Contributor Guidelines for IRL Blog Submissions
If you are an IRL fellow with an idea for a blog, we are interested in hearing about it. Please see the following guidelines before submitting your blog to IRL: rwjfirl@umn.edu.
Why Write a Blog?
As an IRL fellow, you are part of a network of leaders who are using engaged research, done in collaboration with the community and applied in real time, to create healthier, more equitable communities. Your voice is essential in the public conversation about the role of research in building a culture of health in the US and to help shape new narratives about health and leadership.
Purpose of the IRL Blog
- To support and foster perspectives by IRL fellows on health and research leadership
- To contribute to public debate on health, research, policy and leadership
What Should I Write About?
The IRL blog is a place to share what is relevant and important to you and your team. IRL is offering five categories for consideration. They are not exclusive. If you have an idea for a blog that is outside of these categories, feel free to propose that too.
Commentary: Ask a question or share insight on an issue related to IRL themes areas:
- Housing and Community Development
- Early Childhood
- Community and Individual Resilience
- Youth Development and the Prevention of Violence
- Health Care Delivery in Rural America
- Social Determinants of Health in Rural America
- Community Development and Health
- Clinical Practice, Social Services and Health
Research Project Progress or Publication Announcement: IRL teams work together to design a research project that is rigorous in methodology and rooted in the community, which is implemented and completed during their three years in the IRL program. As an IRL fellow or team, what did you find in your research? How does your research connect to action? Publishing a blog post when an article gets published is a great way to boost your message and reach more audiences with an accessible discussion of research results.
Non-Research Victories: In addition to amazing research updates, we often hear stories about victories you are experiencing through your IRL/ RWJF experience and connections outside of your research projects. It could be a new collaboration, a new job, or being in the right position to offer support to your community in a new way. These stories are a marker of your effort, leadership, and the power of the network you all are creating.
Knowledge and Skill Share: The IRL program is both a leadership development AND research program. IRL curriculum areas include: research rigor, collaboration and community engagement, policy and communications, and community change leadership. Share knowledge or a skill you have gained in one of these areas that may benefit fellow researchers and community leaders. For instance, if you have gained insight about a particular research method or dissemination approach, share your tips and strategies with the broader community. Additional focus areas for consideration here: organizing for action, equity, diversity and inclusion, navigating challenges, and successful teamwork.
Research Leadership: IRL fellows are actively debating and defining what it means to be a research leader through their participation in the IRL program. As an IRL fellow or team, what have you learned about research leadership? What is a specific story or example that shaped your view of research leadership?
The Specifics
- Include a title, one sentence description of your blog (for a preview), and authors’ names as you would like them posted (credentials, affiliations optional)
- Approximately 750 words
- Visuals welcome: maps, photos, data visualization and other creative images
- Posts should follow RWJF and IRL Lobbying Guidelines (available in the IRL Online Learning Platform)
- IRL will add the following statements to your post: [fellow name/s] are members of Team [name], Cohort [number] of Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL). This line will include a link to your team profile on IRLeaders.org
- We will also include a statement that the views expressed are your own, and do not represent the IRL program or RWJF generally
Blog Submission and Review
Submit your blog post by emailing it to IRL: rwjfirl@umn.edu. The IRL team will review your blog post for appropriateness and get back to you with any clarifying questions or suggestions for editing before the blog is approved and goes live. Time from submission to posting is less than one month. If your submission is especially timely, let us know and we will work with you to get it posted at the right time. We look forward to hearing from you!
Looking for inspiration?
Here are a few examples and resources to explore:
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Blog
- PolicyViz with Jonathan Schwabish
- Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science Blog and Blog Guidelines
- The Conversation: Academic rigor, journalistic flair
- The Incidental Economist health service research blog
- Policies for Action: Spark
- The Op-Ed Project Writing Resources
Please note at this time we are only considering submissions authored by IRL fellows and their collaborators.