Benefits of Youth Scribe Involvement in Community Based Participatory Research

The NIH-funded Community-Academic Collaboration to Prevent Violence in Chicago (CACPVC) builds capacity to address violence in Chicago through Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). Human subjects’ protection made inclusion of youth as study subjects impractical. Instead youth serve as research team members—Youth Scribes collect data at CACPVC meetings in 7 different communities, reflecting Chicago's diversity.

Scribes are high school juniors or seniors, with parental consent for scribes under 18. Initial recruitment did not yield enough Scribes. CACPVC partnered with Chicago Scholars, which prepares high school students for college and career success, to recruit highly-motivated youth with research interest.

Scribes attended a CIRTification workshop, human subjects’ protection training designed for community partners. Training was modified to increase interactivity and include note-taking practice—strengthening skills and increasing enthusiasm.

At community meetings, 2-3 Scribes per discussion group record information exchanged by participants under the guidance of the research team leaders and group facilitators. Scribes participate in post-meeting debriefings. Scribes are compensated with gift cards.

Challenges included transportation, scheduling conflicts, and retention. Solutions included providing transit passes and holding community meetings on non-attendance school days. Of 22 Scribes trained, five withdrew with only one communicating the reasons (out-of-city move).

Based on Scribe feedback, Youth Leadership Council (YLC) was created. YLC members participate more actively in community meetings: presenting introduction and project overview, facilitating large group discussion, and moderating panel discussion. YLC also suggested promotional material improvements.

Youth gained research experience and CACPVC improved outreach and discussion. Scribes highlighted areas for improvement and helped resolve issues.