Social Media Tools for Work & Learning

HIV, Housing AND Health in Ontario a Community Based Research Initiative

December 3rd, 2009

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James Watson, Peer Research Assistant and Dr. Sean Rourke gave a wonderful presentation on their research project at the World Aids Day event sponsored by the Aids Committee of York Region.

I recorded Jame’s presentation as I was very interested in hearing from a person with lived experience speak about their participation in a community based research project. A few years ago, I co-managed a community based research project. We had 46 youth take on the role of youth researchers, examining youth poverty in York Region from a young persons perspective. Since then I continue to seek out learning opportunities related to community based research. If you are interested in learning more about community based research, the Wellesley Institute in Toronto offers in-depth training and workshops.

Jame’s talk was outstanding. He spoke so genuinely, honestly and expertly about his work and the special talents that he brought to the research project. I especially appreciated, as did other in attendance, his account of how taking on the role of Peer Research Assistant transformed his life, his sense of purpose and career direction.

Dr. Sean Rourke spoke very succinctly about community based research from his perspective. There is no doubt this report is a benchmark example of the potency of Community Based Research.

The full report can be accessed through the Positive Spaces, Healthy Places web site. This report is a great example of the benefits of community based research as a means to bring about change on the policy, service, practitioner and consumer levels.

James Watson – Peer Research Assistant, Community Based Research from Brent MacKinnon on Vimeo.

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