Translating Community Voices to Build Meaningful Engagement: A Community Health Worker Led Study

Authors: Lauren Workman, Julie Smithwick, Kimberly C. Rawlinson, Mark Macauda, LaShandra Morgan, Whitney Davis

This study explored community views on what helps or prevents meaningful community engagement in improving health and well-being. Community health workers led discussions in four communities in South Carolina and found that many people felt excluded from decision-making and did not trust outside organizations due to past experiences. Participants said that real engagement requires listening, consistency, respect, and keeping promises. The findings were used to create a learning program that helps community leaders build trust and strengthen community participation in health and development efforts.