Join The BLACK Collaborative Inc in Addressing Maternal and Infant Health Equity through Volunteer Opportunities
- Dr. Natashia L. Conner, PhD, MPhil, MS, IBCLC
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Maternal and infant health disparities remain a pressing issue in many communities, especially among Black families. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is taking a stand by inviting passionate individuals to join their volunteer and community research programs. These roles offer a chance to contribute directly to improving health equity through community voice, shared leadership, and collective care. If you care about health equity, community advocacy, and culturally responsive care, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer Opportunities That Make a Difference
The BLACK Collaborative Inc. offers several roles designed to engage community members and professionals alike. Each role supports the organization’s mission to advance maternal and infant health equity across Greater Cincinnati. Here’s a closer look at the opportunities available:
General Volunteer
General volunteers play a vital role in supporting community-based programming and outreach events. These activities include:
Organizing and staffing health education workshops
Assisting at community fairs and events focused on maternal and infant health
Helping with administrative tasks that keep programs running smoothly
This role is perfect for anyone who wants to contribute time and energy to a cause that improves health outcomes for families in the community.
Community Care Closet Navigator
This volunteer position focuses on helping families access essential supplies through the Community Care Closet. Navigators provide:
Referrals and guidance to families in need
Support during supply distribution events
Culturally responsive and non-judgmental assistance to ensure dignity and respect
Volunteers in this role help remove barriers to care by making sure families receive the resources they need in a supportive environment.
Engaging in Community-Driven Research
The BLACK Collaborative Inc. is also recruiting for roles connected to their FRIG-2025-1 qualitative research study. This study explores how the built environment influences infant nutrition and exclusive breastfeeding practices. These research roles emphasize community knowledge and lived experience as essential to ethical and effective research.
Community Co-Researcher
Community Co-Researchers are central to this participatory research project. Their responsibilities include:
Recruiting participants and conducting community outreach
Assisting with photovoice activities, where participants share stories through photography
Validating cultural themes that emerge from the research data
Leading community validation sessions to ensure findings reflect lived realities
This role is ideal for individuals who want to bring their personal or professional experience to research that directly affects their community.
Research Assistant
Research Assistants provide technical support for the qualitative study. Tasks include:
Verifying transcriptions of interviews and focus groups
Organizing research files securely
Preparing documents for analysis using software like Atlas.ti
Supporting coding efforts under supervision
This position suits students or early-career professionals interested in gaining hands-on experience in public health or qualitative research.
Why Your Involvement Matters
Health equity cannot be achieved without the active participation of those most affected by disparities. The BLACK Collaborative Inc. understands that community voice and leadership are essential to creating lasting change. By volunteering or joining the research team, you help:
Amplify community perspectives in health programs and research
Ensure culturally responsive care that respects diverse experiences
Build trust between health systems and the communities they serve
Generate knowledge that leads to better policies and practices
Your contribution supports a collective effort to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
How to Apply and Get Involved
Applications are now open for all volunteer and research roles. To apply:
Visit The BLACK Collaborative Inc.’s website or contact their volunteer coordinator
Choose the role that best fits your interests and skills
Complete the application form and submit any required materials
Volunteering with The BLACK Collaborative Inc. offers more than just experience; it provides a chance to be part of a community working toward justice and equity in health.
💬 Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook for updates, future opportunities, and community programming announcements. This application will also be shared on our Facebook page—please feel free to like, follow, and share with your networks.
Together, we can advance community-driven research, compassionate care, and health equity for Black families.
—The BLACK Collaborative Inc.
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