Community Engaged Research, in its various names and configurations, is at a crucial juncture. There has been a joyful expansion of creative methodologies that adhere to values of community, shared power, and the meaningful participation and leadership by those most impacted by systems of oppression in the co-construction of knowledge. There is also a current risk of core terminology being co-opted and utilized by people and institutions that don’t adhere to long-held values of solidarity and robust action. 

This year’s conference emphasizes that community engaged research is essentially about shared meaning making which is at the core of co-creating our society and is critically important to a well-functioning democracy. We acknowledge the breadth and diversity of journeys that lead to community engaged research while always holding onto core values.