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Building Relationships


  1. Make Time: Building relationships with trust takes time. Researchers engaging community partners do this consistently, in multiple ways, and over time.
  2. Be Present and Engaged: Make a conscious effort to be involved with the community of interest and coordinate with the community partner. Be open to sharing personal experiences
  3. Hear and Respond to Feedback: Carefully listen to the community and mentors. Consider all feedback as productive, even when difficult.
  4. Remain Accountable: Manage time and other obligations to your partners and reflect on your work consistently. Follow through on agreed-upon activities is central to accountability.
  5. Be Ready to Learn: Remain open to developing new skills, gaining experience where needed, and building an open network.

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