Operation Fuel is paving the way for our state’s most vulnerable residents—children, senior citizens, working families, and people living with medical conditions—to thrive with reliable access to energy and water. By engaging with these communities and conducting research, we strive to grow our visibility across Connecticut by raising public awareness of our missions, why they matter, and their community and individual impact.

ABOUT OUR WORK:

At Operation Fuel, community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to community engagement that aims to prompt change and improve the health and well-being of local communities experiencing energy injustice. It is the cornerstone of systematic knowledge gathering that places collaboration with Connecticut residents’ needs and experiences at the forefront to align with our efforts and maximize impact. We rely on residents’ insights and lived experiences so that together, we can mobilize real-world solutions and fulfill our organization’s mission of closing the gaps in energy affordability, accessibility, and justice.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES:

COLLABORATION

Our research relies on working with various stakeholders, organizations, and residents to identify and address issues that impact surrounding communities.

EQUITY

Operation fuel prioritizes the inclusive participation of marginalized and vulnerable communities through every step of the research process. By listening to their voices, we aim to disseminate the benefits and outcomes of our work to address systemic barriers and inequalities.

EMPOWERMENT

Community-based research elevates and amplifies the lived experiences of community members. Our work strives to uplift resident voices and provide pathways to greater autonomy over issues that impact their lives.

DISSEMINATION

As a bridge between community and other stakeholders, we consolidate and convey the results of our research to relevant stakeholders that influence change. Transparency is key to sustaining broader research efforts and building trust.

INTEGRATION

Operation Fuel commits to integrating research-generated knowledge into our advocacy, programs, and mission. We recognize the importance of reciprocating our community-centered approach with actions that deliver outcomes for current and future generations.

OUR RECENT REPORTS:

Emerging Public Health Needs for Climate Smart Technology in Connecticut Affordable Housing

Explore this report to uncover the critical needs of home medical device users living in affordable housing—and how their well-being is deeply tied to climate resilience.

READ MORE HERE

Engaging Residents from Affordable Housing Properties in Building Code Development

Look into the dedicated work of Operation Fuel’s Community Research team and gain insights from the valuable feedback they gathered from residents of multifamily affordable housing—helping to shape and inform the building code development process.

READ MORE HERE

How to Reach us for Your Community-Based Research Project

The Operation Fuel Community Research Team is ready to be involved with your next proposal or project! We are open to collaborating through a Community Benefit Agreement as part of a grant proposal or to lead the Community-Based Participatory Research component of a large project.

Our team is HHS-certified for research involving human subjects needed for IRB approval. To get in touch with our community research team, please send your request by email with the subject line “Research Request” to info@operationfuel.org and we will be in touch as soon as possible.