The purpose of the Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) is to encourage sociologists to undertake community action projects that bring social science knowledge, methods, and expertise to bear in addressing community-identified issues and concerns. Applications are encouraged from sociologists seeking to work with community organizations, local public interest groups, or community action projects. Appointments will run for the duration of the project, whether the activity is to be undertaken during the year, in the summer, or for other time-spans.

Applications are encouraged from sociologists in academic settings, research institutions, private and non-profit organizations, and government. Advanced graduate students are eligible to apply, but the funding cannot be used to support doctoral dissertation research.

Sociologists are expected to work in relevant community organizations. The proposed work can include such activities as needs assessments, empirical research relevant to community activities or action planning, the design and/or implementation of evaluation studies, or analytic review of the social science literature related to a policy issue or problem. Innovation placements and plans are encouraged. They may also be called upon by ASA to participate in press briefings, testimony, or other presentations related to the subject area of the fellowship. Standard research projects, however interesting, are not appropriate for this funding. The goal of this program is to link sociologists with community action groups and to use sociological research to advance the goals of those groups.

Grants are likely to range from $1,000 - $2,500 to cover direct costs associated with the project; these funds cannot be used as a salary stipend (including course release). Approximately four awards will be made each year.

Fellowship applications will be accepted until February 1, 2005, and winners are notified via mail by early April. Applications should fill out the form application including demographic information and questionnaire related to project proposals and goals. In addition applicants are required to submit a time schedule showing how a specific organization will use your research to carry out its goals, a resume of applicants, and a letter from an organizational sponsor, including a description of the organization’s goals, funding etc. These last pieces can be send directly to: