Social and Economic Inclusion

Time

Groups

Topic/theme/questions

10

All

Exercise: Introduce yourself to at least two other people you do not know. Youth should approach seniors and seniors should approach youth. Possible questions to ask: What makes Elgin a great place to live?

10

All

Brief introduction to why we are here: theme of inclusion/exclusion; to create a pool of resources; to learn how to improve inclusion in order to make Elgin a great place to live.

5

Break into 2 groups: 1 youth group; 1 seniors group

20

In each group

Read narrative and discuss: How does it make you feel? What does it
mean to you? What is your response?

40

In each group

Open discussion: be creative

Possible questions:

* What do you contribute (skills, interests, actions) to making [here] a good place to live?
* Youth: what do other youth contribute?
* Seniors: what do other seniors contribute?
* Is there a significant difference between rural/urban experiences? If so, what is the difference?
* How independent/dependent are youth & seniors? What are the factors that influence this (e.g., health, social support, status)?
* How do you connect with others (friends, family, recreational, social)?
* Do you feel a sense of belonging? How so? (Try to determine personal capacity (e.g., identity strength) versus community capacity (e.g., decision-making that involves seniors & youth, civic participation))
* What about closures, rules, public spaces?

20

In each group

Closing discussion:

Possible questions:

* What do you think about the narrative now?
* Do you think [here] is a place where everyone (who so wishes) is included/participates/involved?
* Ask youth: what do seniors contribute?
* Ask seniors: what do youth contribute?

10 break

Reconvene as one group. Service providers are invited to listen to the final group discussions.

10

All

One person (facilitator/recorder?) presents summary of discussion for
group. Can use a chart of key words under three headings: narrative (negative); assets (positive); other group’s assets

20

All

Open discussion: What do you think?

5

All

Close by discussing what’s next
Thank you.