Community-Based Research Networks: Development and Lessons Learned in an Emerging Field

While in recent years there has been an increasing amount written about how to conduct individual community-based research (CBR) projects, little is known about the infrastructure supporting such projects. This paper compares seven multi-institutional CBR networks in Appalachia, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia, and Trenton, New Jersey. After reviewing the histories of the networks, we conduct a comparative SWOT analysis, showing their common and unique Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. We conclude with the lessons suggested by the network histories and SWOT analyses. [author]