Too often, public health research is done on communities, not with them. At CTF, we challenge this model by implementing Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR)—an approach that puts community members at the center of the research process. This means they are involved in defining research questions, collecting and interpreting data, and shaping the recommendations and interventions that follow.

We believe that when community voices are actively included in research, the results are more accurate, more respectful, and ultimately more impactful. Our CBPAR initiatives prioritize listening, co-creation, and long-term engagement over extractive, one-off studies. Through this model, CTF uncovers the root causes of health disparities and identifies culturally relevant solutions that can be implemented both locally and systemically. We are not just collecting data; we are building power, knowledge, and trust—together.