University of WyomingWYSAC’s Community-Based Research & Action (COBRA) Center emerges from years of dedicated community-based research and action initiatives focused on addressing issues currently facing our partners, including substance abuse, public health, crime, justice, and victimization. With established contracts, built relationships, and proven effectiveness, the center proposes to serve as a comprehensive initiative, partnering with communities to develop actionable plans for improving well-being and fostering meaningful change. Central to our approach is recognizing that those directly impacted possess invaluable insights into what will work best in their communities. Guided by WYSAC’s mission of conducting innovative, high-quality applied research, COBRA fills a critical gap in specialized expertise within community-based research, centering those impacted by the issues to co-create strategies and sustainable solutions, aiming to address root causes and effect positive change.
At COBRA, our target audience encompasses communities of all sizes, recognizing that each holds unique expertise and experiences vital to addressing their respective issues. We approach our work with an inclusive mindset, viewing communities as the true experts in their challenges. We aim to serve as a resource, offering evidence-based tools and techniques grounded in scientific research to assist communities in tackling their most pressing issues. Whether large or small, urban or rural, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, we are committed to fostering partnerships and empowering communities to drive positive change from within.
We aim to dedicate 10% of our time to community outreach efforts. Recognizing the importance of direct community engagement, we allocate resources to workshops, seminars, public forums, and networking events to foster dialogue, build relationships, and solicit input from diverse stakeholders. Through these outreach efforts, we aim to ensure that community voices are heard, priorities are understood, and solutions are co-developed in collaboration with those most affected by the issues. This commitment to community outreach is integral to our mission of empowering communities and driving positive change through participatory approaches.