LibGuides: Cultural Competency and Research Positionality: Engaging with Stakeholders

Books

Academics in Action! by Sandra L. Barnes (Editor); Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein; Bernadette Doykos; Nina C. Martin; Alison McGuire
Call Number: LB1028.24 .A23 2016
Publication Year: 2016
Available at the Law Library.

This book explores how academics can engage with the public, and use their research to build relationships with and make positive changes in their communities. Divided into chapters that focus on issues like "Conducting Research on Comprehensive Community Development Initiatives: Balancing Methodological Rigor and Community Responsiveness," and "Can Synergy Across Theory, Pedagogy, and Practice Guide Professional Education? The Community Development and Action and Human Development Counseling Graduate Experiences," this book focuses narrowly on how academics can and do engage with their communities.
Community Organizing in a Diverse Society by Felix G. Rivera; John L. Erlich
Call Number: HN90 .C6 C6633 1998
Publication Year: 1998
Available at the Law Library.

This book provides a practical roadmap for how to connect with and organize various racial and ethnic communities in the United States, including African Americans, American Indians, Chicanos, Central Americans, Chinese-Americans, and Puerto Ricans, among others. This books is written for a sociological and community organizing audience, though in a style that is widely accessible to most general readers. It can also serve as a valuable index of the various major ethnic and racial communities within the United States, some of their distinguishing sociocultural characteristics, and the best ways to engage and organize them for positive change.
Alongside Community by Debra Harkins (Editor)
Call Number: LC220.5 .A56 2018
Publication Year: 2017
Available at the Education Library (Cubberley).

This book explains the basis upon which sociopolitical differences arise within communities, and outlines several concrete methods that one can use to engage with, and effect positive change within communities different from one's own. Written more for a social sciences audience, this book is nonetheless a good primer for anyone looking for practical guidance on how to engage with stakeholders in diverse communities.

Online Resources

EPA Public Participation Guide: Tools to Generate and Obtain Public Input
This website, hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency, provides extensive resources on how best to encourage public participation in and generate valuable feedback when making and implementing public policy. This site provides resources on the specific steps in the process of generating public input, such as: how to inform the community of policy ideas, how best to obtain input, and how to build consensus. This site also outlines specific theoretical models of generating public input, including Appreciation Inquiry (AI), Charrettes 101, conducting focus groups, and using study circles. This site is not narrowly focused on environmental issues; there are valuable resources here for anyone interested in seeking public input when formulating policies.

Journals

Clinical Law Review
This journal, available to Stanford users through HeinOnline, provides both theoretical and practical insight into effectively running legal clinics--including articles related to community outreach. The most current issue, as well as a complete archive, is available to view and download.
Social Forces (Journal)
This multi-disciplinary journal covers sociological, historical, economic, and legal topics relating to sociopolitical dynamics and social change in the United States. Though not always directly touching on community engagement specifically, Social Forces is nonetheless an excellent resource for staying up to date on academic discussion and debate over public policy in the United States. Note that Stanford's HeinOnline subscription imposes an 8 issue embargo.

Ask Us Anything!

Need research assistance? The reference librarians would be happy to chat with you!

Email: reference@law.stanford.edu

Phone: (650) 725-0800

Reference desk hours: During the academic year, the reference desk is open from 9 am - 6 pm Monday-Thursday and 9 am - 5 pm Friday. Please feel free to stop by!

Research consultation appointments: To set up an appointment to meet with a librarian either individually, in pairs, or in a small group, please click on the "Request a Research Consultation" button on the Robert Crown Law Library's homepage.