title: Engaging colleges and universities as partners in Healthy Communities initiatives.
abstract: Colleges and universities have an important role to play in building healthier communities. In many communities, however, these institutions are viewed with mistrust and skepticism, not as partners or assets. Academics often fail to respect and value community resources; they often assume the role of experts when they approach communities, in the context of short-term projects that place a priority on their goals rather than on communities' goals. Yet, colleges and universities have much to contribute as partners with their communities, and there are many strategies that can be used to develop community-campus partnerships. Whether the leadership for such a partnership starts with the community or the campus is not particularly important as long as the collaboration moves forward in a way that honors and values the strengths and assets of each.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle 98195-4809, USA. sarena@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Seifer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005178:Faculty; D006265:Health Care Coalitions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D013334:Students; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration*