Services
CREW’s goal is for communities to have access to the knowledge, assets, and agency to address their unique challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve social progress.
Empowering Communities to be Drivers of their Own Development
By giving communities the knowledge, resources or skills they need, CREW aims to create lasting change. It's not just about solving immediate challenges; it’s about providing communities with the tools to navigate obstacles and take control of their future.
We don’t parachute in and leave. Our process with communities is set up in such a way that it can be managed by the community long-term."
— Dr. Meagen Rosenthal, Director, CREW
CREW offers a range of services designed to support communities in addressing their unique challenges and achieving social progress. Explore our comprehensive services that drive community transformation below.
Who CREW Supports
Wondering if CREW can assist your community or organization? CREW is here to assist a broad range of entities with unique challenges, aspirations and objectives, such as a:
- County
- City
- Municipality
- Nonprofits
- Group of citizens
If you're unsure whether your needs fall within CREW's purview, email crew@olemiss.edu.
How We Support Communities
When communities come to CREW with a challenge, some may have an idea what solution they need and others may not. During this initial phase, CREW works closely with the community to understand their needs, strategize solutions and outline their plan for moving forward. Through their consultation, CREW works together with communities to create a road map for change using research as the foundation.
From there, CREW can help a community in multiple ways, such as through:
Academic Partnerships
CREW serves as the first point of contact for communities in need, gathering information about their specific needs and challenges, before connecting those communities with faculty members or university groups that are uniquely qualified to support them, if needed. Once CREW’s academic partners enter the conversation, they bring their technical assistance and expert guidance.
Strategic Research Development
Beyond simple planning, CREW provides comprehensive research support for community partners. This includes assisting them in identifying necessary data, facilitating access, supporting collection and enabling effective utilization of data.
Grant Writing
Navigating the complex world of grants, reports and policy briefs is often essential for addressing community challenges and securing funding. Whether it's providing direct grant writing assistance or guiding communities through the application process, CREW is here to help craft compelling proposals and ensure community voices are at the forefront.
Community-Based Participatory Research
CREW advocates for community-driven solutions by facilitating community-based participatory research. This approach unites scientific researchers and community members, enabling them to collaboratively address conditions and disparities affecting vulnerable groups. It's about communities actively shaping research, decision-making and action to become more resilient, even independently of CREW's support.