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Committee discusses trustworthiness and community engagement: 'Trust is earned,' staff say
Summary
Staff highlighted principles of trustworthiness and community engagement from an external presenter, urging listening, shared power, long‑term relationships and compensation for community partners as core practices for equity‑focused work.
Sharon Jones summarized guidance from Dr. Sergio Graciola and emphasized that trust is a product of action: "the question is not, do communities trust us but the real question is are we acting in ways that deserve trust." She outlined a four‑phase approach of listening, reflecting, acting and revisiting.
The committee discussed practical implications: members urged moving beyond one‑off advisory boards to ongoing, compensated partnerships; they emphasized that communities often have expertise closer to solutions than outside institutions. Stefani Rosas Soto suggested creating patient advisory groups and increasing presence at community events, such as farmers markets, to build relationships and inclusion.
Members agreed community engagement should lead to shared decision making, more relevant programming, and sustained relationships even after projects end. No new policy or funding commitments were made during the meeting; staff will circulate reading links and consider follow‑up training options.
