Bringing it all together – case study 2

Action Research cycle and how the learnings were shared with a wider audience

Colony 47 NAYSS recognised the self identified need of newly arrived families and communities for information and education around parenting and family relationships in Australia. Through Action Research cycles they documented that outcomes for their core client group, newly arrived young people, are greatly enhanced when their parents are informed and engaged with the new lives of their children.

On 22 November 2007, Relationships Australia Tasmania, Colony 47 and a Steering Committee, including representatives from African Australian communities organised a one-day forum, Strengthening Families In a New Country. The forum was designed to explore family relationships in Australia with new arrivals from Africa and was attended by approximately 200 people, predominantly African Australians and some service providers.

Through Action Research, Colony 47 NAYSS decided to work with a group of African Australian young people to put on a presentation at the forum, titles ‘UNITY UNITED’.

‘UNITY UNITED’ was a movement/dance piece where the young people shared their experiences, insights, perspectives and hopes for the future. Now ‘UNITY UNITED’ is also a documentary film.

The first Action Research cycle on this project is documented in the following table.  This clearly identifies the question being investigated, as well as recording the key findings of each phase.  In addition to the written report, Colony 47 NAYSS produced a DVD that demonstrates elements of the process, such as people talking about their experiences and observations, reflecting on these experiences and suggesting changes to improve the situation for others in similar circumstances.  The DVD also demonstrates stakeholder involvement.  The DVD, along with the written documentation, is one method of sharing findings with stakeholders and other services more widely. 

QuestionWhat would it take for representatives from the NAYSS client group to have their voices heard by their communities?
Observe
  • Engagement with clients and stakeholders has identified that there are few, if any, mediums for the NAYSS client group to be heard by their own communities.
  • Acculturation for communities to this new society involves promoting the empowerment of individuals and their right to self-expression for not only individual health but for the health and evolution of the whole community.
Reflect
  • For newly arrived young people to successfully settle, they need to feel like they belong and have a positive sense of contribution to the community.
  • For human rights to be upheld, we need to foster and nurture processes for newly arrived communities to hear the voices of their young people and understand their strengths, issues and perspectives.
Plan
  • Include reflections and learnings from previous Action Research projects.
  • Research what has been implemented in other parts of Australia.
  • Negotiate with key stakeholders to ensure communication and support.
  • Develop a process which authentically engages young people from the client group to share and devise a presentation for their wider communities. 
Act
  • Engaging a young person as project officer to co-coordinate the project.
  • Present at a local college with a large number of new arrival students to explain project and gauge interest.
  • Workshop sessions and rehearsals with participants.
  • Development of a presentation which highlights the stories, experiences, perspectives and issues of the young participants.
  • Present at the Strengthening Families in a New Country forum.
  • Ongoing evaulation as project evolves and continues.


 

This page is part of: Reconnect Action Research Induction Kit

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DSS2744 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/2744