The Journal on Community Strategies (JCS) is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to advancing the theory, research, and practice of place-based strategies that foster equity, community engagement, and systems-level change. Rooted in the mission of equipping organizations and communities with research-driven insights, JCS serves as a platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to share knowledge that supports sustainable, locally grounded, and participatory approaches to education, workforce development, and community well-being.

JCS publishes innovative, applied, and empirical work that deepens understanding of how communities—especially those historically under-resourced—can be empowered through strategic planning, evaluation, leadership development, and capacity-building. We are particularly interested in contributions that bridge gaps between research, policy, and practice and that highlight the complex interplay between local knowledge, institutional action, and community voice.

The journal welcomes a wide range of methodological approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and participatory research. We also invite thought-provoking conceptual papers, case studies, and practice-based reflections that challenge dominant paradigms and uplift equity-centered, community-informed models of change.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Community-driven evaluation and strategic planning

• Place-based and participatory approaches to systems change

• Youth engagement and opportunity development

• Research use and evidence-informed decision-making

• Cross-sector collaboration in education, health, housing, or workforce systems

• Thought partnership and organizational capacity building

• Culturally responsive and equity-centered program design

• Innovative frameworks for measuring social impact and systemic transformation

JCS is committed to democratizing knowledge and amplifying voices from within communities. We aim to serve as a bridge between the academy and the field, advancing the co-creation of strategies that enable stronger, more stable, and more just futures.

EDITORS

• DaVonti’ DeAngelo Haynes, PhD, MS, MSW
  Associate Professor
  Wayne State University | School of Social Work
  Detroit, Michigan

• Michelle Krehbiel, PhD
  Youth Development Specialist and Associate Professor
  University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
  Lincoln, Nebraska

EDITORIAL AND REVIEW BOARD

• Carlos Anguiano PhD
  Community Science

• Danielle Gilmore PhD, MPA
  BoardSource

• Raven Lynch PhD, MSW
  The Ohio State University | College of Social Work

• Jeremiah S. Lawson, PhD
  Caltrans

• Alyssa Rockers, PhD
  Iowa State University | Agricultural Education and Studies

As part of Re/val Strategies, the Journal on Community Strategies (JCS) envision a world where every organization and community has access to the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to drive lasting and impactful change.

JCS is therefore an open access journal committed to the belief that knowledge and strategies should be freely accessible to all, especially to the communities, practitioners, and organizations whose lived experience and realities impacts (or can be impacted by) the research we publish.

Article Publishing Charge
There is no fee associated with submitting and publishing to JCS.

Print ISSN: 1070-5422 | Online ISSN: 1543-3706

Re/val Strategies and the Journal on Community Strategies (JCS) make every effort to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and quality of the content published in the journal. However, neither Re/val Strategies, the editorial and review board (including editors, editorial board members, or guest editors), nor any affiliated partners, contributors, or advertisers make any guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any content published.

All opinions and views expressed in JCS are solely those of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Re/val Strategies, the editorial and review board, or its affiliates.

As with all data and information, readers are encouraged to independently verify any information, data, or conclusions presented in the journal using original sources and professional judgment.

Re/val Strategies shall not be held liable for any loss, action, claim, cost, damage, or other liability arising (directly or indirectly) from the use of, reliance upon, or interpretation of any material published in JCS.

By accessing or using any content published in JCS, you agree to these terms and acknowledge your responsibility to evaluate and verify the appropriateness of the content for your particular use.

Terms & Conditions

The Journal on Community Strategies (JCS) accepts a limited number of advertisements to support the accessibility and sustainability of our community and open access model.

All advertising request are handled on a case-by-case basis, taking into account alignment with JCS and Re/val Strategies mission, aims, and audience; as well as the content of the journal issue.

Please note: not all issues or publications of JCS will contain advertisements, and we reserve the right to decline any advertisement that does not meet our standards for relevance, quality, or alignment.

Acceptance of any advertisement does not imply endorsement by JCS or Re/val Strategies.

For advertising inquiries, including rates, specifications, and approval timelines, please contact our advertising team at contact@revalstrategies.com