Harnessing the Power of a Community Advisory Board

Advisory boards play a pivotal role in guiding research projects, offering valuable insights and expertise that contribute to project success. This workshop explores the approach of utilizing a community advisory board and its impact on project development, implementation, and dissemination through a research project focused on the mental health of female Mexican American adolescents. Drawing upon the experiences of the research team, this workshop highlights the collaborative nature of advisory board involvement and its multifaceted contributions to the research process. This workshop highlights the development, implementation, and dissemination associated with community advisory boards in research. Key topics to be explored include 1) Project development: Strategies and considerations when establishing an advisory board will be discussed, 2) Implementation: Approaches to incorporating an advisory board within the research project, 3) Dissemination: Using an advisory board to share research findings, and 4) Emerging themes: We will discuss key themes regarding the effectiveness of a community advisory board involvement. First, the collaborative nature of advisory board engagement fostered a sense of ownership and investment among members, resulting in a shared commitment to project goals and outcomes. Second, the diversity of perspectives represented on the advisory board enriched discussions, leading to more robust and nuanced decision-making processes. Finally, the advisory board's ongoing support and guidance contributed to the overall success and sustainability of the research project, highlighting the importance of establishing strong partnerships and networks within the research community. This workshop will employ a short PowerPoint presentation followed by an interactive discussion with the audience, fostering engagement and knowledge exchange. We will also discuss how the utilization of an advisory board can be a valuable and impactful approach in informing project development, implementation, and dissemination in the context of adolescent mental health research. By leveraging the expertise and insights of diverse stakeholders, advisory boards can enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of research endeavors, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for adolescents and their communities.