NCLR’s approach to conducting and disseminating fact-based, applied, policy-oriented research is based on ten principles:
Have significant impact. NCLR’s research agenda is designed to identify and address pressing concerns for Latinos across the country and in Puerto Rico. In particular, the selected issues have a direct connection to the formulation of state- or national-level policy, or to specific legislative proposals that would produce important benefits or harms to a large segment of the community. In this context, NCLR’s research agenda is fluid, changing as needed to maintain relevance and adapt to the needs of Latinos.
Educate and inform. NCLR’s research builds understanding of the most pressing challenges facing the Latino community and identifies the nuances within issue areas that merit policy attention. NCLR’s documents are also used to share information and knowledge about Latinos with a range of audiences, including NCLR’s affiliate network, policy-makers, the media, and the general public.
Add new knowledge. Traditionally, NCLR’s qualitative and quantitative research has helped to fill gaps in the social science literature and has provided new perspectives on policy issues lacking a Latino voice.
Add value to policy or program activities. NCLR’s research has a direct link to, and helps to advance, its policy and legislative agenda, and program activities. Through a careful review of the data and existing research, NCLR synthesizes facts to identify and shape its policy priorities. This base of knowledge on multiple issue areas also helps NCLR to move its policy positions in new directions based on research findings and to evaluate and improve its programs.
Serve as a tool to influence policies and programs. NCLR uses its research to influence policy decisions that will improve the lives of Latinos in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. Similarly, NCLR’s research is intended as a tool for its affiliates and other community-based organizations to use in their program and resource development activities.
Provide a bridge between university-based and policy-oriented research. University-based research contributes to the understanding of important socioeconomic and political concerns, while policy-oriented research plays a central role in shaping the future direction on many of these issues. Through its research, NCLR seeks to bridge these two sectors, to cull the best of the expertise that each has to offer and to maximize opportunities to understand problems, communicate solutions, and have a measurable impact on specific policy challenges that affect Latinos.
Advance public education efforts.NCLR’s research findings and documents contribute to painting an accurate portrayal of the Hispanic community and to elevating issues of importance to the community to appropriate levels.Through a variety of formats, NCLR seeks to appeal to and reach as wide an audience as possible, including policy-makers, researchers, the media, the public and private sectors, philanthropists, and Latinos themselves.
Mobilize the community. Through its research, NCLR seeks to share knowledge among the Latino community, and to play a role in educating and reaching its community-based organization constituency, as well as the larger Latino community. NCLR’s affiliates help to identify priority issues that they and their communities face; in turn, NCLR uses that knowledge to shape and adjust its research agenda to be responsive to affiliate concerns. At the same time, NCLR’s position as a national organization with links to policy and the public and nonprofit sectors allows it to be at the forefront in tackling emerging issues and translating them to its affiliate network for action.
Enhance capacity. NCLR seeks to increase capacity within the Latino community on a range of issues and functions, from building infrastructure among its community-based network to fortifying Latino leadership in policy-making and other arenas. Through its research work, NCLR increases its own ability to engage in and conduct high-quality, credible data analysis and research. In addition, NCLR’s research activities create opportunities for Latino researchers to contribute their expertise to solving social and economic problems, as well as encourage community-based organizations to develop their capacity in this arena, to allow them to undertake research projects that involve, reflect, and respond to the realities of specific communities.
Create and expand relationships. Through its research and related dissemination activities, NCLR seeks to create and expand its relationships with academic partners, research institutions, think tanks, and others, in order to stimulate and increase Latino-specific, policy-oriented research with the goal of improving life opportunities for Hispanics.
