Opportunities

About The Akoma Project: an action research program aimed at capturing the stories of the Black and Brown residents of the Brookland Manor housing community in Ward 5 of Washington, DC in a quest to understand the experiences of the Black and Brown disabled children and youth ages 6 to 25 years old via documenting the stories of the youth self-advocates, their family caregivers, their neighbors and the network of advocates and activists that engage in progressive public policy efforts to defund the police and create police free schools. Akoma is the adinkra symbol from the Akan people of Ghana, Africa that represents  patience, empathy, cooperation and understanding. Thus, using the decolonized methodology of participant-observer storytelling anad a theory of change that through people-centered data collection to identity and analyze trends can be remedy anti-racist and anti-ableist public policies to reimagine public safety. 

Purpose: To support the Principal Investigator (PI) in developing the research agenda for the Akoma Project, which includes working with the PI to: research, develop projects and proposals for the Akoma Project and evaluate outcomes.

• Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
• Develop research objectives and proposals 
• Identify sources of funding and plan for fundraising activities
• Provide support to other team members from the community
• Supervise undergraduate students working on aspects of the research project
• Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations
• Monitor the project budget

Requirements: 

• Knowledge of, and ability to follow, the scientific research process
• Ability to work with a small team
• Ability to attend a weekly or bi-weekly virtual  meetings
• Ability to navigate the highly politicized environment of DC
• A passion for improving the lives of impacted Black and Brown disabled youth
• Previous research experience is an added bonus
• Ability to gain and maintain a healthy work environment with professional integrity

We are prioritizing the lived experiences of community members and encourage all, especially people with disabilities to apply for this position. 

Chi Bornfree is an anti-ableist, pro-lived experience company that promotes family-centered practices. 

Submissions are required by October 15, 2021. For any questions, reach out to Ana: ana@drchibornfree.com