Academic scholars have the power to frame critical societal issues, to name social or environmental problems and to propose solutions to those problems in the communities we study. Ethical research requires that we transform our methodologies to reflect an equitable and dialogic relationship between the academy and oppressed communities. Renegotiating this power dynamic begins when we acknowledge in-equitable power relations between the communities we wish to work with and ourselves; build trust by participating in service to the community outside of our academic roles; and learn to listen as communities define the most pressing problems they face. True dialogue can only be achieved when we have created structures that allow communities a measure of control over the research agenda and the process itself.