Community Research Partners Community of Practice (CRP-CoP)

The HIV Community Research Partners' Community of Practice (CRP-CoP) is a peer learning community hosted by the Yale Rigorous, Rapid and Relevant Evidence aDaptation and Implementation (R3EDI) Hub as part of the NIH Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. The CRP-CoP brings together 12-15 Community Research Partners* to share knowledge, solve problems together, and strengthen their work in HIV implementation research.

*CRPs work at health service organizations or community groups (such as community-based organizations, health departments, FQHCs, or faith-based organizations) that provide or support HIV prevention or treatment services. They partner with academic researchers to (a) build evidence for HIV strategies that communities prioritize, and (b) increase use of evidence-based approaches. CRPs are in a position to support their organization's participation in implementation research.

What we look for in potential participants:

• Are currently at an organization that provides or supports HIV services (CBO, health department, FQHC, faith-based organization, or similar)
• Are actively partnering with academic researchers on HIV prevention, treatment, or care
• Have at least 2 years of experience in HIV research partnerships
• Are in a position to support their organization's involvement in implementation research and have support from their organization to participate
• Can commit to monthly 1-hour virtual meetings for 9 months
• Geographic regions and EHE jurisdictions
• Organization types and sizes
• HIV service areas (prevention, testing, treatment, care)
• Populations served

We welcome applications from diverse:

• Geographic regions and EHE jurisdictions
• Organization types and sizes
• HIV service areas (prevention, testing, treatment, care)
• Populations served

Purpose: To create a space where CRPs can connect with peers, learn together, and support each other in strengthening HIV implementation research in their communities.

Goals:

• Share knowledge and experiences across geographies and organizations
• Solve common challenges through peer problem-solving
• Build skills in implementation science methods
• Strengthen organizational capacity for research partnerships
• Develop a peer network for ongoing support and collaboration

Monthly Virtual Meetings

Facilitated 1-hour sessions where participants discuss challenges, share solutions, and learn from each other's experiences. Topics are driven by participant's needs and priorities.

Peer Support Network

Connect with colleagues across the country facing similar implementation challenges. Build relationships that extend beyond formal meetings.

Access to Technical Resources

Request additional technical assistance from R3EDI Hub experts in implementation science methods, community-engaged research, and program evaluation.

Leadership Development

After Year 1, CoP facilitators will transfer leadership to participants, with opportunities to co-facilitate sessions and shape the CoP's direction.

Program Structure

• Year 1: Monthly meetings facilitated by R3EDI community co-Is; build trust and identify shared priorities

• Year 2+: Leadership transitions to CoP members; facilitators initiate new cohort; cross-hub expansion

• Evaluation: Annual surveys assessing feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and perceived impact

The CRP-CoP is convened and facilitated by community experts serving as R3EDI Hub Co-Investigators, with support from the R3EDI Hub Principal Investigators and core team. Facilitators bring extensive experience working with health systems, community organizations, and HIV-focused programs.