About the Benefits Catalogue
This living resource summarizes evidence that our 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 Catalogue here!
Latest Additons to the Catalogue
Here are some examples of the latest research added to the catalogue.
Effects of Outdoor Education Programs for Children in California
Environmental Benefits:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=906
Personal Benefits:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=907
Social Benefits:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=908
Quality of Life and Identity: The Benefits of a Community-Based Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Sports Program
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=903
Economic Contribution of the Culture Sector to Canada’s Provinces
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=904
More than a Game: The Effect of Ice Hockey on Girls’ Physical, Intellectual, and Social Development
Personal Benefits:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=896
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=897
Social Benefits:
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=898
Sport as a Post-Disaster Psychosocial Intervention in Bam, Iran
http://benefitsdb.acecommunities.ca/detail.php?detail=900
Progress Report
Since the very successful launch of the Benefits Catalogue 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
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 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 13 years ago and I believe is just as relevant and possibly more timely today. Perhaps there is a readiness as Dr. Jennifer James said 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 Catalogue. 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 ethink the delivery of these many benefits and consider the role that you can play.
This is a resource that will help us reach our potential as a field - individually and collectively!
Carol Petersen
