparities?
- How will you strengthen accountability and relationships so that this work is carried forward?
