Our Approach

 Our approach is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and community engagement. From the outset, we have worked closely with frontline neighbourhoods in Lansing to ensure that our research reflects the realities of those most affected by youth violence. We value the perspectives of youth, community leaders, and service providers, and our methodology is designed to empower local voices in the research process.

We begin each phase of our research by conducting interviews with young people and youth service providers to capture a broad range of perspectives. By listening to the community, we are better equipped to understand the complexities of youth violence and identify the resources that can help address it.

Throughout the research process, we maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with the community. Our partnership with The Fledge provides us with a platform to connect directly with residents and share our findings in a way that is accessible and meaningful to them. We also rely on our Community Advisory Board to ensure that our work remains aligned with community needs and values.

Our work is not just about research; it’s about fostering long-term change. By building a foundation of trust and collaboration, we aim to create a lasting impact in Lansing’s frontline neighborhoods, one that will help reduce youth violence and create a more supportive environment for all.