With and for the community
We follow a non-extractive community collaborative research model. As opposed to research about communities, we pursue research with and for communities. Research needs span from simple data and legal research requests – research for the community – to much larger and more complex questions and research processes that must take shape in and with community.
A Classroom for the community
We have built a core teaching space for community research, the Appalachian Justice Research Lab (AJRL). The AJRL is a classroom space for community, students, and faculty centered on a small set of community-driven research projects that shift every semester. This course, modeled on clinical legal education, brings students and faculty with relevant skill sets to work with community partners on a specific community need in the form of a semester-long project with a clear deliverable for the community … from the lab to the region.
Community Connections
We facilitate community connections across the region so that Appalachians can problem solve issues together.
Bridging Divides
We are committed to bridging university and community professional divides. We want community members to join us as students and teachers. We want our students and faculty to return to the Appalachian communities they love and come from with research tools and infrastructure for change.
We invite you to reach out to us at AJRC@utk.edu with your research needs. The AJRC takes on projects based upon capacity in terms of time, faculty, and resources. Community members and organizations who wish to work with the AJRC must be directly impacted by poverty, violence, or specific forms of inequities in Tennessee or Appalachia. The center relies upon an advisory board of leading scholars and regional community organizers who help evaluate and advise on projects. Additionally, please join our mailing list using the link below to stay up to date on our work.