In 2009, Vancouver Foundation took part in the Vital Signs initiative, but we tried something different.
Many of the young people involved in our organization were interested in Vital Signs, but felt it didn't accurately represent their perceptions, and their experience of life in Vancouver. They wanted something that had more of a youth perspective. So, for the first time, we supported a Vital Signs that was specifically designed for, and by, young people.
Youth Vital Signs (YVS) was a year-long, youth-driven research and public opinion initiative that gave a fresh voice to Vancouver youth aged 15 to 24.
We captured the experiences of Vancouver youth through a public survey and a separate mobile text survey. We also analyzed census data and gathered youth stories.
The results of YVS were markedly different from the ‘typical’ Vital Signs in some cases, and in others, remarkably similar. One thing that stood out was young people’s enthusiasm at being consulted – 1,700 filled out the on-line survey or a hard copy version, and 3,000 responded to the text survey.
Many of their answers showed that they were far more optimistic about the future than adults in some ways, and in others, far more pessimistic. They brought up different concerns -- especially around personal safety and the environment.
For highlights, or more detail, you can see the whole Youth Vital Signs report at www.youthvitalsigns.ca
We learned many things through this process. We learned that youth have strong opinions, good ideas and a concern for the future of their community. We learned that there are many decision-makers who want to know how youth experience the world, and are willing to provide support and resources to make sure youth are heard.
We also learned that if we want to reach youth, we need to use their tools. Most polling companies don’t include people under 18 in their polls. Even if they did, it might not be effective, as many young people use cell phones rather than land lines. This means that youth are not usually included in the traditional public opinion research that is used to shape policy and investment decisions.
To overcome this, the YVS project contacted a local leader in powering mobile communities and wireless social networking. The company issued a five-question poll by text message to its 15- 24-year-old clients, with dramatic results -- 3,000 replies were received in a single day.
While the results of this kind of poll are not statistically valid (because it’s not a random sample) the response rate was huge and fast. It showed that youth are willing to share their opinions and can be reached very quickly, if you use their preferred communication tools.
At Vancouver Foundation, we learned that, if we are serious about our concern for the world we leave our children, we should ask them what kind of world they want.
Youth Vital Signs survey showed us that -- whether they are part of an ethnic minority; gay or straight; a new immigrant or someone who has lived here their entire life; whether they live with their parents or in foster care – young people all want a roof over their head, safety on the streets, equal opportunities for education, a green and livable city, and a voice on the future of their community.
(* thanks to Lynne Slotek and her blog entry of October 15 for the paraphrased title).
No comments:
Post a Comment