Member Melinda
MemberForum Replies Created
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Does your youth program have an inventory of all the program data it collects (example include registration form)? If yes, how you did your program create this inventory and what are ways you use it in your program evaluation? If no, what would help your program to create a data inventory?
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WhaWhat data do you already collect as part of your program? What data could you be collecting that you are not currently collecting?
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What is a challenge with program evaluation that participants in the Beyond Measure study described similar to your youth program/organization’s experiences? What are some ways to respond to this challenge?
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Ethically sound evaluation requires youth participants to make an informed decision whether they want to participate in the evaluation or not.
What are good practices for making sure that youth can make an informed decision about participating in an evaluation of a youth program? Any challenges respecting ethical principles such as confidentiality and anonymity in evaluations that include youth?
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Program Evaluation is like writing a recipe for your favourite dish. It helps us to describe the ‘critical ingredients’ of your youth program. Process evaluation helps to identify your program’s activities (recipe) that makes your program what it is it.
What is your youth program’s “recipe”? What are the key components (activities / interventions)?
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Ethically sound evaluation requires youth participants to make an informed decision whether they want to participate in the evaluation or not.
What are good practices for making sure that youth can make an informed decision about participating in an evaluation of a youth program? Any challenges respecting ethical principles such as confidentiality and anonymity in evaluations that include youth?
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September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month.
FASD Ontario provides up-to-date information on FASD, including services and supports, resources, and training opportunities across the province.
They have also launched a FREE online Service Provider Training — for providers across all sectors — that offers strategies to support individuals and families, including the latest research and evidence-based interventions taught by leading experts, including those with lived experience. Learners who complete the course content will receive a certificate of completion. Learn more on their website.
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I think that what is most important is that ABR work is not a “one and done deal”, we have to ensure that we are consistently working from an ABR lens and from a responsive not a reactive stance. I found this final unit great at connecting the importance of data to the work we do and outcomes. It is not enough to collect data but we must be used to inform change and long-lasting change.
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Thanks for your thoughts….you raised really good points about fairness and justice in that answer.
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That is such an important part of what we all need to advocate for going forward in our work. Thanks for sharing.
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I think what is important to me is to do critical appraisal and self reflection every day to make sure I am actively working to improve the life of the people and communities I serve. So asking those tough questions about how are we, as an organization, and how I, as a provider, striving to make transformation happen. And centering Black youth, their families and their communities at the heart of my work, striving to listen, learn, partner, advocate and empower every single day.
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I think a collaborative effort between health, justice, education sectors, etc. needs to holistically work with Black youth and their families and communities to envision a new outlook on programs and services. Rather than telling them what they need, or pointing out weakness and faults, it would start with a conversation, listening and learning from the individuals and the communities themselves, to revision the work that needs to be done. I think the course title says it all – we need to centre Black youth, families and communities in these conversations and begin to heal the effects of racism and colonialism that have impacted them for centuries. Let them guide the work that they feel needs to be done, and then shape all the programming and services around that discussion and direction.
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Hi Victoria, I agree with what you have said. A lot has to do with taking the time to reflect on our own biases that may exist and find ways to learn more about how to help those around us. If we want real change, we have to do our own part so that collectively we are moving towards ending this problem.
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Some of our bias may be sub-conscious, in the sense that until we are in a situation or learn new perspectives, we may not be aware of this bias.
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Increased leadership involvement in various youth sectors (Justice, Protection, etc) by Black youth/adults who have been through these systems.
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One simple thing I can do is actively listen to Black youth while consciously addressing any subjective understandings or conceptions I may have about the experiences that are being shared.
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Hi Tyler, I agree. I think it’s super important to actively listen and actually provide those opportunities on a regular basis to express experiences, ideas, thoughts, etc. We can integrate these opportunities into our programming in ways that our children and youth feel safe to share. We can also provide the appropriate support and resources that children and youth might need for their positive mental/physical/emotional wellbeing.
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I believe anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because:
(1) A lack of consistent, updated, and publicly available data creates a context where the Government does not have to hold itself accountable, and makes it difficult for the public to hold it accountable as well as persuade a society rooted in xenophobia
(2) It’s very easy for people to become so caught up in their own problems within a neoliberal society that they don’t consider marginalized perspectives.
(3) Unconscious bias needs to be more widely recognized and addressed purposively -
I feel strongly that I need to continue educating myself on AOP and anti-racist therapy. I am a social worker so reflection and reflexivity are things I do already. I think learning how to be more reflexive is going to make a difference in my work with these youth.
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As a Black youth myself, I can start by speaking up in situations that make me uncomfortable and bringing Black issues to the forefront whenever possible, mainly by adapting mainstream conceptions of youth issues to center Black youth perspectives and experiences. I can also make my Black colleagues at school and work feel seen by openly uniting with them in solidarity and upliftment, and making sure that they always have a seat at the table.
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Including black youth and families voices in planning and well as a continued commitment to reviews and updates including black youth and families.
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My goal for my agency and programs would be to use the research findings to adapt our programs to better support youth and their families. I also agree with a few people that have also spoke about unlearning’s that need to take place so I would use the research finding to further educate myself and commit to continued learning.
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I believe anti-black racism in still a problem in Ontario for many reasons. I think part of the problem is lack of responsibility, lack of self reflection as well as lack of understanding. I learned so much during these modules even though I came into this thinking I had a decent understanding of anti-black racisms.
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My goal is continue reviewing and evaluating my personal interactions with Black youth as well as my program. This includes barrier to entry, understanding of Black youth wellbeing and considering external factors for black youth (including community, previous interactions with pervious supports, etc.)
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All of the points you made were excellent. We would all benefit from an inclusive, open and honest society that points out the truth, not just what we want to sugarcoat or gloss over. In fact, I might add that it’s the adults who need this education more than children, who often are leaders in what it means to be a loving and just society. Thanks for your amazing response.
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Absolutely agree with both of you!
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Double yes to all that you just said.
Shelly
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I totally agree with you Jenny….put the youth in control of the conversation and watch transformation guide the changes that need to be made for these individuals, families and communities.
Shelly
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Love the points mentioned here! It is our duty to provide children and youth with a safe and inclusive space to share their experiences, celebrate their successes and have a sense of belonging. We should really get to know each and every individual so we are able to provide them with the resources and tools they need to achieve their goals in life.
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Very true Raven. Our voices need to be in spaces serving our community.
