About the Benefits DataBank
This living resource summarizes evidence that recreation and parks services really do make a difference. Validation is provided for 49 benefits or outcome statements organized around the eight marketing messages listed below. The intent has been to provide you with an invaluable resource for policy development, planning, marketing, program/service development and/or evaluation.
We are in the process of adding facts and trends for each benefit statement to help you make a case for expanding related programs and/or services.
Enter DataBank Here →
Why are we going through all of this again?
Last week I sat down with my colleague and friend, Brenda Herchmer, to develop a draft strategic plan for the National Benefits Portal and Database. (http://benefits.acecommunities.ca) Upon reflection, it was really a framework for how we might lead or encourage our field (and others) to move beyond the hard copy catalogue of 1997 to a fully engaged and empowered Benefits Movement.
Ouch! This was no small task for two people on a snowy (May) morning but thankfully this IS our passion and if not us then WHO?
We had both pulled out resources from our files (closets, boxes or whatever) that might hold valuable information for this task. What ensued was a rewarding but also rather frustrating process.
We combed through phenomenal resources and samples of program brochures, communication plans and “how to guides” – all that had been created specifically to encourage the use of the benefits research in bettering our services and positioning our field. We marveled at the talent and were surprised at the staying power of the resources; it was as if they were developed just yesterday – still relevant. We celebrated the work that has been done (both personal and that of our colleagues) but it really begged the question …..
“Why are we going through all this again?”
Maybe the readiness wasn’t there in the 90’s. Maybe people were not desperate enough to change? Did they not see the value, or couldn’t make the time? Maybe the resources were the wrong tools for the job, or perhaps they were difficult to access. I’m sure that there are many reasons and excuses, but the fact is - the Benefits Movement of the 90’s did not reach its full potential!
I think the biggest reason that the benefits movement did not reach its potential was not due to what one individual did or didn’t do. I believe that it is because we lacked the COLLECTIVE WILL– the will to change, the will to show that we CAN be the very best and that we DO change lives.
We change lives - one person at a time, one program at a time, one leader at a time, one community at a time. The benefits movement is not about only preaching what we practice (from the great evidence and statements) but about ensuring our practices reflect what we believe and what we preach.
We are fortunate in 2010 to have technology and resources that can support our collective vision. We have leadership and knowledge and experience. What we need is you – to declare your interest and your will to be a part of the movement. The Benefits Portal can be a vehicle but it takes us all, COLLECTIVELY, to build a movement. Let’s show that we ARE and CAN BE the very best!
Latest Additions to the DataBank
Coming Soon to the Benefits Portal - watch this bulletin for more information
Trends related to the benefits messages and outcome statements
Programming success stories for specific outcomes
New Research
Here are some examples of the latest research added to the catalogue. To see these and more recent additions, go to:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/search.php?=&sortby=Created_on
Thanks to Kelsey Hicks, Creative Cities Network of Canada, for alerting us to new research in the arts and culture sector.
- Associations between sport and screen-entertainment with mental health problems in 5-year-old children.
- The Creative Sector in Kelowna, British Columbia: an economic impact assessment.
- The association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance.
- The Human Relation With Nature and Technological Nature
Progress Report
Since the very successful launch of the Benefits DataBank last fall we have been busy improving and expanding it. Be sure to visit the portal often as it is updated regularly: http://benefits.acecommunities.ca/
USER INTERFACE IMPROVEMENTS
The search criteria have been fine tuned, and you can now sort and print your searches (up to 50 records at a time).
There is an easy way to check for the most recently added research: after doing a search you have several options for sorting - including sorting by the date the record was added - which will display your search with the newly added ones first in the list.
NEW RESEARCH
Many thanks to Agnes Croxford who has, over the past few months, added twenty new research studies in all four categories - personal, social, economic and environmental. Thanks to those who sent in suggestions… keep them coming:
Paul Heintzman, University of Ottawa
Kelsey Hicks, Creative City Network of Canada
Here are a just a few examples to whet your appetite:
Ticket to the Future Phase 1: The Economic Impact of the Arts and Creative Industries in Winnipeg.
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=883_0&category=Economic&sortby=Created_on
The Olympic Effect.
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=875_3&category=Economic&sortby=Created_on
Culture in Montréal: Economic Impacts and Private Funding.
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=872_4&category=Economic&sortby=Created_on
The contribution of music to quality of life in older people: an Australian qualitative study
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=890_1&category=Personal&sortby=Created_on
The Spiritual Benefits of Leisure
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=889_4&category=Personal&sortby=Created_on
A Miracle in the Outfield: The Benefits of Participation in Organized Baseball Leagues for Children with Mental and Physical Disabilities.
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=884_6&category=Personal&sortby=Created_on
Active Transportation for America: The Case for Increased Federal Investment in Bicycling and Walking
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=869_1&category=Environmental&sortby=Created_on
Reaching Our Potential - Individually and Collectively
I have always believed in the potential of Recreation and Parks to do great things. Defining my role (or contribution) to the success of our field has been a lifelong journey.
I have always tried to keep my eyes wide, my mind open, and my brain engaged. I was blessed (or cursed) with the innate need to ask “why”.
As a teen I remember a teacher lamenting as he spoke to me in class one day. “Can’t you just accept things for what they are? Do you always have to ask why?”. I was baffled…. of course I have to ask why, its only natural (or so I thought).
I have always wanted to know why! I want to understand. I want to make meaning of things around me. I have learned that asking “why” is my calling. This is what led me into the world of outcomes and benefits.
Why do we run this program? Why do people participate? Why would someone want to volunteer?
Almost 15 years ago, I had an amazing opportunity through ARPA (Alberta Recreation and Parks Association) to explore my beliefs regarding the recreation field, and to write a guidebook to share these core beliefs and concepts with others. This guidebook was published 14 years ago and I believe is just as relevant and possibly more timely today. Perhaps there is a readiness as Dr. Jennifer James said at our conference, to feed the souls of those who are safe and secure but looking for something more. Perhaps now is the time when others will see the value of Recreation and Parks and all the great things that it can do.
What a perfect time to be launching the new on-line Benefits DataBank. Over 700 studies evidence the value that Recreation, Parks, Sport, Arts, Culture and Heritage have the potential to deliver. The key here is that they outline the value that CAN be delivered. The key to ensuring that the potential is reached is YOU. I encourage you to rethink the delivery of these many benefits and consider the role that you can play.
This is a resource that will be key in helping us reach our potential as a field - individually and collectively!
Carol Petersen
