50 - Promoting Inclusive Engagement: Culturally Responsive Focus Group Discussions

Abstract Information: In today's diverse world, promoting inclusive engagement is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Culturally responsive focus group discussions offer a valuable approach to gathering insights and perspectives from diverse participants while honoring their unique cultural backgrounds and experiences. This capacity-building workshop explores the principles, practices, and benefits of conducting culturally responsive focus group discussions and provides practical strategies for enhancing inclusivity in evaluation processes. The primary objective of this capacity-building workshop is to delve into the principles and practices of culturally responsive focus group discussions and their applications in research, evaluation, and community engagement. Through this interactive session, attendees will gain insights into various aspects, including, (1) Understanding the principles of cultural responsiveness and their relevance to focus group discussions, (2) Exploring strategies for recruiting and engaging diverse participants, (3) Examining techniques for facilitating inclusive dialogue and addressing power dynamics, (4) Discussing the benefits and challenges of conducting culturally responsive focus group discussions, (5) Providing practical recommendations for promoting inclusivity and cultural competence. Participants will be exposed to both theoretical and practical principles and encouraged to participate in a live simulation of a focus group discussion. The presenters will act as the moderator and note-taker, while the attendees will be the focus group audience. During a culturally responsive focus group discussion, they will learn what are effective and appropriate practices. The expected outcomes of the workshop include an enhanced understanding of the principles and practices of culturally responsive FGDs, increased awareness of strategies for recruiting and engaging diverse participants, insights into techniques for facilitating inclusive dialogue and addressing power dynamics, identification of benefits and challenges associated with culturally responsive FGDs, and practical recommendations for promoting inclusivity and cultural competence. Culturally responsive FGDs offer a valuable approach to gathering insights and perspectives from diverse participants, thereby enhancing inclusivity and cultural competence in research and evaluation processes. By actively engaging participants from various cultural backgrounds, these discussions can enhance qualitative evaluation efforts' relevance, validity, and impact. Ultimately, the presentation aims to explore the principles, practices, and benefits of conducting culturally responsive FGDs, providing practical application strategies for enhancing inclusivity in evaluation processes.