Overview

Founding Research Associate Intern (Qualitative or Quantitative) Make the Difference Network A Division of Voice Up Position Overview The Founding Research Associate is a pioneering role within the Make the Difference Network, a division of Voice Up, designed for individuals who are ready to participate in building a new model of research, workforce development, and community impact from the ground up. This role is not based on prior credentials it is based on practice, participation, and contribution. It begins with the understanding that: Many individuals are already performing research, behavioral health, creative, and leadership functions in their daily lives but have never had those experiences named, structured, or connected to a formal pathway. The Founding Research Associate role exists to: Recognize those capacities Develop them through structured practice Translate them into research, media, workforce, and creative contributions Role Purpose The Founding Research Associate contributes to the development of a new research and application ecosystem that integrates: Behavioral health workforce development Community-based knowledge creation Media and publication Creative expression Applied purpose science This role supports the expansion of the Naming Gap framework, the Voice Up system, and the Make the Difference Network across institutions, communities, and populations. Entry Pathway All Founding Research Associates begin through a: Voice Up Internship The internship serves as the entry point into the research ecosystem, where participants: Identify and name their lived experiences Engage in structured reflection and inquiry Develop practice-based skills Participate in collaborative learning environments Core Responsibilities 1. Research Participation Engage in inquiry-based activities related to: Behavioral health Workforce pathways Purpose development Community systems Contribute to: Qualitative insights Structured reflections Emerging research questions 2. Practice-Based Development Participate in: Weekly practice sessions Guided reflection exercises Peer feedback and collaboration Develop competencies in: Critical thinking Communication Applied learning 3. Media & Publication Contribution Contribute to quarterly community publications (Elementary through Adult) Produce: Written reflections Research-informed content Creative work (optional but encouraged) Engage in: Drafting Revision cycles Peer review 4. Creative & Applied Expression Translate ideas into: Storytelling Visual or digital content Community-facing outputs Connect lived experience to: Broader themes Social impact Behavioral health awareness 5. Workforce Exploration Explore nonclinical behavioral health roles such as: Community Health Worker Peer Support Specialist Health Educator Program Facilitator Develop: Career awareness Pathway clarity Action-oriented goals 6. Community & Network Engagement Participate in: Group sessions Collaborative projects Community discussions Contribute to: A culture of belonging Shared learning Collective growth Developmental Framework The Founding Research Associate progresses through the following stages: Stage 1: Recognition Identify existing experiences and skills Understand the Naming Gap Stage 2: Practice Engage in structured learning and participation Develop foundational competencies Stage 3: Contribution Produce research, media, or creative outputs Participate in publication cycles Stage 4: Application Connect work to workforce pathways Engage in real-world opportunities Stage 5: Leadership (Optional Advanced Stage) Mentor new participants Lead projects or publications Contribute to system design Qualifications (Non-Traditional) This role is intentionally designed to be inclusive. Required: Willingness to participate Openness to reflection and growth Commitment to consistent engagement Not Required: Prior research experience Formal credentials Academic background in behavioral health Time Commitment Flexible structu