Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future
This section summarizes and synthesizes the many comments, suggestions, and ideas that have been put forward by participants, Steering Committee members and other people involved in the process of bringing From the Ground Up to fruition. The focus for this section is on recommendations for the entire project, and not on the different events or parts of the project.
As can be seen from the evaluation forms (Appendices F and J) and the comments we received after the events (appendix K) there was a very positive response to the two main events of FGU. We also received a lot of different suggestions and ideas for improvement especially for the HC Forum. This input is included in the analysis and evaluation of the two events (section 3d and 4e).
We received a positive response from the organizers of the events affiliated with FGU (see Section 2b). Although the weekend of the HC forum was incredibly busy all of the workshops and events were very well attended and a number of people managed to attend several events. It made a lot of sense to promote these events together, as Healthy Community initiatives. One of the suggestions for change on this was that we create separate pamphlets or flyers for the FGU events. Although there were e-mails and phone calls made focussing on the Facilitation Training and the Forum, the one pamphlet that we created (and therefore what most people in the community saw, either by picking them up, through the mail and from faxes) had all the events listed on it and this meant that there was some confusion around the events.
We received some constructive suggestions during the events, however much of the suggestions for the future have come from comments made by a few participants and from the members of the Steering Committee some time after the events. They include:
- Organize regular events (a monthly or quarterly roundtable, potluck, or brown bag luncheon where you do a go-round of what’s new, recent accomplishments and inspirations, current challenges (ideas and resources needed). The group could collectively brain storm each person’s situation and come up with moral support and creative suggestions.
- The issue of diversity and accessibility was raised a few times. The two main events were physically accessible and there were a few people in wheelchairs who attended. There was also attendance from a number of people self identifying as currently dealing with (or having dealt with in the past) mental health issues as well as working with groups in this area. Although there were some participants from the GLBT (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgendered) community, there was not much representation from groups working on issues specifically related to this group. The main areas that FGU received criticism on issues of diversity and accessibility were regarding communities of colour and diverse ethno-cultural background (including new immigrant communities), and along class or socio-economic lines.
- It is important to be clearer around what we are doing. For example the pamphlets seemed vague and too broad to a lot of people. Try to start with having a very clear vision and goals.
From all the suggestions received (completed evaluation forms, follow up emails and letters) and the experience of organizing FGU the following recommendations arose from the Steering Committee and the Coordinator:
- Although Jackie put in countless hours and made an amazing number of connections and we ended up having a good turnout, outreach could have been greatly improved.. Starting a well documented and coordinated outreach process that is thorough and clear would ensure greater involvement from the different municipalities in the region (Cambridge and North Dumfries were the least represented at the FGU events), as well as helping to ensure that the barriers stopping individuals and groups in participating are minimized. It would be excellent to initiate outreach for potential future HC event participants much earlier on in the process. Included with this would be better information and idea sharing through in person and/or telephone conversations (to supplement registration forms) so as to create a well thought out program..
- The main areas that FGU received criticism on issues of diversity and accessibility were regarding communities of colour and diverse ethno-cultural background (including new immigrant communities), and along class or socio-economic lines. Inclusiveness and diversity were issues that the Steering Committee and Coordinator were aware of and worked on throughout the process of organizing FGU. It is difficult to make such a broad event accessible and relevant for everyone. There were a number of positive comments around diversity and inclusiveness, as well as a few critical ones (see Appendix G). If these criticisms are taken into account in the future we can only build on the success of FGU. An important part of the HC Forum was the creation of a place for dialogue around diversity in our communities.
- Having an ongoing Committee or Coordinating Group would contribute significantly to following up and building on the work done so far on FGU. It would mean that the relationships, knowledge, connections, and other crucial parts of this type of event are carried forward (we don’t have to continuously reinvent the wheel). This type of group would require commitment and resources. The region and the three cities have shown their commitment to HC (and the townships have shown interest) and might be willing to contribute financially to supporting FGU on an ongoing basis. This support, both financial and political, is an important factor in how successful this project can be (as well as having a significant impact on what direction(s) it will take). It would also be worthwhile to explore other sources of funding. There are a number of individuals and groups that have shown their continuing commitment to this effort, including many of the Steering Committee members and a few of the participants from the events. [At this point it appears that there will be an upcoming meeting to discuss what direction to go in from here. This will include at a minimum: Trudy Beaulne (SPC of K-W), Valerie Gennings (OHCC) and Marc Xeureb (WR Community Health Dept.), Kevin Smith (K-W Solidarity Network)].
- As stated earlier in this report one of the greatest challenges in bringing the HC forum together was in planning the agenda and program for the Saturday portion of the forum. This challenge arose partly because of the nature of trying to balance the maximizing of openness and sharing with the maximizing of resulting partnerships, actions, and effectiveness. However this, and other difficulties, were greatly effected by the lack of a clear decision making process and of clearly defined roles, commitment and vision. This could be greatly improved if these things were brought to the surface early on in the process. It would benefit everyone involved if the commitment and roles of each group and/or individual on the Steering Committee were clearly expressed. It is also important to make decisions in terms of the goals, vision and focus of FGU. This should include decisions on whether there are geographic parameters for FGU (Waterloo Region, Southern Ontario, ...), and if there are specific issues that FGU should be including.
- It was difficult at times for the coordinator to gain a clear vision of the goals of FGU, as well as the necessary tasks to be accomplished for the success of the project. It is important to have clearer direction for the coordinator. One way this could be accomplished is through having a personnel committee, or a liaison, that the coordinator has ongoing contact with.
- Another reason that it is important to have organizations define their roles is in order to have it clearly laid out as to what resources are available for the coordinator. One way that this could be done is by hiring the coordinator directly through a community organization. It would also be beneficial to hire the coordinator earlier in the process. By hiring the coordinator quite late in the process it was difficult for him (me) to put enough time and energy into some important areas, such as media and outreach. It would have also made it easier for the Steering Committee to focus on the big picture instead of spending too much time on the details.
There are many ways to improve on what has been accomplished so far however, From the Ground Up: Building Healthy Communities in the Waterloo Region and Beyond has been a success so far. Many of the participants appeared to be making connections with each other and to be finding ways to view their work as being connected to the endeavours of others who while having similar struggles, are finding ways to create a healthier community. As one participant noted:
You did a remarkable job of pulling things together in a very short time frame. I thought the forum was very worthwhile - really enjoyed the tone of the day and the integrity with which the details fit with the philosophy - i.e. the open forum concept, the skill building component, the organic food, yoga, integrating the arts and making it fun. I particularly appreciated the number of young folk who were involved and the depth of commitment to social justice. Please thank the committee for me for an excellent job.