Joanna Ochocka

University of Waterloo, Canada, St. Paul's University College, Adjunct

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Joanna has led community-based research and knowledge mobilization activities for over 25 years. She has been a principal investigator in over 100 research studies focusing on social change and innovation and overseen other 300 projects collectively conducted at the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR). She is engaged in an exciting and innovative program for research that focuses on immigration and community mental health. More broadly, she is interested in community-based research methodologies and excellence. The mobilization of knowledge and people has been at the heart of many of her activities.

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Josiah Heyman

University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

David Seamon

Kansas State University

Martin O'Neill

University of York

Myrto Veikou

University of Patras

Todor Tanev

Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

Bryce Edwards

University of Otago

Stephen Whittle

Manchester Metropolitan University

Eduardo Domenech

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Dennis Halft OP

Theologische Fakultät Trier

Luis Moreno

CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Spanish National Research Council)

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Papers by Joanna Ochocka

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in Human Services

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1. Looking Back: The Traditional Paradigm in Mental Health

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

Community Based Research Ethics Review Needs Assesment and Feasibilty Study

PsycEXTRA Dataset

3. ‘Nothing about Me without Me’: Research Approach and Methodology

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

10. Social Justice and Access to Valued Resources

Developing theory from complexity: reflections on a collaborative mixed method participatory action research study. Qualitative Health Research. 2008;18(5):701-17. Willis et al

Research studies are increasingly complex: They draw on multiple methods to gather data, generate... more Research studies are increasingly complex: They draw on multiple methods to gather data, generate both qualitative and quantitative data, and frequently represent the perspectives of more than one stakeholder. The teams that gener-ate them are increasingly multidisciplinary. A commitment to engaging community members in the research process often adds a further layer of complexity. How to approach a synthesizing analysis of these multiple and varied data sources with a large research team requires considerable reflection and dialogue. In this article, we outline the strate-gies used by one multidisciplinary team committed to a participatory action research (PAR) approach and engaged in a mixed method program of research to synthesize the findings from four subprojects into a conceptual framework that could guide practice in community mental health organizations. We also summarize factors that hold promise for increasing productivity when managing complex research projects.

Supported Volunteering: A Community Approach for People With Complex Needs

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about access to meaningful community... more The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion about access to meaningful community involvement for persons with complex needs. The article examines a project of supported volunteerism and presents the findings of a two-year program evaluation. A participatory action research approach was employed in the evaluation, and multiple data collection methods were used, including: document review, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Both positive and challenging aspects were identified related to individual volunteers, volunteer coaches, agencies and their staff, and the larger community. The findings are discussed in terms of fostering accessibility for persons with complex needs within their communities. Active participation in community can foster protective and constructive effects. This is especially relevant for individuals with complex disability needs. Persons with complex needs can benefit from linkages with their larger community and from opportunities for enhanc...

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7. Organizational Change: Outcomes in the Three Community Mental Health Organizations

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

Taking culture seriously in community mental health : a community-university research initiative that moves research into action; a reflection paper for the 2013 IDRC / Coady Canadian Learning Forum

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the research excellence criteria that balance bot... more The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the research excellence criteria that balance both academic excellence and community relevance using the case example of Taking Culture Seriously in Community Mental Health, a five-year research project that utilized simultaneous research and knowledge transfer from a participatory action framework. First, the paper describes how the project followed a multiphase, research design that produced knowledge, mobilized knowledge and mobilized communities for transformative change. Second, it reports on three elements of research excellence: involvement of stakeholders, knowledge mobilization and impact on practice. The paper continues with a discussion of the interrelationship between academic excellence and community relevance in PAR research that addressed pressing social concerns. Finally, it discusses the researchers' roles and the expended functions of research including nurturing engagement. Description of the research project Taking Culture Seriously in Community Mental Health was a five-year (2005-2011) Community University Research Alliance (CURA). This research initiative brought together over 45 diverse university and community partners in the Toronto and Waterloo regions of Ontario, Canada, including interdisciplinary academics, ethno-cultural community groups, and leading practitioners (from mental health and settlement sectors). The purpose of this research project was to explore, develop, pilot and evaluate how best to provide community-based mental health services and supports that will be effective for people from culturally diverse backgrounds. This research study was funded by Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and led by the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR), located in Kitchener

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13. Final Reflections on the Research Process

6. Pathways towards Change: The Process of Organizational Change in Three Mental Health Organizations

Towards a Theory of Change for Community-based Research Projects

Engaged Scholar Journal: Community-Engaged Research, Teaching, and Learning, 2017

The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary theory of change for community-based rese... more The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary theory of change for community-based research projects. The theory of change emerged from a Canadian Summit titled, “Pursuing Excellence in Collaborative Community-Campus Research.” The article begins by providing a rationale for why a theory of change could be helpful to advance the agenda of community-based research (i.e., concept clarification, guide to action, and quality assessment). Next we describe how our preliminary theory of change was developed, before outlining the theory of change under the headings of activities, intended outcomes, and sample indicators. We conclude by discussing what is needed in order to deepen our understanding of the theory of change for community-based research projects.

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2. Moving Ahead: Towards An Empowerment-Community Integration Paradigm in Community Mental Health

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

Seeking meaningful engagement of community partners: Clarifying guiding principles of community-based research practice

There is a growing interest in the area of research that engages communities (community based res... more There is a growing interest in the area of research that engages communities (community based research) both in and beyond academia. Increasingly community-based research (CBR) is being seen as a catalyst for social innovation, for public policy improvements, for solving complex community issues and for promoting knowledge democracy in which local knowledge is valued in building local solutions that may also be applicable to other teams. By community-based research we mean research that begins with a topic of practical relevance to community members, is carried out collaboratively by stakeholders, and is action-oriented in solving concrete societal problems (CCBR, 2012; Israel et al., 1998). Despite the fact that more and more researchers are conducting research that engages communities, there is no set of clearly defined guiding principles, ethical considerations and national standards that should be followed. The purpose of the proposed workshop is to collectively reflect on principles and ethical considerations that should guide CBR and to inductively clarify and expand the guiding principle (developed from a literature review) that could be used in Canada and internationally. This workshop would strengthen the capacity of academic and community researchers who co-produce knowledge with community stakeholders. Building on an existing national partnership, Community Based Research Canada will facilitate this workshop to draft guiding principles and after will share and modify them based on feedback from others across Canada. In defining a unique lens on CBR “built in Canada”, we will work to strengthen the voice of CBR in Canada as well as the practices of those involved in CBR (both academic and community partners) both nationally and internationally. The specific objective of the session is to: • jointly develop and then publicize guiding principles of community-based research practice that seek to meaningfully engage community members/groups.

The Evolution and Impacts of the CU Expo Movement

As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the CUexpo movement, it is important to step back and ... more As we approach the ten-year anniversary of the CUexpo movement, it is important to step back and reflect on the origins, evolution and impact of these events. This session will bring together key organizers from each of the four previous CUexpos (Saskatoon, Victoria, Winnipeg and Waterloo) to talk about the origins and outcomes of each meeting and the role that these CUexpos have played in communities and community-based research. The session will engage the audience on the impacts of these events on their own work and on their communities.

Findings from the Ontario Regional Evaluation of the Community Action Program for Children

Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation La Revue Canadienne D Evaluation De Programme, 1999

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Stories of Enacting Change in Knowledge Production: Attending to the Ethics of Community Based Research

Both within and outside academia, there is growing interest in research that seeks to engage comm... more Both within and outside academia, there is growing interest in research that seeks to engage communities. Increasingly, community based research is seen as a catalyst for social innovation, public policy improvements, and promotion of knowledge democracy whereby local knowledge is valued in building local solutions. While academics are required by their institutions and funders to submit their research proposals to a rigorous ethics review process, there is no such requirement for those outside of academia. As increasingly more research is being conducted by independent researchers, private consulting firms, government departments, and non-governmental organizations, concerns have arisen about the lack of access to a review process to ensure the ethical conduct of community based research in addition to more generalized support for those who engage in such projects, researchers and participants alike. To address this gap and to promote ethical standards for research being done on and with communities, the Community Research Ethics Office (CREO) was established in the Waterloo region in 2011 as an alternative entity to academic research boards. The twelve-member Board of Directors, which represents a model of university-community partnership, provides guidance, consultation, and formal ethics review for researchers and research participants concerned with the ethics of community based research. The purpose of this workshop is twofold: first, to share our story of the consultation and community research processes which led to the creation of CREO, as well as the evolution of the partnership which sustains it. And second, using this narrative as a touchstone, to engage participants in dialogue and exploration of the ethical dilemmas, tensions, and challenges which they have experienced and/or anticipate in their own community based research initiatives.

Planning Transformative Change for Mental Health Services for Diverse Cultural-Linguistic Communities

Towards Transformative Change, 2014

Organizational Change Towards the Empowerment-Community Integration Paradigm in Community Mental Health

Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 1999

As a part of a larger study of change towards the values of an empowerment-community integration ... more As a part of a larger study of change towards the values of an empowerment-community integration paradigm in community mental health, we examined changes in 3 mental health organizations in 1 community. Using qualitative methods, we focused on: (a) change pathways, (b) organizational change outcomes, and (c) the factors which helped and hindered change outcomes. We found evidence of a paradigm shift in the values and related practices within the organizations. Our results and themes are discussed and aimed at understanding and integrating knowledge about organizational change and the empowerment-community integration paradigm in community mental health.

Summary and Recommendations

in Human Services

Download

1. Looking Back: The Traditional Paradigm in Mental Health

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

Community Based Research Ethics Review Needs Assesment and Feasibilty Study

PsycEXTRA Dataset

3. ‘Nothing about Me without Me’: Research Approach and Methodology

Shifting the Paradigm in Community Mental Health, 2001

10. Social Justice and Access to Valued Resources

Developing theory from complexity: reflections on a collaborative mixed method participatory action research study. Qualitative Health Research. 2008;18(5):701-17. Willis et al