Submission Guidelines

Empirical studies of community-engaged learning in higher education. Methodologies may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, and may examine theoretical, conceptual, and/or practical approaches to community engagement. Research articles advance knowledge in the SLCE field by providing systematic inquiry that produces new understanding and offers clear interventions in interdisciplinary scholarship. We especially encourage submissions from emerging scholars, students, and community-based researchers whose work pushes the field forward in innovative ways.

Successful research articles will:

• Provide a thorough, current literature review that identifies the gap your study addresses
• Clearly articulate research questions and theoretical framework
• Describe methodology, participants, data sources, and analysis methods in detail
• Present findings with clear reasoning linking conclusions to evidence
• Discuss implications for practice, policy, and/or future research
• Address study limitations transparently
• Offer best practices or lessons learned applicable to diverse contexts
• Indicate IRB approval was secured, if applicable (or explain why not required)
• Up to 8,000 words
• Up to 5,000 words for student and community partner submissions

We welcome creative expressions that illuminate the complexities, joys, and challenges of service-learning and community engagement. Submissions may include creative nonfiction, poetry, visual art, photography, short documentary films, podcasts, and other multimodal formats that capture authentic experiences and foster empathy across difference. Creative works should demonstrate how artistic practice intersects with civic engagement, revealing truths that traditional scholarship alone cannot convey. We encourage submissions from community members, students, and practitioners whose creative voices expand our understanding of partnership, transformation, and social change.

Successful creative submissions will:

• Demonstrate how artistic practice intersects with civic engagement and community partnership
• Move beyond solo artist documentation to evidence genuine collaboration and dialogue
• Use the creative medium skillfully (e.g., attention to color, form, composition, narrative structure)
• Include a written reflection or artist statement (500 words maximum) that provides context: who you are, who your partners are, what the project is/was, and how you worked together
• Be accompanied by brief captions or descriptions that orient viewers/listeners
• Expand understanding of collaboration, reciprocity, mutual respect, or transformative learning
• Up to 5,000 words, 5 image files, or 20 minutes of media
• Up to 3,000 words, 3 images, or 10 minutes for student and community partner submissions

A critical analysis of community-engaged project(s) and/or program(s) in the nonprofit sector and/or SLCE field that offers practical insights for replication, adaptation, or avoiding pitfalls. Case studies should move beyond description to examine the theoretical frameworks, partnership dynamics, outcomes, and lessons learned from specific initiatives. These narratives contextualize challenges and successes within broader SLCE scholarship, providing actionable knowledge for practitioners, administrators, and community partners seeking to develop or strengthen their own programs. Co-authored submissions with community partners are especially encouraged and valued. Case studies examining early-stage initiatives with preliminary findings are welcome if they include clear plans for ongoing evaluation and long-term study.

Successful case studies will:

• Situate the project within relevant theoretical frameworks and existing literature
• Describe the context: the community need, partnership formation, and project goals
• Detail the implementation process, including timeline, participants, and activities
• Analyze partnership dynamics, decision-making processes, and power-sharing practices
• Present evidence of outcomes and impact (for community, students, faculty, institution)
• Critically examine challenges, tensions, and lessons learned
• Offer actionable recommendations for practitioners and program developers
• Address sustainability and long-term implications
• Up to 3,000 words
• Up to 1,500 words for student and community partner submissions

An analytical essay that explores a community-engaged experience through the lens of critical inquiry. Critical reflections move beyond personal narrative to interrogate underlying assumptions about power, privilege, reciprocity, and social justice within SLCE practice. These pieces should provide evidence to contextualize the learning process, examine systemic issues that shape community-campus partnerships, and assess impact on both the writer and the broader community. We welcome reflections that grapple with failure, ambiguity, and the messy realities of authentic collaboration, as well as those that celebrate transformative breakthroughs in understanding.

Successful critical reflections will:

• Ground reflection in SLCE scholarship and relevant theoretical frameworks
• Provide sufficient context and evidence to support analytical claims
• Examine the moral, ethical, philosophical, and epistemological questions confronting practitioners
• Critically analyze how the experience challenged or reinforced assumptions, values, and beliefs
• Interrogate systemic issues, structural inequities, and power dynamics
• Assess impact on both the writer and the broader community
• Address what the experience reveals about building authentic, equitable partnerships
• Grapple honestly with complexity, ambiguity, failure, and the messy realities of collaboration
• Up to 3,000 words
• Up to 1,500 words for student and community partner submissions

Reviews of recent publications (within the past five years) in the SLCE field that not only describe a work’s content and approach but also examine its contributions to pedagogy, practice, policy, and scholarship. Book reviews should position the text within current conversations in the field, analyze its methodology or arguments, clarify its intended audience, and assess how it expands or challenges existing knowledge. Reviews should help readers determine the book’s relevance to their own work while contributing to the broader scholarly dialogue about what constitutes impactful, equitable community engagement. Book reviews should showcase excellent, accessible writing that serves practitioners and scholars across diverse contexts.

Successful book reviews will:

• Align with the themes and scope of Catalyst, advancing understanding of community engagement as rigorous scholarship
• Describe the book’s content, philosophy, framework, and main arguments
• Provide context about the author(s)’ background and expertise in the subject matter
• For edited collections, identify important themes and key chapters that address them
• Critically examine the evidence, methodology, and appropriateness of approach
• Identify primary and secondary audiences who would benefit from the work
• Analyze how the book expands upon or challenges existing SLCE literature
• Compare the work to similar scholarship in the field
• Offer concrete implications for practice, research, management, or policy
• Assess both strengths and constructive areas for improvement
• Make a valuable contribution to scholarly dialogue in its own right
• Up to 1,500 words
• Up to 1,000 words for student and community partner submissions

A comprehensive narrative overview designed as an essential exploratory resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and address the unique needs and assets of specific organizations or communities. These profiles offer a contextual snapshot highlighting key demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, the social issues being addressed, community strengths and resources, and the organization’s approach to partnership and engagement. Community partner profiles should center community voice and knowledge, illuminating what makes this organization or community distinctive and what others can learn from their experience and expertise. We actively encourage community-based practitioners and nonprofit staff to submit to this section. If you are a community member submitting for the first time to an academic journal, we are happy to offer mentorship and support throughout the process. Co-authored pieces involving multiple community stakeholders are especially welcome.

Successful community partner profiles will:

• Provide contextual snapshot of the organization/community: demographics, geography, history
• Highlight community assets, strengths, and resources (not just needs or deficits)
• Describe the social issues being addressed and why this work matters
• Explain the organization’s approach to partnership, collaboration, and community engagement
• Share the organization’s values, philosophy, and theory of change
• Draw on community literacy and engagement scholarship, though extended literature reviews are not required
• Illuminate what makes this organization/community distinctive
• Offer insights and lessons that others can learn from their experience and expertise
• Include voices of community members when possible
• Up to 1,500 words
• Up to 1,000 words for student and community partner submissions

A collaborative product that actively involves community members in identifying, addressing, and solving local challenges. These multimodal submissions document projects that foster mutual learning and knowledge exchange between academic institutions and community organizations, with emphasis on real-world impact. Projects should integrate service-learning, research, and action to promote community empowerment, social justice, and sustainable change. Submissions in this category are typically co-created and may take diverse formats—including multimedia presentations, interactive timelines, digital storytelling, or other innovative forms that best represent the collaborative nature and outcomes of the work. We welcome teams that include students, community partners, faculty, staff, and community organization members. Contact the Managing Editor (catalystjournal@wfu.edu) early in your process to discuss submission parameters, technical requirements, and how to best present your work.

Successful community-engaged project submissions will:

• Use innovative formats that best represent the collaborative nature and outcomes of the work
• Demonstrate genuine collaboration with community as co-creators, not just subjects or beneficiaries
• Document the partnership process: how it formed, how it operates, what each partner gives and receives
• Explain goals for community, students (if applicable), faculty (if applicable), and institution
• Show evidence of mutual learning and reciprocal benefit
• Present outcomes and impact with appropriate assessment or evaluation
• Address how the project promotes community empowerment, social justice, and/or sustainable change
• Reflect on challenges, lessons learned, and plans for sustainability