A Community Development Approach:

Participatory Action Research with Six English-Speaking Communities in

Quebec

Mary Richardson, INSPQ

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Why: An invitation…

To step back from the NPI and take a broader look at a community

beyond health beyond programs beyond what we already know

To embark on a process that puts us in contact with many different segments of the community

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What is meant by community development?“… a voluntary cooperative process of mutual assistance and of building social ties between local residents and institutions, with the goal being to improve physical, social, and economic living conditions.” INSPQ and MSSS, 2002

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Why is the public health sector concerned with community development? Physical and social environments are among the main

determinants of health There are major differences between communities in

terms of health, well-being, and quality of life Individuals and communities can help to reduce

inequalities

50%

25%

15%10%

Health determinantsSocial & Économique Soins santéBiologique et génétique Environnement physique

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The INSPQ-CHSSN community development priority

Three phases:1. Develop a better understanding of English-

speaking communities in Quebec

2. Develop tools for engaging English-speaking communities

3. Support English-speaking communities in applying community development initiatives

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Objectives of Portraits

For research To develop an in-depth understanding of several English-

speaking communities in Quebec

For the community To identify the key issues for the community To determine the interests of the various stakeholders To find an idea that will bring people together

(engagement) To form a working group To develop relevant local projects

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The Approach

Community-based participatory action research

Centred on the community(village, neighbourhood, community of identity)

Involves community members in the process

Aims to inform action: future directions for policy, programs,

and projects

Involves the systematic collection of information

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Premises

The community is the expert on itself Participants develop knowledge, the ability to

think critically, and a culture of learning Communities develop and identify local solutions This approach supports the empowerment of

individuals and communities

Community portrait process: 1

STEP 1: Gather quantitative data on the community (statistics)

• population

• economy• socio-economic indicators• environment• health status…

* This could be done collectively and used to launch the community forum

 

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Community portrait process: 2

STEP 2: Gather qualitative information on the community via a community forum

A broad range of community members discuss their appreciation of:

• the environment • social and community life

• the economy• policies• personal health and well-being• VISION FOR THE FUTURE

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Community portrait process: 3

STEP 3: Gather other information, according to interest and resources

• Community history, stories, photographs…• Built environment analysis• Mapping• Individual or group interviews on specific themes• Photo essay• School survey and kids’ perspectives• Storytelling

* This can enrich the portrait and mobilize people.

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Community portrait process: 4

Step 4: Produce a summary of the community portrait

• Include key statistics• Summarize the information for each theme

from the forum• Present it attractively on just a few pages

• Include photos, maps or other visuals

* This can be used to present to potential partners, to stimulate discussion, to apply for funding, etc… a sort of calling card!

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Community portrait process: 5

STEP 5: Get feedback on the portrait• Present the portrait at a second community

gathering to get feedback on the results of the process.

• Do people recognize themselves in it?

• What else do we want to know?

• How do we want to use this information?• Identify priorities or an issue to address…

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Follow-Up

Where does this portrait lead? Research projects to better understand a specific issue? Development of a local project? Action plan? Continuing the conversation between members of the

community? And more…

Extend the process to other communities or NPIs

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Benefits for your network

Opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge of a community in your network (complement what you already know)

Experiment with different approaches to doing a community portrait

Bring together formal and informal knowledge, qualitative and quantitative information to describe the community

Highlight the capacities and potential of the community as well as challenges and issues for developing future projects

Support in designing an action plan +/or community development projects

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Benefits for the community

Network with different people and organizations Learn about different facets of the community Mobilize people with interest and enthusiasm Define assets, issues, ideas from the inside Complement existing information Can lead to projects that are locally relevant and

based on people’s ideas and interests for addressing issues…

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Thank you!