How Do Local Efforts Address a Global Issue? Communities Need Good Data

ABSTRACT

This essay offers reflections and lessons learned from one organization’s efforts to contribute to and measure progress statewide within the United States. Through collecting inclusive data using community-based participatory methods, local efforts can be sustained by building upon locally tailored solid tools and longitudinally gathering statewide data to demonstrate gaps and progress. Inclusive data drive political and systems buy-in, increase responsible public awareness initiatives, help community members and professionals understand what human trafficking looks like in their communities, and help secure resources to respond. Over the last 10 years of data collection, we have seen progress as Colorado communities have initiated responses with local resources and political will. Among the lessons learned in creating comprehensive community responses, patient and mutually beneficial time is necessary to establish intersectional and interprofessional collaborations that are transparent and tailored to unique community geographies and demographics.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based participatory research
• state-level research
• community data and resilience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).