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Newcomer Girlsand Young Women

On the Move

MAKING SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INCLUSIVEFOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport

and Physical Activitywww.caaws.ca

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport

and Physical Activitywww.caaws.ca

© 2014 Published by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity

All rights reserved. Reproducible for educational purposes. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form for commercial purposes without permission from the authors or the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS).

CAAWS would like to thank the following partner organizations for their support and hard work throughout the project:J ACTIVE Halifax Communities, Nova Scotia J YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaJ City of Ottawa, Ontario J South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre, OntarioJ South Nepean Satellite Community Health Centre, Ottawa, OntarioJ West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, OntarioJ City of Mississauga, OntarioJ COSTI Immigrant Services, Brampton, Ontario J Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, Ontario J London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, OntarioJ Directorat de l’activité sportive du Manitoba, Winnipeg, ManitobaJ Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, ManitobaJ Heart and Stroke Foundation, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan J City of Surrey, British Columbia

WRITTEN BY: Laura Kelly and Sydney Millar

TRANSLATION: Matra gs Translation Services Inc.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Julie Cochrane

Funding for CAAWS’ national Newcomer On the Move project and the production of this resource was provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical ActivityN202–801 King Edward Ave. Ottawa ON K1N 6N5 CanadaTel: 613.562.5667 Fax: 613.562.5668Email: [email protected] Web: www.caaws.ca

Newcomer Girls aNd YouNG womeN On the MOve p 3

Project Background / 5

J National Project Model / 6

J Outcomes and Impact / 11

Case Studies / 13

J ACTIVE Halifax Communities & YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth / 13

J South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre / 17

J South Nepean Satellite Community Health Centre / 20

J West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre / 24

J City of Mississauga / 29

J COSTI Immigrant Services / 33

J Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton / 37

J London Cross Cultural Learner Centre / 40

J Directorat de l’activité sportive du Manitoba / 43

J Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg / 47

J Heart and Stroke Foundation / 51

J City of Surrey / 55

Conclusions and Recommendations / 58 J Recommendations / 59

Appendix A / 62 J Programming 101 – Starting a Newcomer On the Move Program

in Your Community / 62

coNTeNTs


With funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) delivered the national Newcomer On the Move project from 2011-2014. This project was designed to increase capacity at the community and provincial levels to address disparities in the availability and utilization of healthy living programs for newcomer girls and young women (ages 9-18, living in Canada five years or less).

The sharing and dissemination of information is integral to the national Newcomer On the Move project and this resource was created to do just that – to share with a wide audience:

J Important background information about CAAWS and the need for targeted female-only programs;

J The Newcomer On the Move project model and its different components;

J Case studies which detail each host organization’s program and experience; and

J Summary recommendations along with tips to help communities take action.

About CAAWSCAAWS is a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable sport and physical activity system in which girls and women are actively engaged as participants and leaders. CAAWS provides a number of services, programs and resources to a variety of clients, including sport and physical activity organizations, teachers, coaches, health professionals and recreation leaders. Since 1981, CAAWS has worked in close cooperation with government and non-government organizations on activities and initiatives that advocate for positive change for girls and women in sport and physical activity.

On the Move is CAAWS’ national initiative designed to increase opportunities for inactive girls and young women (ages 9-18) to participate and lead in sport and physical activity. On the Move increases awareness about the unique needs, interests, and experiences of girls and young women. Through education, collaboration, and communication, On the Move influences change in the sport,

Project Background


recreation, health, education, and social service sectors to increase gender equity. Since 1994, On the Move has spread throughout the country – successful programs have been run in almost every province and territory. Although the initiative has evolved in many ways, the purpose has remained the same – to increase the participation of girls and young women in sport and physical activity.

Why Target Newcomer Girls and Young Women?Over the years, and across the country, feedback from CAAWS’ On the Move initiative identified newcomer girls and young women as an underserved population. Many service providers reported a lack of awareness about the unique needs, interests, and experiences of this target group and how to engage them in programming. CAAWS took this feedback to heart and set out to work with communities to fill these gaps in knowledge and service.

There are many benefits to participating in sport and physical activity. Involvement in healthy living programs promotes physical and mental health, as well as fun and friendships. For newcomer girls and young women, these programs can also be tools to support the settlement and integration process. Participation provides an opportunity to improve language skills, increase community familiarity, and help participants develop a greater sense of belonging. Despite these benefits, however, complex and multidimensional barriers prevent the participation of many newcomer girls and young women in community-based sport and physical activity. Common barriers include cost; limited support from family and friends; lack of confidence in their skills and abilities; experiences of discrimination; lack of knowledge about program opportunities and/or lack of familiarity with structured program delivery models; and lack of diverse, culturally appropriate program options. For a more comprehensive list and discussion of the barriers that limit the active engagement of girls and women in sport and physical activity in Canada, review CAAWS’ On the Move Handbook and Actively Engaging Women and Girls: Addressing the Psycho-Social Factors, a supplement to Canadian Sport for Life.

To help address these barriers, educate service providers and organizations, and create opportunities for newcomer girls and young women to participate in sport and physical activity, CAAWS created the Newcomer On the Move project. From 2009-2011, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport, CAAWS collaborated with organizations in Ottawa, Brampton, Hamilton and North Bay to develop and deliver healthy living programs for this target group. With funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada from 2011-2014, the Newcomer On the Move project was expanded to influence change across the country.

National Project Model CAAWS created a comprehensive project model to support success and sustainability in each community. The Newcomer On Move project model included evidence-based program delivery tools, community building activities, and ongoing mentoring and support from CAAWS.


Call for InterestHost organizations were recruited through a Call for Interest posted through the networks of CAAWS and our partners in 2011. CAAWS received a number of applications, demonstrating the growing awareness that newcomers were being overlooked and that new and creative programs were needed to engage this population. The host organizations selected were diverse organizations that understood the need to create targeted and unique programs to address service gaps in their community. Over the past three years, CAAWS has been proud to collaborate with and support the following partners on the development and delivery of Newcomer On the Move programs in 12 communities:

J ACTIVE Halifax Communities, Nova Scotia

J YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

J City of Ottawa, Ontario

J South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre, Ontario

J South Nepean Satellite Community Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

J West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, Ontario

J City of Mississauga, Ontario

J COSTI Immigrant Services, Brampton, Ontario

J Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, Ontario

J London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, Ontario

J Directorat de l’activité sportive du Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba

J Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, Manitoba

J Heart and Stroke Foundation, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

J City of Surrey, British Columbia

Newcomer On the Move WorkshopsTo launch the project in each community, CAAWS collaborated with host organizations to co-host a workshop designed to bring together diverse community stakeholders; increase awareness about the sport and physical activity needs, interests, and experiences of newcomer girls and young women; and raise awareness of CAAWS, On the Move, and the national Newcomer On the Move project. During this visit, CAAWS also met with key staff and Program Leaders to review roles and responsibilities and reporting requirements, answer questions, and provide support and feedback on initial program plans.

Advisory CommitteesAll sites were encouraged to create an Advisory Committee that would contribute to the development and delivery of the community program. The Committees were intended to enhance collaboration and coordination, and supplement skills and expertise the host organizations may have lacked (e.g. relationships with newcomer populations, or sport and physical activity program delivery experience). Advisory Committees were comprised of diverse community stakeholders


including family members, and representatives from settlement agencies, municipal recreation departments, public health units, schools, and cultural institutions. The Newcomer On the Move workshops provided a forum to recruit Advisory Committee members, particularly for host organizations that did not have strong community connections to start with.

Advisory Committees ensured each program was tailored to the unique strengths and resources of the community and enhanced communication, coordination, and collaboration across organizations and sectors. Advisory Committees also helped to share program lessons and successes with the broader community. Through their involvement with the Advisory Committee, it was hoped other individuals or organizations would increase their commitment to addressing the needs of newcomer girls and their families, and to providing healthy living opportunities for this target group. Ideally, Advisory Committees would also help sustain the program after the funding period – if the host organization couldn’t continue the program, another partner could take up the task. While all sites started with an Advisory Committee, each changed and evolved as needed.

CAAWS’ On the Move ConceptThe central component of the Newcomer On the Move project was the delivery of female-only healthy living programs targeting newcomer girls and young women (ages 9-18, living in Canada five years or less). Sites delivered a minimum of four programs over two years. To expose participants to a range of healthy living activities, all programs ran for a minimum of eight weeks, but a few chose to run longer. Most importantly, the community Newcomer On the Move programs were modeled after CAAWS’ proven On the Move Top 10 Success Factors:

1 Emphasize fun! Physical activity should be a fun experience. Create a social environment that emphasizes participation over skill and celebrates personal bests and accomplishments. Facilitate ice-breakers and games as opportunities for newcomer girls and young women to get to know each other and build relationships.

2 Introduce a variety of physical activities. Girls and young women, particularly newcomers, are often unaware of the many sport and physical activity opportunities available in the community. Design a program where they can try a range of activities. Integrate traditional and non-traditional activities, and showcase community resources and facilities by visiting pools, arenas, courts, climbing gyms, and parks. Celebrate seasonal “Canadian” activities such as ice skating, or hiking in near-by provincial parks.

3 Allow input into program design. Value the interests and ideas of the participants. Ask what sports and physical activities they would like to try – you might be surprised by some of their ideas, or you may have to offer suggestions. Provide leadership and skill development opportunities by having participants make program decisions. Consult with parents and guardians to ensure activities are considered appropriate.


4 Provide female-only opportunities. Many females feel uncomfortable participating in front of males, or may be restricted from participating in co-ed programming for cultural or religious reasons. Provide newcomer girls and young women with safe spaces to participate in sport and physical activity.

5 Create a positive environment. Intentionally create a safe and inclusive environment. Consider language, visual images, the physical environment, policy, and practice. Think about your own and others’ actions, and listen to participants’ (and their parents’) concerns and needs.

6 Teach the basics. Many newcomer girls and young women have not had quality sport instruction. Investing time in developing their physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, and knowledge of rules and strategies will help them build a foundation for life-long active living.

7 Move more. The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day. Ensure newcomer girls and young women are actively engaged to contribute to the health outcomes of the program.

8 Be a positive role model. Try new activities; demonstrate healthy, active living; and respect participants’ needs, interests, and experiences. Have fun with participants, and cheer them on. A connection with the Program Leader will support regular participation – it’s often what brings the girls and young women back week after week.

9 Transportation. Deliver programs at schools or centres in target neighbourhoods to increase accessibility. Provide, coordinate, or support transportation when necessary (e.g. pick-up participants in your organization’s van, organize a walking school bus, or provide bus tickets).

10 Food. Healthy snacks fuel participation and provide an opportunity to educate participants about healthy eating choices. Food is also a big part of culture and can be a great way for participants to share information about themselves and their heritage. Educate yourself about the dietary practices and restrictions of the newcomer communities you serve, including special considerations during religious holidays.

With the On the Move Top 10 Success Factors as a guide, each site had the opportunity to create community-specific, participant-driven programs. Resulting programs varied across the country, reflecting the diversity of the newcomer communities and the organizations striving to engage them. Each host organization had their own process of learning and growth that came with challenges and successes. Descriptions of each program, as well as the host organizations’ learnings and tips for creating quality programs, are included in the next section (see p. 13).


Program GrantsEach site received a total of $8,000 during the project to support community program delivery. Flexibility with regards to how program grants were spent allowed each site to use the funds to address unique gaps. Most funding was invested in providing transportation and food, and booking instructors.

Project GatheringsEach year, CAAWS brought together staff from each host organization for a Project Gathering. These events provided an opportunity for leaders to connect, share their challenges and learnings, and celebrate successes. Leaders returned to their programs and communities rejuvenated and inspired

Each Newcomer On the Move Project Gathering also included a relevant professional development component. During the three year project, professional development opportunities included a Fundamental Movement Skills Workshop delivered by Physical and Health Education Canada; a presentation from the National Eating Disorders Information Centre on disordered eating prevention, particularly as it applied to racialized youth; and a presentation from Carleton University researchers on sexual violence, social media, and youth.

Mentoring and SupportOngoing mentoring and support was provided to each site. This included regular one-on-one phone calls, conference calls with all program sites, and the occasional site visit by CAAWS. Regular communication ensured sites felt connected to the larger project, and that fixable issues did not derail program plans. Site staff appreciated having common challenges normalized and the opportunity to problem solve and learn from the experiences of other sites and CAAWS.

Evaluation CAAWS developed a project monitoring and evaluation strategy to assess the effectiveness and impact of the community programs and national project model. To help communities monitor programs and solicit feedback, CAAWS provided evaluation tools and training. Evaluation tools included attendance sheets, instructor contact information forms, participant surveys and focus group protocols, parent feedback forms, and a reporting template. The templates and reporting requirements changed and evolved throughout the project to decrease the burden on sites and their staff and to ensure only useful information was being collected.

A key component of the monitoring and evaluation strategy was providing opportunities for site staff to reflect on their program, consider the challenges and successes, and identify ways to modify and improve subsequent programs. Focus groups and interviews with site staff and Advisory Committee members provided critical information about the program delivery model and the value of CAAWS’ mentoring and support. Project Gatherings and one-on-one conversations with Program Leaders and other staff also provided CAAWS with opportunities to evaluate the programs and national project.


Lastly, an independent process and outcome evaluation has been conducted to help CAAWS evaluate the national project model, reflect on key learnings and impact, and consider how to support the host organizations and other communities across Canada enhance programs and services for newcomer girls and young women and their families.

Outcomes and ImpactCAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project has impacted individuals, organizations, and communities across the country. With regards to the numbers, here is just a sample of the project’s reach:

J 860+ newcomer girls and young women engaged

J 50+ programs delivered

J 12 program sites across 5 provinces

J 14 host organizations

J 120+ partners engaged through Advisory Committees

J 7 Newcomer On the Move Workshops delivered, engaging 180+ community program leaders and decision makers from diverse organizations

While the numbers listed above are impressive, the true impact of the Newcomer On the Move project cannot be quantified. The real success and impact of the project stems from the change and growth experienced by individual program participants, Program Leaders, host organizations and their partners, and CAAWS.

TestimonialsThe following testimonials, collected from various project stakeholders, demonstrate the impact of CAAWS’ National Newcomer On the Move project.

[The program] was fun and it gets me moving instead of being lazy. See you next year!

(PARTICIPANT)

I have learned teamwork skills because the girls in the group are constantly being asked to do the activities together.

(PARTICIPANT)

Having healthy snack[s] not only helped us eat healthy food after physical activity but gave us a chance

to learn about healthy food choices.

(PARTICIPANT)

[The program helped me] to know my community, meet new people, feel more better.

(PARTICIPANT)


[My daughter] was always coming home saying she had fun and leaned new things from the group and that she mad[e]

new friends and always saw new people at the group.

(PARENT/GUARDIAN)

This was a good program for the newcomer. Children developed their self-confidence, made new friends. Thank you so

much for this wonderful opportunity. It really helped a lot.

(PARENT/GUARDIAN)

My daughter was always so proud of being part of girls club. She saw it as her own place where she can learn and be safe. She always enjoyed her time and encouraged all her friends

to come. She especially enjoyed that it was a girl only program so she can feel comfortable.

(PARENT/GUARDIAN)

This was a great project to be involved in. As an organization, our capacity and knowledge in offering

girls only programs to newcomer girls has increased.

(HOST ORGANIzATION)

The yearly gathering of all the groups as well as the regular conference calls and individual phone calls all helped to make

this a valuable experience. Often getting away for 2-3 days can prove challenging, CAAWS ensured that our time was

well used and that there was also informal time to be together and learn from each other. A great combination!

(HOST ORGANIzATION)

Our organization has grown stronger through this program. We were able to give leadership opportunities to 2 new women

facilitators. This strengthens their skills and enhances the other programs they are involved in. Another outcome of this program at the community level was the building of relationships

with other organizations involved with physical activity and girls and young women. Relationships have been built as a

result of the Newcomer On the Move program and there is some momentum on how we continue to promote the issue

and build capacity in the greater community.

(HOST ORGANIzATION)


Halifax, Nova scoTia

Newcomer Girls On the MoveACTIVE Halifax Communities & YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth

case studies

The heart of CAAWS’ national project was the delivery of female-only healthy living programs for newcomer girls and young women. This section features 12 case studies based on program reports, interviews, and informal conversations with key staff from each site. These case studies provided an opportunity for each host organization to share their story – their unique insight, experiences, challenges, and outcomes – in hopes of educating and inspiring other programs and communities across Canada.

The case studies in this section are arranged from east to west, starting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The individual case studies are also available, packaged as stand-alone documents, on the CAAWS website – www.caaws.ca.

Providing Physical Activity Opportunities from a Multicultural PerspectiveLike most of the country, the Halifax Regional Municipality is attracting an increasing number of newcomers. Unfortunately, this growing population often faces barriers to participating in community sport and physical activity programs. Through their involvement in a number of community initiatives, ACTIVE Halifax Communities learned of the growing disparities and about the role physical activity can play in bringing together diverse groups in a fun and social atmosphere. ACTIVE Halifax Communities had collaborated with CAAWS in the past, so when the opportunity to be part of the Newcomer On the Move project came up, it was a natural fit for the organization. The goal of the Newcomer Girls On the Move program was to reach out to underserved newcomer populations in Halifax and to look at health, wellness, and physical activity programs from a multicultural perspective.

To deliver this program, ACTIVE Halifax Communities partnered with the YMCA


of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth’s Immigrant Programs. The YMCA has a history of using physical activity as a tool to support the settlement and integration of newcomers, working with newcomer and immigrant communities since 1990. Participation in community sport and physical activity is considered a measure of successful settlement as it can reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and ease the process of integrating into Canadian life. Partnering with ACTIVE Halifax Communities on the Newcomer Girls On the Move program enabled the YMCA to enhance physical activity and recreation programs for newcomer girls and young women.

To expand the YMCA’s reach and engage inactive newcomer girls and young women, partnerships with local junior high schools and high schools were created. The programs had strong support from Principals and teachers, and YMCA School Settlement Staff who saw the inactivity of the students and understood that flexible and creative programs were needed to engage this target group.

Creating a Fun and Safe EnvironmentThe Halifax Newcomer Girls On the Move programs were eight-weeks in length and included a variety of fun activities. An information session was always held on the first week to learn about the young women and their interests and needs. Female instructors were brought into the schools to lead sessions on badminton, table tennis, hip-hop, and capoeira, among others. The group also went into the community to go hiking and swimming. Providing healthy snacks and transportation each week were key success factors.

In the winter months, Program Leaders planned creative ways to get participants outside and active. The young women went skating, snowshoeing, and Nordic pole walking. Over the course of the programs, there were a number of winter events in the community, and as a result of their participation, the young women and their families felt more comfortable partaking in them.

A bicycle safety workshop was delivered as part of one program. Bikes and helmets were donated by the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Halifax Police Department. This was a great workshop and parents were particularly happy knowing their daughters learned the rules of the road and how to be safe while cycling.

Program Leaders and guest instructors worked hard to create a fun and safe environment where participants not only felt comfortable trying activities for the first time, but also talking about personal issues. Program Leaders facilitated discussions and activities related to bullying, social media, and conflict resolution. These discussions provided opportunities for the participants to open up and share their experiences, and in turn receive support and positive feedback from the group.

Participants learned a lot of skills, sport and otherwise, through the Newcomer Girls On the Move program. Many developed confidence and a stronger sense of self and self-worth. This was particularly evident with the older youth. For example, a number of participants applied for a position with the YMCA’s Youth Outreach program. The applicants who participated in the Newcomer Girls On the Move program did very well with the interview process. They were able to speak

ACTIVE Halifax Communities

& YMCA of Greater Halifax/

Dartmouth

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candidly about their personal experiences and the importance of physical activity and female-only programming. They understood the value and impact of the Newcomer Girls On the Move programs and wanted to continue being part of them in a leadership role.

Engaging Participants and ParentsHaving YMCA School Settlement Staff on site at the different schools really helped the Program Leaders connect with newcomer young women and encourage their participation in the program. The School Settlement Staff had pre-established relationships with participants and their parents and were able to vouch for the program. The fact that programs were delivered right at the schools also made it convenient and accessible for the young women to attend.

Not all parents initially supported the program. For many, academics were prioritized and they did not see the value of after school physical activity programs for their daughters. It was therefore important for Program Leaders and School Settlement Staff to talk to parents about the benefits of physical activity to health and wellbeing, and explain how being part of a group provides opportunities for the young women to learn English and make friends; both important for the settlement process. Staff also made sure to ease parents’ fears by confirming programs were safe, female-only, and led by qualified staff.

Adapting Program Delivery for Target GroupsEach program attracted a diverse group of newcomer young women, including many refugees. Refugee participants and their families often had significant concerns relating to health, housing, and employment, and often required more support and encouragement from staff to participate in the program. In the beginning, all of the young women were inactive and this program was one of the few opportunities they had to participate in regular sport and physical activity.

Some of the programs targeted the junior high school, while others focused on engaging high school participants. The junior high programs were delivered after school; the high school programs were delivered during the lunch hour. Program Leaders found that older students had after school obligations, and very little leisure time. Some were responsible for their siblings, some attended ESL classes, others had after school jobs, and most spent their spare time studying and doing homework. By providing the program during the lunch hour, these young women still had an opportunity to incorporate fun and physical activity into their lives.

Showcasing Active Role ModelsWhen possible, Program Leaders recruited newcomer or immigrant women to lead the activities. This was seen as an opportunity to develop capacity and expose participants to strong, relatable, female role models. The YMCA’s Project Coordinator was an immigrant women herself, having grown up in Korea. She came to Canada with no real physical activity background and no experience with organized sport. During her youth, she focused on school and academics. Now,



Dartmouth

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as an adult, she considers herself active and enjoys hiking and swimming. As a mother, the Project Coordinator has seen the benefits of physical activity

through her sons’ involvement. In addition to being active and healthy, her sons have learned important life lessons about teamwork, communication, respect, and how to be a good sport whether they win or lose. The Project Coordinator was able to use her insight and experiences to connect and relate to newcomer parents. She was able to inform them about the benefits of physical activity and sport and how involvement is a safe way for their daughters to make friends, connect with the community, and gain important leadership skills.

ACTIVE Halifax Communities & YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth’s Tips for Quality Programs

Actively Promote Inclusive Programs There are many barriers to participation for newcomer families, including a lack of awareness of programs. Organizations need to ensure that programs are widely promoted so all families are aware of the opportunities available to them. Additionally, everyone should feel welcomed to access and participate in programs. It is hard for anyone to try an activity for the first time or join a new group – it is especially hard when you are new to the community and there are language and cultural barriers. To ensure Halifax is a welcoming city for newcomers, programs that are inclusive of diverse cultures need to be created and widely promoted.

Support Healthy ChoicesMany participants had concerns about their weight and struggled with negative body image, and as a result were making unhealthy choices. In the beginning, most young women only saw physical activity and exercise as a means to lose weight; they didn’t see it as fun and part of living a balanced and healthy life. Through Newcomer Girls On the Move, Program Leaders supported participants in adopting a more holistic view of physical activity, nutrition, health and wellness.

Build the Fundamental Movement SkillsThrough Newcomer Girls On the Move, staff learned that regardless of participants’ ages, it was important to always focus on the fundamental movement skills. Most young women came to the program with little to no formal sport experience. Program Leaders needed to build participants’ confidence and develop their basic sport skills, such as running, jumping, kicking, and throwing. Building these skills then enabled the young women to participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCEFor more information and tools to help girls and young women develop physical literacy and build their fundamental movement skills, visit:

J www.phecanada.ca/programs/physical-literacy



Dartmouth

HALIfAx,

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About ACtIVE HAlIfAx CommunItIEsACTIVE Halifax Communities (AHC) exists for the purpose of ensuring that ALL persons in Halifax Regional Municipality has access to an active lifestyle. AHC works with community groups and organizations to create equity within the sport, physical activity and recreation sector so everyone can participate in an active lifestyle of their choice that is accessible for them. Through collaborative partnerships, we strive to build awareness, participation, and to build on community capacity for active living.

J www.halifax.ca/activehalifax

About tHE YmCA of GrEAtEr HAlIfAx/DArtmoutHThe YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth provides immigrant youth, children and their families with a variety of program and outreach services. Our approach is to deliver community based support in a Centre that is inclusive and welcoming, as well as to provide onsite services for students at several partner schools. The purpose of YMCA Immigrant Programs is to help immigrants to Canada settle into their new homes in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and to help the mainstream population understand the issues and barriers newcomers face while adjusting and adapting to a new language, culture, climate and community, while maintaining their own. With funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI), our YMCA offers several programs.

J www.ymcahrm.ns.ca

oTTawa, oNTario

Girls On the MoveSouth-East Ottawa Community Health Centre

Providing Opportunities to be ActiveThe Hunt Club/Riverside community in South-East Ottawa is home to many newcomer families and families living below the poverty line. These families face a number of barriers that limit their participation in sport and physical activity including registration fees and equipment costs; culture and language barriers; and lack of transportation, family support, awareness of opportunities, and safe places to play.

To address these barriers and provide opportunities for children and youth in the area to be active, South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC) created Youth Zone, a co-ed, Friday night drop-in sport program. Youth Zone continues to be extremely popular and attracts on average 60 children and youth each Friday. Female participation in the program, however, was low, particularly amongst newcomer girls and young women. To reach these girls and engage them



Dartmouth

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in physical activity, a targeted program was needed. In partnership with CAAWS and the City of Ottawa, SEOCHC developed and delivered Girls On the Move – a multicultural, girls-only, healthy living program.

Promoting Healthy LivingGirls On the Move and Youth Zone were delivered Friday nights at the City of Ottawa’s Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre. Concurrent scheduling made it easier for parents who had children registered in both programs. Girls On the Move ran throughout the school year in the multi-purpose room which had automated blinds that ensured complete privacy for the group. Each week, qualified female instructors were recruited to introduce the girls to many different sports and physical activities. Yoga, belly dancing, Pop Dance, cricket, gymnastics, lacrosse, and acro-skipping (acrobatic rope jumping) were some of the most popular.

Girls On the Move promoted a holistic vision of health and wellbeing. Ottawa Public Health nurses came to the program a number of times to speak to the girls about body image, self-esteem, and healthy friendships. SEOCHC’s Dietitian also visited the program and brought the girls into the kitchen for a healthy baking session. The girls were surprised that brownies made with black beans and cookies full of carrots and raisins could actually be delicious!

Based on parent feedback, a “Home Alone” workshop, delivered by the Ottawa Safety Council, was incorporated into the program one year. This workshop discussed answering the door, feeling scared, establishing a routine, and calling 911 in the case of an emergency. Leading up to the workshop, flyers were sent home and reminder phone calls were made. As a result, all 25 of the registered participants showed up, on time, for the workshop. Parents were so appreciative of this opportunity that they asked to have a workshop for their other children as well.

One March Break, participants went on a field trip to a curling rink. Most of the girls had never curled before, so going to the rink and trying a quintessential “Canadian” sport was very exciting. The girls also had the opportunity to visit Upper Canada Village to experience Canadian village life in the 1860s. These fun outings helped the girls bond as a group and with the Program Leaders.

Building Confidence and SkillsGirls On the Move attracted a diverse group of newcomer girls ages 9 to 13. Many of the girls spoke Arabic or Somali, so Youth Workers who could communicate with participants and parents in these languages were recruited to lead the program. Prior to their participation in Girls On the Move, most of the girls were inactive and had few opportunities to participate in organized sport and recreation programs. Through Girls On the Move, these girls were able to try a variety of sports and activities and build their confidence and skills. Some of the girls registered in Girls On the Move eventually felt comfortable enough to also participate in Youth Zone, the co-ed sport program. Another measure of success for the program was having girls who had lived in Canada for less than one month register and feel welcomed. Through Girls On the Move, these girls were able to make friends, have fun, be active, and more easily settle into the community and Canadian life.

South-East Ottawa

Community Health Centre

OTTAWA,

ONTARIO


South-East Ottawa


OTTAWA,

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Reaching Families Most in NeedFor Girls On the Move, it was important to reach out to girls and families most in need. To promote the program, flyers translated into multiple languages were distributed through the schools and by Youth Workers who went door-to-door in select neighbourhoods. Girls On the Move was also advertised in SEOCHC’s program brochures and on the website, and the program was promoted to all families who came to the Centre. Finally, Youth Workers were available before and after each session to reach out to parents and potential participants.

To engage as many girls as possible, the Girls On the Move program allowed for rolling registration. This provided an opportunity for girls and their parents to come and see the program before registering. It also created time for word-of-mouth promotion and for interest in the program to grow. One drawback to rolling registration, however, was not knowing how many girls would show up each week. Each program would start with five to ten participants but by the end more than 25 would be registered. The drop-in environment of Youth Zone also crossed over to Girls On the Move, creating challenges for guest instructors having to accommodate late arrivals. Despite these challenges, however, Girls On the Move was a quality healthy living program that girls looked forward to each Friday night.

SEOCHC’s Tips for Quality Programs

Respect Different Levels of Participation Participants came to the program with varying levels of interest, skill, and experience. Youth Workers needed to respect the girls’ different levels of participation and acknowledge that for some, just showing up was a success. Some girls were outgoing and wanted to be up front with the instructors, while others were happier being quiet and in the back. To create a supportive environment and ensure everyone feels safe and welcomed, it is crucial that the girls are comfortable participating in their own way.

Find and Support Great Program LeadersThese programs are meant to inspire newcomer girls and young women to be active and healthy. To do this, they need great Program Leaders. These females should be responsible and organized, but more importantly enthusiastic about the program activities. They are role models and need to lead by example by demonstrating that being active can be fun! They also need to reach out and engage each and every participant so they feel welcomed and part of the program. Program Leaders can often be the draw for the girls – hanging out with them is what makes many of the girls show up each week.

Invest in and Commit to the ProgramToo often, organizations are unwilling to provide gym space for female-only programs unless it can be proven that the gym will be filled right from the start. However, changing the mindset of girls and parents about the value of physical activity takes time. Building trust, creating relationships, and developing interest


in female-only programs does not happen overnight. Organizations need to commit to investing time, space, staff, and other resources in order to engage girls and provide them with quality programs.

Be in Tune with the CommunityIt is important for programs to mirror the dynamic and changing needs of the community. Staff should reflect the diversity seen in the community and programs should aim to fill service gaps. Knowing the community and understanding their needs is key to breaking down barriers and creating more accessible and inclusive program and services.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCEFor more information about healthy eating, and the black bean brownie recipe, visit the Eat Right Ontario website.

J www.eatrightontario.ca

About soutH-EAst ottAwA CommunItY HEAltH CEntrE (sEoCHC)SEOCHC is a non-profit, community-governed organization that provides a range of multi-disciplinary services to clients, including primary care, health promotion, social services, community and resource development, home support and advocacy to address the social determinants of health. SEOCHC particularly responds to persons who face barriers to accessing health and social services and who live in South-East Ottawa. Our services and programs are designed to meet the needs of our community.

J www.seochc.on.ca

South-East Ottawa


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oTTawa, oNTario

Girls On the MoveSouth Nepean Satellite Community Health Centre

Tapping into the CommunityGirls On the Move was delivered in the diverse neighbourhood of Parkwood Hills in Ottawa, Ontario. While there was a small community centre in the area, many of the programs they offered were inaccessible to newcomer families. For example, despite having access to subsidies provided by the City of Ottawa, many families still could not afford their portion of the registration fees. Female-only program options were also limited, and as a result, most girls and young women in the area were not engaged in any programming outside of school, let alone programs focused on sport and physical activity.


Partners played a major role in developing and delivering Girls On the Move. Partnerships were created and fostered with local schools, Minto – Ottawa’s largest private landlord, and the City of Ottawa and their City-Wide Sports and Girls ’n Women and Sport departments. It was futile to try and deliver a program in isolation when there were valuable community resources to tap into, including expertise, equipment, space, and personnel. With Girls On the Move, each partner contributed an important piece of the puzzle that led to a successful program. All of the partners involved understood the need and value of having targeted programs for newcomer girls, and supported the initiative however they could.

Creating a Culture of Life-Long ParticipationThe overarching goals of Girls On the Move were to change the mindset of the community about female participation in sport and physical activity, and to create a culture of life-long participation. For two years, Girls On the Move was delivered at a local elementary school during the after school hours. This program targeted girls ages 9 to 13 and drew participants from a variety of backgrounds. The program was then expanded and also delivered at the community centre in an effort to reach young women attending a private Islamic high school. It took a lot of time and effort to build relationships with this school and their administrative staff, but with each session the partnership and program improved.

From the beginning, Girls On the Move was different from other programs in the area because it was based on a realistic understanding of the community. Before designing Girls On the Move, SNCHC staff went out and spoke to residents and families. These outreach efforts confirmed the need for female-only programming that was respectful of culture. Parents and community members appreciated the opportunity to provide input on what the program should look like and how it should be delivered. Additionally, program staff understood the barriers and challenges participants and their families were experiencing as they settled in Canada. In the end, Girls On the Move was able to balance respect for cultural values and traditions with the desire to see newcomer girls be active and healthy.

Letting participants provide input through an initial brainstorming activity was a key part of the program. On the first week, Program Leaders facilitated mini focus groups to allow participants to introduce themselves and list the activities they wanted to try. Simply asking participants what they wanted to do and building the program from their input created greater buy-in from the girls. Their feedback was crucial in creating a fun and popular program.

Girls On the Move exposed participants to a variety of activities. A full-sized gym was not always available, so sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball were sometimes modified. These modified games, however, ended up being some of the most popular activities. Other favourites included yoga, belly dancing, and Zumba.

Discussing Health and WellbeingHealthy living workshops were also part of the program with Ottawa Public Health nurses coming to speak to participants about sugar consumption, chronic diseases, body-image, self-esteem, and healthy relationships. With the high school

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participants, Program Leaders also facilitated discussions about puberty and changes within the body.

Based on the group’s feedback, a question box was created so participants could anonymously write down their questions and concerns. Program Leaders would review the questions and prepare to discuss the issues the following week. Through the question box, concerns about mental health and depression were brought to the Program Leaders’ attention, and important discussions were facilitated on these topics.

Parents as Important PartnersHaving the support of parents was essential, but it was important for staff to understand how busy they were. The demands on newcomer parents can be especially overwhelming as they juggle a variety of settlement issues. Many parents were searching for employment, working multiple jobs, attending language training courses, all while taking care of a family.

An important part of Girls On the Move and its success was the time Program Leaders and other SNCHC staff spent reaching out to parents. A staff person was always available to talk to parents as they picked up the girls. Follow-up phone calls with parents were also made so Program Leaders could introduce themselves, describe the program, and ease any concerns participants or parents had. At first, parents were leery about these phone calls thinking that something was wrong or that their child had done something bad. To avoid this, Program Leaders learned to start conversations by saying that everything was fine, that their daughters were doing great, and that they were a joy to have in the program. These informal conversations went a long way in developing relationships and garnering the understanding and support of parents.

Parents came to really appreciate these programs and knowing that their daughters had the opportunity to try these activities in a safe and welcoming environment. Trusting relationships also helped parents feel safe about sharing their own concerns and needs. Through Girls On the Move, Program Leaders and other staff were able to provide pertinent information to parents and make referrals to other SNCHC supports and services.

Showcasing Active Female Role ModelsThe “success” of an activity, i.e. whether or not the participants enjoyed it, depended mainly on the guest instructor. The best instructors quickly developed a rapport with the girls and young women and were able to engage the participants in the activity, get them moving, and having fun. Guest instructors enjoyed being part of the program and working with the girls and young women, and many came back multiple times throughout the project.

The greatest challenge in delivering Girls On the Move was finding strong Program Leaders to facilitate the programs. Program Leaders had the power to truly make or break a program. It was important for them to relate to the girls, but even more important that they have some sport and recreation experience.



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To keep the girls engaged and active, Program Leaders needed to know how to fill down time with ice-breakers and active games. As an organization, it was important to support and supervise Program Leaders to ensure quality programs were delivered.

Working with the CommunityGirls On the Move created a snowball effect in the Parkwood Hill community. Before this program started, it was rare to see residents out in the neighourhood. People tended to keep to themselves and were hard to reach. With multi-year funding from CAAWS, SNCHC was able to develop a true presence in the community, really get to know the young women and their families, and encourage them to participate in programs and events.

By talking to community members and developing relationships with them, needs were identified and SNCHC was able to create other programs to fill service gaps. A co-ed Youth Leadership program was created and then expanded into two separate programs – one for the boys and one for the girls. A yoga program for mothers was also developed. The success of Girls On the Move also helped to leverage additional sources of funding to support newcomer families. In partnership with the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre, a three-year grant was secured that will enable SNCHC to continue programming for the whole family.

SNCHC’s Tips for Quality Programs

Recruit Champions One person truly can make a difference. Girls On the Move ran a lot smoother when there were staff members within the schools who truly understood and valued the program. Champion teachers or administrative staff helped promote the program and recruit participants. Due to staff turnover and the change in sites, some programs ran without a school champion. As a result, Program Leaders had to spend a lot more time doing outreach, creating interest in the program, and recruiting participants. Take the time to promote the program to potential supporters and partners – Champions from a variety of organizations will enhance the program.

Incorporate Best Practices SNCHC valued CAAWS’ expertise and the research they conducted on engaging newcomer girls and young women in healthy living programs. This information combined with SNCHC’s own insight into the needs and strengths of the community made Girls On the Move a relevant and successful program. Working with CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project model has changed how programs are designed and delivered. Seeking participant and parent feedback from the onset will now be part of all program planning. Organizations looking to run a similar program should look into how the Newcomer On the Move project model can be applied in their community.



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Don’t Give Up! Recruiting high school participants can be difficult. It took a while to get these inactive young women on board with Girls On the Move. When the program first moved to the community centre and targeted girls attending the private Islamic school, Program Leaders had to stand outside the school and remind participants about the program on a weekly basis. Program Leaders literally had to walk participants from the school to the community centre. It wasn’t until the last two weeks of the program that the participants walked over on their own and without any reminders. By the time the final program was delivered, school staff and students were the ones sharing the flyers and registration forms. The challenges experienced in the beginning only served as a reminder for SNCHC staff to be patient and persistent. While it may take time, if the program is fun and exciting the girls will come – and they’ll bring their friends too!

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESThe CIRA Ontario website features hundreds of games and activities to help break the ice and get participants moving.

J www.ciraontario.com/

About soutH nEpEAn CommunItY HEAltH CEntrE (snCHC)SNCHC is a satellite of Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre. They offer primary care and health promotion services primarily to a population of over 200,000 living in the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode areas, with a focus on the social determinants of health. The SNCHC model of service focuses on priority populations who traditionally face barriers accessing services, such as individuals and families living on low incomes, new Canadians, youths, seniors and rural residents.

J www.pqchc.com/south-nepean-chc



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scarBorouGH, oNTario

On the Move – Newcomer GirlsWest Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre

Community Engagement and Trust BuildingWest Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre (WSNCC) is located in a diverse part of Toronto with a high newcomer population. The neighbourhood is highly transient and serves as the first point of contact for many South Asian and Bangladeshi newcomer families. By partnering with CAAWS and developing the On the Move – Newcomer Girls program, WSNCC aimed to provide young women from these families with fun physical activity opportunities as well as the supports and services needed to settle and thrive in the community.


As part of CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project model, an Advisory Committee was created. This committee was essential in helping develop and deliver WSNCC’s On the Move – Newcomer Girls program. The committee members were diverse and included youth outreach workers, psychologists, and early years staff, as well as representatives from organizations such as Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services and the Rotary Club. The Advisory Committee was not shy about voicing their opinions on what the program should look like and how it should be delivered – contributing to a successful, quality program.

Making Healthy Living Fun and AccessibleOn the Move – Newcomer Girls was delivered on Saturdays between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Originally the program was three hours long, but an extra hour was added based on participant input. The average age of the participants was 16 and about 70% of the young women were involved with WSNCC’s Youth Justice Services Division, meaning they had been in contact with the law and judicial system.

It was essential to create a safe, stress-free environment for this program. The participants needed to feel comfortable not only speaking their minds, but putting themselves out there and trying new activities. The ultimate goal of On the Move – Newcomer Girls was to build the participants’ confidence and to make healthy living fun and accessible. The hope was that through this program, the participants would come to enjoy physical activity and see it as an important part of their lives.

Over the course of the program a mix of team and individual sports and physical activities were offered. Participants tried volleyball, yoga, hip-hop, contemporary dance, boot camp fitness, bowling, rock climbing, swimming, and aquafit. Staff considered swimming and aquafit to be particularly important activities – educating participants about water safety and increasing their comfort around water is critical to addressing the high number of drownings within the newcomer community. One young woman had never been swimming before and was particularly hesitant to participate in water activities. After reassuring her that the program was female-only, that lifeguards would be on hand, and that the Program Leader would be in the pool, she finally agreed to try an aquafit class. She ended up loving the class so much that with the help of one of the program volunteers she connected with her local YMCA and registered in swimming lessons.

Workshops on healthy eating were facilitated each session. WSNCC is lucky to have a full kitchen on site which allowed participants to enjoy hands-on cooking lessons. Being in the kitchen and preparing meals was the best way to teach participants about health and nutrition. Cooking was also a great way for participants to take the lead and share their own expertise. One young woman, for example, taught the rest of the group how to prepare and roll sushi.

West Scarborough

Neighbourhood Community

Centre

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Building Relationships with ParentsConsiderable outreach and relationship building was required to get On the Move – Newcomer Girls running. WSNCC had to gain the trust of the young women, their families, and local cultural leaders. Staff went out to the community to speak about the program and invited everyone they spoke with to visit the Centre and see the program space.

To gain their trust, WSNCC reached out to parents every chance they could. Program Leaders spoke to parents as they dropped off and picked up their daughters, and it became practice to call parents midway through each program. These informal chats allowed Program Leaders to update parents about their daughters’ participation, and find out if there were any other supports or services the family needed. This ongoing, respectful communication helped parents trust the staff and WSNCC as an organization.

During conversations with parents, Program Leaders also took time to describe the mother-daughter outing. As a wrap-up activity on the last week, a trip to downtown Toronto was organized for participants and their mothers, guardians, or female role models. The immigration and settlement process can be very stressful, and as mentioned above, the majority of participants had been in trouble with the law, further straining their family relationships – particularly with their mothers. This trip was an opportunity to reconnect mothers with their daughters and help rebuild their relationships. Obviously, this trip did not solve all the problems, but everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a step in the right direction.

While the mother-daughter trip was a great initiative, it was also the most difficult week to organize. Involving the mothers and guardians really changed the group dynamics and program atmosphere; the participants tended to act one way with their friends and another when their parents were around. A good portion of the day was therefore spent facilitating introductions and ice-breakers to make sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. While the trip was logistically challenging, it was definitely worthwhile.

Addressing Social IssuesFacilitating healthy living discussions was an important part of program. The group had honest conversations about bullying and cyber-bullying. More “controversial” topics, such as healthy sexuality, were also discussed. Before approaching this subject, parental consent was sought. Additionally, Program Leaders sat down with the Public Health nurses to review what was, and what was not, culturally appropriate to discuss. To talk about healthy sexuality some compromises were made, but it was important to respect parents’ concerns and wishes while providing young women with information to keep them safe and healthy.

Shadeism was another controversial, yet important topic discussed during each program. Shadeism is a form of discrimination that exists between lighter and darker-skinned members of an ethno-cultural group. Many participants had experienced shadeism in some form. By talking candidly to the group about

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racism that continues to happen within and between ethno-cultural groups, a safe space for the participants to share their experiences as newcomers and women of colour was created. The On the Move – Newcomer Girls participants were diverse, so it was important to discuss this topic outright to address any tensions or issues that may have existed between participants. For the Program Leader, who is Caucasian, these discussions were particularly eye-opening and provided greater insight into the different experiences newcomer youth from diverse ethno-cultural communities confront.

Lasting FriendshipsOn the Move – Newcomer Girls had a lasting impact on participants. They learned important life skills related to healthy eating and physical activity, and gained confidence in themselves and their abilities. Parents also described their daughters as being more open and communicative as a result of their participation in this program. The changes and growth the participants experienced positively affected their relationships, ultimately benefitting the whole family.

Most importantly, however, On the Move – Newcomer Girls helped participants learn how to be part of a group. This program broke down barriers between the young women, encouraging them to put aside their perceived differences and better relate to one another. In the community, different cultural groups often keep to themselves, but this program helped improve relations among the young women and their families. The friendships and relationships created will be the true legacy of the program.

Organizational Growth and Capacity BuildingFacilitating this program was a great experience for two college placement students and the Program Leader. Placement students came out each Saturday to help deliver the program. They enjoyed being part of the program so much they continued to volunteer after their placements had finished. Through On the Move – Newcomer Girls, the Program Leader learned about different cultures and grew in both a personal and professional capacity. In addition to the more typical teenage stresses, such as homework and relationships, the participants were also dealing with a multitude of settlement issues. Understanding these challenges while also recognizing the participants’ strengths helped the Program Leader develop solid relationships and ultimately deliver a better program.

Prior to On the Move – Newcomer Girls, WSNCC had never delivered a program specifically targeting newcomers. Through this program, the agency has grown in its ability to respond to the needs of this diverse community. WSNCC also experienced a positive shift in female programming thanks to this program. Before delivering On the Move – Newcomer Girls, the need for female-only programming was not well understood. WSNCC has now seen the impact programs like this have on participants and how providing a safe space where females can be themselves and active is important.

West Scarborough


Centre

SCARBOROUGH,

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WSNCC’s Tips for Quality Programs

Go Directly to the Participants Outreach was challenging and there was a lot of resistance, particularly from cultural leaders. The best success came from speaking directly to the young women. To reach the young women and invite them to participate, Program Leaders and other WSNCC staff spent a lot of time at schools talking to the students, gaining their trust, and developing real relationships with them.

Connect and Collaborate with Community Partners On the Move-Newcomer Girls brought attention to the need for greater collaboration among organizations providing settlement and healthy living services. Currently there is a lack of information-sharing and cross-referrals among community organizations. There seems to be an unnecessary sense of competition – for participants, funding, space, etc. These differences need to be put aside for the benefit of the community. The needs of participants and families should be at the forefront guiding program planning and decision-making.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESTo learn more about shadeism and how to discuss this topic with girls and young women, watch the following videos: J www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6oaEHsdhOsJ www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBukJHyV_sk

To watch Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo’s inspirational speech on inner beauty, visit: J www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE

About wEst sCArborouGH nEIGHbourHooD CommunItY CEntrE (wsnCC)WSNCC is much more than a human service agency. It is a place where a rich tradition of caring, serving and making things a little bit better has improved the quality of life of everyone. Here people, help people, help themselves. Innovation and creativity are part of everyday experience. Empowerment is not just a slogan, but a way of life. At the Centre, dignity and respect have become the cornerstone of all personal interaction and relationships. Everyone here aspires to contribute and everyone helps to build. Making life a little more pleasant, inspiring others to aim a little higher and expanding friendship connections are commonplace and all in a day’s work.

J www.wsncc.org


mississauGa, oNTario

Moms and Daughter YogaCity of Mississauga

Creating More Inclusive ProgramsThe City of Mississauga’s Community Services Department’s Recreation Division knew they were not engaging the city’s growing newcomer population through their traditional methods. It was therefore an exciting opportunity for the City to partner with CAAWS and be part of the national Newcomer On the Move project. Through this project, the City hoped to access the support and guidance needed to reach out to diverse populations and create more inclusive programs.

There was great interest in working with CAAWS and bringing the Newcomer On the Move project model to Mississauga. The first step involved hosting a workshop to raise awareness among community stakeholders about the needs and experiences of newcomer girls and young women and highlight the value of targeted programs. This workshop served as a great starting point for the City; it was extremely informative and was the first time the City was able to get both sport and cultural groups in the same room, on the same page, talking about increasing the participation of newcomer girls and young women. A lot of connections and spin-offs were made that afternoon, such as developing a grant application to make the City’s baseball leagues more inclusive.

A Whole New Way of ProgrammingWith support and resources from CAAWS, the City of Mississauga created a whole new way of pro gram ming to reach out to and engage newcomer populations. The City targeted the Colonial Terrace Neighbour hood, an area with a high level of need, and led an extensive consultation process with the residents. Through this process, community members were able to communicate with the City about how traditional recreation programs were not inclusive or accommodating of their religious/cultural beliefs. For example, the City learned early on that if the whole family can’t participate in the program, then the girls can’t either. Mothers needed to be involved, and childcare or concurrent pro gram ming for younger siblings needed to be available.

Based on feedback from the consultations, the Moms and Daughter Yoga program was created. While the girls were open to trying many activities, yoga was the only activity parents considered appropriate and suitable for their daughters. The program ran Friday nights out of the common room of an apartment complex. The City had to offer the program where the target participants lived because high crime rates and fear of violence restricted many families from leaving their homes, especially in the evening. The local Community Centre, while close, was also considered unsafe because it was a public co-ed building. By hosting the program at the apartment complex the City intended to make the program as accessible as possible; all the girls and their mothers had to do was take the elevator down to the ground floor.


To accommodate participants, the time of the program changed in accordance with sunset and prayer times. To create a safe and welcoming environment, only female instructors were hired and the windows of the common room were covered to ensure complete privacy. The importance of providing Halal food also became apparent during the first few weeks of the program. Food ended up becoming a significant component of the program and staff learned to provide food, not only for the program, but also for participants to take home afterwards. Even simple snacks like mandarin oranges went a long way and provided further incentive to participate.

The learnings accumulated through this program impacted the City’s policy and practice. While settlement agencies were serving the needs of newcomer populations, the City’s Recreation Division was not. The Newcomer On the Move project was a great opportunity for the City to reach out to an underserved population and provide them with quality physical activity programs. This program not only helped change the mindset of families about the value of physical activity and sport, but also the mindset of those delivering the programs. For staff in the Recreation Division, this program was a real eye-opener. Program planers learned the importance of being flexible and creating targeted and accessible programs that consider the needs and experiences of all participants.

Working with Families and the CommunityThe girls and young women in the program ranged from 7 to 15 years of age. All participants were Muslim, but came to Canada from a number of different countries. Many of the families had been living in Canada for less than one year. The common feature among all participants was inactivity. None were involved in community programs, and most of the girls weren’t attending physical education at school because their parents wouldn’t allow them to participate.

In the beginning, parents had a lot of safety concerns and lacked trust in the City and their recreation programs. They were worried about who was teaching their daughters and what messages were being taught. For parents, the concept of registering their daughters for a program and dropping them off on Friday nights was unfamiliar and unnerving. By including the mothers in the program, and delivering it in their apartment building, the City was able reach the girls and families most in need. The City went from zero engagement with this community to having 30 families registered for this program each session.

To promote the program staff literally went door to door in the building and spent hours talking to families. The traditional methods of promotion and recruitment, such as sending home flyers or program brochures, would never have worked. The City staff needed to personally connect with families, put a face to the program, and reassure parents that the program was safe and appropriate.

As mentioned, there was a high crime rate in the area, and sadly, traumatic events including two homicides happened during the City’s involvement in CAAWS’ project. It was important for the City and Program Leaders to respect the participants’ feelings and emotions after these events. During these troubling times, families did not want to leave their homes and the program was canceled until participants said they felt safe and were ready to come back.

City of Mississauga

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Developing Relationships and Creating ChangeThe key to delivering this program was working from an anti-racism/anti-oppression framework. The City and all staff involved made sure to conduct themselves and deliver the program in a way that the girls and their families never felt as though they were the “subjects” of a project. They were valued participants and partners, and were made to feel so. Staff loved working with these families and their insight on how to make programs more accessible and inclusive was invaluable.

The Moms and Daughter Yoga program had a positive impact on the girls and young women and their families. It opened up the doors for these families to participate in and enjoy physical activity. One young woman had been in a car accident and this program was the only opportunity she had to stretch and be active. The relationships and trust developed with the families was also encouraging. In fact, a few mothers brought their daughters to a City-run, co-ed basketball program because they knew the staff that were organizing it. Never before would these girls have been allowed to attend, but knowing City staff, and trusting them, made all the difference.

Through this program and the relationships created, families eventually felt comfortable asking City staff about other supports and services related to settlement and life in Mississauga. Staff provided families with helpful information or referred them to others who could help. The Moms and Daughter Yoga program also became a safe place for participants to discuss tough issues and deal with hardships and traumatic events, such as the two homicides.

The Moms and Daughter Yoga program also served as launching point for the City to connect with local schools and build relationships with school staff. As a result of this program and the involvement in the Newcomer On the Move project, the City now collaborates with two elementary schools to support the delivery of female-only Zumba and yoga programs, a co-ed table tennis program, and a co-ed learn to run program. Parents and families tend to trust the schools and teachers, so by partnering with them and having a teacher present, the City is able to successfully deliver these programs during the after school time period.

The City of Mississauga’s Tips for Quality Programs

Do Your Research For municipalities looking to deliver a similar program, take the time to research and really understand the cultures you are working with. For faith-based communities, identify important considerations, such as prayer and providing appropriate food. By doing research, you can avoid common mistakes. Another piece of advice is to call CAAWS! Reach out to them and other organizations and ask for resources and best practices. There is no need to start a program from scratch; build on the learnings and success of others. If possible, host a CAAWS Newcomer On the Move Workshop to get the conversation started in your community.

City of Mississauga

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Support Program Leaders and Idea Sharing Facilitating these programs can be challenging. Participating in the Newcomer On the Move Project Gatherings was a great source of support for Program Leaders. Once a year, CAAWS brought together Program Leaders from across the country to talk about program challenges and successes, and provide relevant training and other professional development opportunities. Program Leaders came back from these gatherings feeling better knowing others were facing similar issues, but also re-energized and proud of the programs they were delivering. Municipalities can offer similar support by creating networks where Program Leaders can share their struggles, but more importantly, help brainstorm to create better programs across the community.

Be Committed The City faced many challenges addressing cultural barriers and the lack of value many families had for girls’ participation in recreation programs. Despite these challenges, staff were committed to working with the same community throughout the funding period. There were easier options, such as running the program at a settlement agency with direct access to newcomer families, but the City chose to stay where they were most needed and where they would have the greatest impact on the individual participants and their families. For municipalities looking to create similar opportunities for newcomer girls and young women, be committed to working with the community over the long-term. It takes time to create change. The Moms and Daughter Yoga program was the most challenging program the City of Mississauga’s Recreation Division had ever delivered, but also the most worthwhile.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESCAAWS’ Making Healthy Connections with Racialized Communities project provides information about working with girls and young women from diverse ethno-cultural communities, and includes a tip sheet to build your “cultural awareness”.

J http://caaws.ca/onthemove/e/racialized_girls/index.htm

About tHE CItY of mIssIssAuGAThe City of Mississauga’s excellent recreation and parks system provides a significant contribution to the community’s high quality of life. As the City’s population grows, recreation and parks facilities and services need to continue to adapt to the emerging demands of both current and future generations. Recreation and parks facilities and services are essential to individual well being and the cohesive development of communities. They provide a fundamental building block toward improving the overall quality of life in Mississauga. These activities include a wide range of artistic, cultural, athletic, social and educational interests.

J www.mississauga.ca

City of Mississauga

MISSISSAUGA,

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BramPToN, oNTario

On the Move Healthy Living ClubCOSTI Immigrant Services

COSTI Immigrant Services has a long history of working with newcomer families. Through their work, staff saw that academics were the focus for most families and their daughters. Recreation was simply not a priority, and as a result most newcomer young women were inactive. COSTI staff understood the importance of being active and healthy, and wanted to explore how to deliver sport and physical activity programs within the settlement agency setting. To engage newcomer young women and get them moving, COSTI needed to create a program just for them.

In partnership with CAAWS, COSTI developed the On the Move Healthy Living Club. Not only did this program set out to engage newcomer young women in sport and physical activity, but it also aimed to educate parents about the value of their daughters’ participation. Additionally, COSTI sought to work with community recreation facilities to increase awareness about the barriers newcomer young women and their families face and the accommodations that are required to fully engage this population in programming. To truly impact the physical activity levels of newcomer young women, the whole family needed to be on board and facilities across the city needed to be more inclusive.

Building Bridges for Newcomer Young WomenThe On the Move Healthy Living Club was delivered at COSTI’s Brampton location and targeted high school aged newcomer young women. Some of these young women faced problems at home, and most of them were coping with settlement issues such as developing relationships and a sense of belonging. COSTI believed healthy living programs could be a tool to reach out to these young women, improve their health, build bridges, and engage them in community life.

The program morphed and evolved each time it was delivered based on the participants and their interests. Activities were organized after school, on the weekends, or during the summer months depending on what worked best for the specific group. Some activities were delivered on-site, but the group frequently accessed recreation centres, yoga studies, and outdoor fields and parks in the community. This provided an opportunity for COSTI to work with new partners and educate facility staff on why safe and private spaces are needed to engage newcomer young women in physical activity.

Through the On the Move Healthy Living Club, participants tried a variety of activities – skating, soccer, yoga, hot yoga, baseball, swimming, self-defence, and muay thai, for example. The participants also wanted to play the national sports of their counties of origin, such as cricket and badminton. Some newcomer young women also took the lead by teaching traditional South-Asian dances to the rest of the group. Trips to a local conservation area and downtown Toronto and Centre Island were also organized to wrap up the programs.


In addition to the physical activities there was also a strong education component to the program. The group discussed media literacy, healthy eating, and other topics related to wellbeing. With some groups, journaling was encouraged so participants could reflect on their experiences. Volunteer initiatives, such as park clean-up days, were also incorporated for the participants to learn about the importance of giving back to the community.

Addressing Parental ConcernsCOSTI staff and counselors promoted the On the Move Healthy Living Club to all families that came to the Centre. They took the time to have conversations and review all program details. Parents wanted to know exactly who was delivering the program, what the group would be doing each week, and most importantly, that their daughters would be safe. Staff also used these conversations to highlight the health and social benefits of physical activity. This information was important and helped to get parents on board supporting their daughters’ participation.

Initially it was hard for parents to let their daughters go out on their own and participate in a program like the On the Move Healthy Living Club. They wanted their children to be involved in extra-curricular activities but were concerned about costs, equipment, transportation, and safety. They were therefore excited to find out that this program addressed these barriers. Reiterating that the program was female-only and respectful of culture and diversity helped alleviate their concerns. With time, parents became the biggest promoters of the program, vouching for it and COSTI to other newcomer families.

Inspiring Confidence and Active LivingMany participants were already involved with COSTI and their Youth Council, so there was a core group of young women from the very beginning. COSTI’s Youth Council helped ensure the program was truly participant-driven and based on the interests of the target group. To reach more youth, staff also promoted the program within the local high schools. Ultimately, word of mouth proved to be the most effective way to attract and engage participants. Each week participants were encouraged to bring a friend to the program, and over time attendance grew.

Participants were very open to trying new activities and most contributed program ideas. Regardless of who suggested the activity, the group participated as a whole. Having a few participants carry over each session helped the program maintain consistency and momentum. All of the young women who participated really thrived in the program. The female-only environment allowed them to feel comfortable trying new activities without shame or embarrassment.

The On the Move Healthy Living Club helped participants recognize their own skills and abilities. In the beginning, most didn’t know what they were capable of. By the end, however, they had confidence and wanted to continue

COSTI Immigrant

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BRAMPTON,

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being active in some form or another. Program Leaders also heard how participants inspired their younger siblings and mothers. Mothers told staff the whole family was encouraged to be more active after seeing their daughters benefit from the program.

Creating a Comprehensive ProgramDelivering the On the Move Healthy Living Club was a new experience for COSTI – it was the organization’s first program to focus on sport and physical activity, and from a female perspective. Community partners were therefore essential in creating a quality and comprehensive program.

The Advisory Committee was particularly important, especially in the beginning. The Committee was comprised of representatives from Peel Region Public Health, the local Library, municipal recreation centres, FitSpirit, and COSTI. When possible, youth representatives also took part in committee meetings and contributed to decision-making. The Advisory Committee helped COSTI develop interview questions and hire Program Leaders, find program spaces, access instructors, recruit participants, and secure in-kind donations (including food, t-shirts, and equipment).

Since the On the Move Healthy Living Club was COSTI’s first sport and physical activity program, it took a while to figure out what was available in the community, i.e. what activities the young women could try, and where they could go to try them. Once participants provided input on the activities they wanted to try, staff looked to partners to help make them happen. Partners were key to ensuring the program met the participants’ interests and expectations. Public Health supported the program by delivering workshops on nutrition, body image, and self-care, while recreation centres and private gyms and studios provided space and helped facilitate many of the activities. Program Leaders had to be creative to deliver different activities each week, but by the end a large inventory of ideas was established.

Organizational Learnings and GrowthThis program was an important opportunity for COSTI. The organization’s programs typically focus on settlement, employment, and English language training. The On the Move Healthy Living Club provided a unique way for COSTI to engage the newcomer community, expanding the breadth and capacity of their programming and creating new partnerships along the way.

In return, COSTI had the opportunity to share their experience and expertise to help community partners improve their practices. When the program first started there were no local female-only swim times and some facilities thought it was unreasonable to ask for them. Now, newcomer young women and their families have these options to be active. By creating a more understanding and inclusive environment, the whole community can support newcomer young women in being active and healthy.

COSTI Immigrant

Services

BRAMPTON,

ONTARIO


COSTI’s Tips for Quality Programs

Cultivate Partnerships Partnership matter, so treat them well! It is important to reach out to community leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders and explain the benefits of targeted female-only programs. Partners need to understand how these programs benefit the participants but also themselves and their mandates. Once partners are on board, their continued involvement needs to be supported and maintained.

Find Relatable Program Leaders The relationships created between Program Leaders and participants are special. COSTI worked hard to find Program Leaders close to the participants’ ages with similar energy levels and world outlooks. The young women needed someone they could relate to. Program Leaders built rapport and kept participants engaged – going to great lengths at times to do so.

Replicate the Program Model CAAWS’ On the Move concept and Top 10 Success Factors can be applied in any community and with any organization. Creating and delivering a targeted female-only program for newcomer young women is doable! Start small, build partnerships, address some of the key barriers, such as costs and transportation, and then see what happens.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESTo replicate CAAWS’ On the Move program model in your community download the Handbook and Top 10 Success Factors.

J www.caaws.ca/onthemove/e/resources/index.htm

About CostICOSTI provides educational, social, and employment services to help all immigrants in the Toronto area attain self-sufficiency in Canadian society.

COSTI, founded by the Italian community to meet a shortage of services for immigrants in the post war era, is today a multicultural agency that works with all immigrant communities having a shortage of established services.

COSTI strives to be a leader in community service, using a client focused, proactive, and innovative approach in planning, developing, and delivering services. COSTI will meet the changing needs of a diverse ethno-cultural community while encouraging the full growth and development of its clients and staff.

J www.costi.org


HamilToN, oNTario

On the Move NewcomersBoys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton (BGCH) have been delivering female-only programs for a number of years. Unfortunately, many newcomer girls still faced barriers to participating in these programs. BGCH was therefore excited to partner with CAAWS to reach out to an underserved population and deliver a targeted healthy living program.

On the Move Newcomers was an active living program for girls ages 9 to 13, who had been living in Canada for less than five years. This program introduced participants to opportunities in their community and creative ways to exercise and be healthy. The program was delivered in partnership with local elementary schools during the after school time period.

At each school, supportive staff and champions were crucial in promoting the program and recruiting participants. To inform the girls and parents about the program, flyers were sent home and school staff connected BGCH with families so follow-up phone calls could be made. Program Leaders also went into the schools to introduce themselves and talk to interested participants about the program. During this time, the girls decided what activities they wanted to do and what healthy living subjects they wanted to learn more about. Program Leaders were open to the girls’ ideas and suggestions, but also made an effort to expose participants to new and exciting opportunities that the girls had never heard or thought of. Popular activities included yoga, rock climbing, skating, and swimming.

Through On the Move Newcomers, participants had the opportunity to join other BGCH activities such as Survivor Sleepovers. Hosted at the Club, these sleepovers exposed girls to a variety of games and team building activities, as well as in important discussions about self-esteem and personal care. Ultimately, the On the Move Newcomers program provided a space for girls to be active, share their ideas, be outspoken, and most importantly, be themselves.

Promoting Active Female Role ModelsSince Program Leaders were the liaison between the girls, parents, schools, and Club, finding the right person(s) was crucial. Program Leaders had to make a good first impression and they had to be outgoing and fun to draw girls to the program and keep them there. Program Leaders quickly learned that while the participants were newcomers and experiencing issues related to immigration and settlement, they were also just your “typical” girls. Each and every girl was unique, so getting to know them and developing relationships with them was important.

A unique component of On the Move Newcomers was partnering with McMaster Athletes Care – McMaster University’s initiative to connect student athletes with meaningful volunteer experiences and community development opportunities. Female mentors from sports such a cross-country running, badminton, basketball, and soccer came to the program to introduce their sport to the girls. These


mentors also participated in the non-physical activity component so the girls could get to know them, not just as elite athletes, but as relatable active women. Many of the athletes were moved by their experiences and continued their involvement with the program and Club.

One year, participants took part in a Girls’ Hockey Day, hosted by the City of Hamilton. The goal of this day was to introduce the girls to female athletes and role models of all ages. On the Move Newcomers participants joined other BGCH girls groups in learning how to skate and shoot the puck. A number of young hockey players from across the City took part as well, and helped lead some of the drills. A female Olympian also participated – which was really exciting for the girls. Barriers to participation such as cost, equipment, transportation, and food were eliminated, so as many girls as possible could take part.

Connecting with ParentsEngaging parents was a challenge. When programs are run at the Club, staff have ample opportunity to talk to parents, build relationships, and encourage them to get involved. Along the same lines, parents can more easily come to the Club, meet the staff, see the space, and check in on programs. Since On the Move Newcomers was run out of schools and most participants walked home afterward, there was little interaction with parents. Staff were unable to speak to parents directly, and often relied on participants to deliver information about the program. While involving parents was challenging, it was still important. Parental engagement was considered an ongoing process. Even informal conversations provided important opportunities for Program Leaders to educate parents about the value of physical activity and the benefits of having their daughters be part of a healthy living program.

Sharing Program Learnings across BGCHOther Boys and Girls Club sites across Hamilton are looking to develop similar targeted programs. There has been a large influx of newcomers in certain pockets of the city, so programs need to be adapted to better meet the changing needs of the community. The experiences of connecting with families and creating fun and relevant programs for newcomer girls will be shared with other site supervisors.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton, as an organization, truly benefited from being part of this program. The organization now approaches programming differently – staff and instructors are more aware and better able to adapt to the needs of participants and the community. The goal moving forward is for all BGCH programs and services to be welcoming and accessible to the whole community.

BGCH’s Tips for Quality Programs

Create a Unique Program When developing a new program, it is important to do research. Learn about the challenges and successes other organizations experienced. At the same time, don’t be afraid to create something unique. While there are lots of best practices out there to learn from, they may not work with every community and group of

Boys and Girls Clubs

of Hamilton

HAMILTON,

ONTARIO


participants. Take the time to get to know the participants, and their needs and interests, then build programs around this understanding.

Make Physical Activity Fun The importance of talking to the participants beforehand cannot be overstated. Program Leaders need to get a real sense of who the participants are, and what they want to do. Developing programs that accommodate their needs and are based on their interests is the best way to engage inactive girls and demonstrate that physical activity is fun. Along the same lines, try to offer activities that the girls can continue to do on their own. This will support participants in being active and healthy in the long-term, enhancing the impact of the program.

Connect with Community Partners Partnerships, especially those with the schools, were essential. Having the Principals and administrative staff on board contributed to program success. McMaster University, the City of Hamilton’s Recreation Department and Public Health Services, FitSpirit, and the Fit, Active, Beautiful (FAB) Foundation, were also key partners in creating a strong, holistic program. Moving forward, BGCH will continue to work with community partners to build capacity and create awareness about the need for targeted programs.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESThe Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton have received support for their girls programming from the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Girls Fund, designed to help girls in Canada develop confidence by funding dynamic programs that engage their body, mind, and spirit.

J http://canadianwomen.org/

About tHE boYs AnD GIrls Clubs of HAmIltonAs one of the largest and oldest Boys & Girls Clubs in Canada, we are proud of our history of leveling the playing field and providing opportunities for children and youth to reach their full potential in life, by supporting their healthy physical, educational, and social development. Our Clubs create environments that are safe and inclusive, fun and stimulating, and provide opportunities for learning, development, leadership, and discovery. Our staff and volunteers are HIGH FIVE certified mentors who take an individualized approach to every child and a strength-based approach to helping them realize their potential. Our services are located in neighbourhoods where they are most needed by young people and their families and emphasize flexible programs based on local needs, the interests of children and youth, and the diversity, character, and identity of their communities. Together we are helping to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child, and empowering all children and youth to discover and achieve their dreams and grow up to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society.

J www.kboysandgirlsclub.com


of Hamilton

HAMILTON,

ONTARIO


loNdoN, oNTario

Newcomers On the MoveLondon Cross Cultural Learner Centre

Providing Positive Physical Activity ExperiencesLondon is an incredibly diverse city with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) serving newcomers from all over the world. Centre staff witnessed how many young women were unable to participate in co-ed physical activity programs for personal, cultural, and religious reasons. By partnering with CAAWS on the Newcomer On the Move project, CCLC aimed to break down barriers and get newcomer young women active.

Newcomers On the Move targeted young women attending three London high schools. There is a growing number of Spanish and Arabic-speaking newcomers in London and this diversity was reflected in the program. Some participants had been in Canada for only a few months, while others had been in Canada for a few years.

The program addressed barriers that previously prevented the young women from joining sport and physical activity programs, such as social stigmas and cultural restraints, and a lack of facilities and female-only opportunities. Newcomers On the Move provided transportation, eliminated costs, and most importantly approached programming with cultural understanding and respect. Families were able to trust staff and the program as a whole. They knew their daughters were safe at the program, and had a safe way of getting home. Language was also a barrier at the beginning for many of the young women, but through the program their English improved, easing their transition into the community.

At the beginning of each eight-week program, Program Leaders gathered input, not only on what activities the participants wanted to try, but also what goals they wanted to achieve, such as learning how to run. This feedback shaped group activities and discussions each week. The participants had a lot of questions about relationships, academics, mental health, self-esteem, and social media, so qualified speakers were brought in to facilitate discussions on these and other topics. For the physical activity component, the young women were able to try Zumba, yoga, beach volleyball, and Frisbee, among others. A focus was placed on activities the participants could continue through other existing community programs, or at home.

The Advisory Committee, Program Leader, and other staff collectively agreed to develop sustainable programs by offering inexpensive physical activity options, such as walking, running, and soccer in various communities. When the group did visit community facilities, such as yoga studios or female-only gyms, it was to familiarize them with opportunities in their neighbourhood. Mother-daughter activities were also part of the program. CCLC thought it was important to use the program to help nurture family and community relationships.


Creating Strong and Meaningful RelationshipsCCLC’s Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) were tremendously helpful in engaging the schools and connecting teachers and administrative staff with the program. Additionally, these workers had strong and meaningful relationships with newcomer young women and were able to personally invite them to participate in the Newcomers On the Move program.

Before the programs started, the Program Leaders also spent a lot of time building relationships with the youth through school-based social clubs. With support from the SWIS workers they were able to gain the participants’ trust and eventually host a focus group to discuss the Newcomers On the Move program and find out what activities the young women would like to try. The Program Leaders then followed-up with participants by calling parents to introduce themselves and the organization, explain the program, and invite them to come with their daughters to see the program. Building relationships with the participants and their families prior to the start of the program was integral to supporting the young women’s attendance.

The relationships created amongst participants, and between participants and the Program Leaders, were a great outcome of the program. The group became a support network, helping the young women connect with others who had similar experiences and who could help them problem solve and adjust to life in Canada. These connections and relationships will continue long after the program.

Partnerships were extremely important in developing this program. A diverse Advisory Committee was created with representatives from municipal recreation facilities, settlement agencies, schools, and private businesses. Committee members had some great ideas and the Program Leaders respected their input. They were also helpful in connecting the program to resources and facilities across London. Collaboration was important for breaking down the barriers to participation. Through the Advisory Committee, CCLC was also able to more broadly promote the need for female-only recreation opportunities.

Addressing Program ChallengesThe main challenge experienced over the course of the programs was staff turnover. Time and resources would be spent training one person to lead the program, only to have to repeat the process again with someone else. Additionally, it was difficult for the learnings accumulated and relationships created to carry-over. Thankfully other staff members and the Advisory Committee were able to ensure each program was a success.

Finding female-only spaces in the community was also a struggle. Not many opportunities existed. Even when partners were willing to set aside a time for the group to come to their space, it was difficult to also ensure that only female staff would be present and complete privacy for participants. Only if all these conditions were met, could the group attend. Newcomers On the Move served as a platform to help educate community recreation facilities and private businesses about the need for welcoming, female-only spaces.

London Cross Cultural

Learner Centre

LONDON,

ONTARIO


CCLC’s Tips for Quality Programs

Be Committed to the Program Organizations looking to run a similar program need to know that it requires a lot time and resources. They should also be aware and accept that there will be challenges, and that not everything will go as planned. For example, engaging and recruiting participants may take a while and your numbers may not be as high as you’d like in the beginning. Don’t give up! Participation will grow as relationships are created with the young women and their parents.

Create Leaders Give the participants ownership of the program by providing them with opportunities to be leaders within the group. Let them lead activities of their choice. This will help them feel connected to the program and encourage their full participation. Through CCLC’s Newcomers On the Move program, the young women learned they can be agents of change in their own lives, as well as in their community. They gained confidence in themselves and their abilities. A few participants joined the program knowing little English, but went on to be leaders in their schools.

Acknowledge and Address Settlement Issues It was important to remember that the young women in the program had a lot on their plates. Settlement issues were pervasive throughout the program, sometimes in a positive manner and sometimes not. During one program, a participant learned she had finally gotten her citizenship meeting which she needed to move forward with her application to become a Canadian citizen. This was cause for great celebration. Within the same group, however, another participant was abruptly sent back to her country of origin, without being able to explain or say goodbye. This was difficult for the young women to process and sparked fears about their own citizenship status. Along with these settlement and citizenship issues, the young women were also occupied with getting good grades, finishing school, and getting into a reputable university. In programs targeting newcomer young women, it is important to validate participants’ concerns while still providing a space where physical activity can be a tool to de-stress, and most importantly, have fun.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCELeading the Way is a youth development resource designed to help youth successfully plan, organize and implement physical activity programs.

J www.phecanada.ca/store/leading-the-way-youth-leadership-guide.html

About tHE lonDon Cross CulturAl lEArnEr CEntrEOperating since 1968, the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre is a one-stop, multi-service support network for newcomers, committed to educating the boarder community about global issues.

J www.lcclc.org


wiNNiPeG, maNiToBa

Newcomer Learn to SkateDirectorat de l’activité sportive du Manitoba

Engaging Winnipeg’s Francophone Newcomer CommunityWinnipeg’s large Francophone community makes the city an attractive settlement location for French-speaking newcomer families. The Directorat de l’activité sportive (DAS) provides quality sporting activities to the French-speaking population in Manitoba but found that few newcomers were accessing their programs. To address this gap, a Project Coordinator was hired to specifically reach out to this population. The Project Coordinator’s mandate was to understand the barriers newcomers face, learn how to address these barriers, improve access to programming, and find funding to deliver targeted newcomer programs.

With a one-year grant, DAS developed a co-ed Learn to Skate program. During this pilot project it became clear that newcomer boys had more opportunities than the girls to be active, and that many of them were involved in other school or community programs. The girls, however, did not have the same opportunities and new strategies were needed to engage them. Subsequent funding from CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project enabled DAS to focus attention and resources on filling this service gap and create a female-only Learn to Skate initiative.

Learning to SkateFor three years DAS delivered Learn to Skate programs for Francophone newcomer girls and young women. The programs were delivered Saturday afternoons with the participants separated into three groups: ages 9 to 11, ages 12 to 14, and ages 15 to 17. Splitting up the group allowed for smaller instructor to participant ratios and more direct feedback, but exceptions were made for siblings who preferred to be together. The majority of participants came to Canada from French-speaking West African countries, but there was great diversity with respect to the girls’ ethno-cultural backgrounds. Each week participants became more confident with their skating skills and more comfortable being part of the group.

Skating was a hugely popular activity and each session was filled to capacity. Winters are long in Winnipeg, so participants wanted activities that got them outside and having fun. Skating was also perceived to be a quintessential Canadian sport. Learning how to skate helped newcomers develop a greater sense of belonging and helped them feel like “real Manitobans”. While the goal was to get newcomer girls and young women active, the program also supported the settlement and integration process. Skating became a tool to help newcomers be part of the community and participate in winter festivals and


events. Some parents were so inspired by their daughter’s participation they were encouraged to learn how to skate themselves.

To enhance the program, the Learn to Skate initiative was combined with an after school leadership program in the last year. Barriers such as after school responsibilities and the harsh winter conditions prevented some participants from being involved, but those that came had the opportunity to build their leadership skills and try a variety of additional sports and physical activities.

As a trial, DAS offered a Learn to Swim program for newcomer girls and young women. Swimming is an important life skill yet many newcomers have not had formal swimming instruction or the opportunity to become comfortable near pools and open water. Interestingly, while DAS considered swimming an important activity, it was not as popular with the girls and their parents. Some girls felt uncomfortable in a bathing suit or for religious or cultural reasons could not wear a bathing suit in public, some didn’t want to get their hair wet, and for others it just wasn’t an activity of interest. While the Learn to Swim program did not attract the same number of participants as the Learn to Skate program, it was still a success in its own right.

DAS’ Learn to Skate program was different from other skating programs in the city in many ways. First of all, the program eliminated all costs for participants. There were no registration fees and equipment and transportation were provided. Secondly, the Learn to Skate program specifically targeted the Francophone newcomer community. Language can be a huge barrier for families when it comes to accessing and participating in programs. Skating programs, in particular, require a lot of safety and technical instruction that the participants need to understand. By delivering these programs in French, DAS was able to reach an underserved population and ensure program safety and accessibility.

Programming for the Whole FamilyThroughout the program, it was important to consider the needs of the whole family. Parents wanted to be there and see the program for themselves. Providing transportation for participants as well as their families in the form of bus tickets was an important piece in creating an accessible, barrier-free, program. Along the same lines, providing activities and opportunities for younger siblings was sometimes necessary as the families often traveled as a unit.

Some of the most memorable participants were not even registered in the program. One girl was too young to participate in the Learn to Skate program but that didn’t stop her from coming each week with her older sister. It was encouraging and inspiring to see this little girl’s enthusiasm and determination. Instead of excluding her, which would have also excluded her sister, little games and activities specifically for her were organized. She was just happy to be

there and be part of the group and program in her own way.

Directorat de l’activité

sportive du Manitoba

WINNIPEG,

MANITOBA


Reaching Out and Relating to ParentsThe success of this program was due in large part to the Project Coordinator. She herself was a newcomer and served as the liaison between DAS and the participants and families. As a Francophone newcomer with a background in sport and physical education, the Project Coordinator understood the barriers these families faced and how their religious and cultural beliefs influenced the role of physical activity in the lives of the girls and young women. Her first contact with parents, and their first impression of her and the organization, was extremely important. The Project Coordinator took the time to get to know the families, and through compassion and understanding was able to gain their trust. Parents had peace of mind knowing that there was someone they knew and trusted leading the program and looking after their daughters.

It took time and effort to reach out to participants and parents and create a welcoming environment. The Project Coordinator learned that even one phone call to parents meant a lot. These chats allowed the Project Coordinator to introduce herself, talk to parents about their daughter’s participation, and address any questions or concerns. Each phone call took only a few minutes but made a huge impact. DAS also hosted an open house/orientation session at the beginning of each program to keep parents informed and involved. These open houses allowed parents to see the program space, meet the staff, and learn how to help their daughters tie up their skates and take care of them properly.

Despite being a newcomer herself, facilitating this program was still a great learning experience for the Project Coordinator. The program served as a great reminder about how there is no single newcomer experience and that each individual and family has a unique story. Regardless of how many times someone has facilitated a program, or worked with a certain demographic, it is important to remain open-minded and willing to learn.

Partnerships for SuccessThe City of Winnipeg was a key delivery partner for the program. The City provided valuable ice time and qualified instructors to lead each session. The City’s skating instructors also helped facilitate the orientation sessions, and having them present reassured parents that the programs were safe and legitimate. The Francophone Newcomer Welcome Centre also contributed to the success of the program by helping DAS connect with Francophone newcomer families across the city.

The partnership between DAS and CAAWS was crucial. While the funding for the Learn to Skate initiative was beneficial, the resources and expertise CAAWS provided were invaluable. CAAWS has spent a lot of time researching the barriers newcomer girls face and has developed best practices for service providers to use when programming for this target group. Tools to help recruit newcomer girls and involve their parents, information on how to “make the case” to partners and potential funders, and tips about effective program design ensured DAS avoided making the same mistakes as others and allowed staff and

Directorat de l’activité

sportive du Manitoba

WINNIPEG,

MANITOBA


volunteers to focus on program delivery. As an organization, DAS looks forward to continuing to use these resources and applying them to other programs. Fortunately, DAS has secured a grant through Sport Manitoba’s Community Development Program which will help ensure newcomer girls and young women continue to have opportunities to be active.

DAS’s Tips for Quality Programs

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel DAS had never delivered a targeted program like this before. It was a great learning experience, but also a reminder not to reinvent the wheel. When creating a new program, do your research. Reach out to other organizations, and learn from them – collect their tools, resources, and best practices. Conversely, disseminate your own experiences and learning to others.

Advocate for Targeted Physical Activity Programs The greatest challenge in delivering this program was persuading senior management and policy makers that targeted sport and physical activity programs for newcomer girls were needed. It was easy to engage like-minded people, but to truly make an impact the skeptics needed to be convinced. Some did not believe physical activity programs should be prioritized when there are other newcomer issues such as unemployment and poverty that need to be addressed. It was therefore important to increase awareness about the role physical activity programs can play in the settlement and integration process. Thankfully DAS had some wonderful champions who truly valued and supported the program throughout.

Develop and Foster Networks The lasting legacy of this program will be the networks that were created and expanded. In Winnipeg there is a strong information network for settlement service providers. Through the Learn to Skate initiative, DAS was able to join this network and bring information about sport and physical activity to the table. This network will continue long after the program and will ensure that settlement service providers and newcomers are made aware of the importance of sport and physical activity and of the opportunities and programs available to them. For example, in March 2014, DAS, Sport Manitoba, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, and the Youville Centre hosted a networking event that brought together a number of community stakeholders to share personal and professional experiences and talk about the sport and physical activity needs and opportunities for girls and women in Winnipeg.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCEThe Premier’s Sport Awards Program (p.s.a.p.) provides sport-specific teaching tools to help children and youth develop their basic sport skills. The series includes an Ice Skating manual.

J www.psap.jwsporta.ca


About DIrECtorAt DE l’ACtIVIté sportIVE Du mAnItobA DAS’ mission is to contribute to the vitality of the Francophone community through sports activities in French in Manitoba. DAS has the following general objectives: 1. Promote sport and physical activity in French in Manitoba;2. Develop, organize and coordinate sport and physical activity in

French in Manitoba;3. Improve the accessibility, quality and participation

in sport and physical activity in French

J http://directorat.mb.ca

wiNNiPeG, maNiToBa

Girls Night OutBoys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg

Engaging Newcomer GirlsThe Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg (BGCW) have been running Girls On the Move programs since 2005. In partnering with CAAWS, BGCW was able to enhance programming in two neighbourhoods with large newcomer communities.

Through BGCW’s after school programs, strong relationships with Club members and their families had been developed and as a result, it was relatively easy to recruit participants for Girls Night Out. This program targeted tween girls, ages 10 to 13. The needs of this age group, as well as their interest and enthusiasm, made them a good fit for the program. Girls Night Out worked with the same group of newcomer girls from October to June each year. In previous programs, staff found an eight-week program model insufficient to really connect with the girls and achieve measureable outcomes. With a longer program, participants became comfortable with their peers and Program Leaders, relationships with families were strengthened, and the girls’ attitudes about, and regular participation in, physical activity improved.

Like all BGCW programs, Girls Night Out provided additional supports to remove barriers that typically prevent participation. First of all, program costs were eliminated – newcomer parents often wanted their children to enjoy and benefit from community programs but could not afford the registration fees and equipment costs. Parents therefore appreciated having a program that exposed their daughters to fun and exciting activities at no cost. Second, transportation was organized to ensure the girls could come to the program and get safely home afterward. Program Leaders learned that if the girls couldn’t walk to the site, or get there on one direct bus, then they wouldn’t come.


Exploring WinnipegFor Girls Night Out, community field trips were organized most weeks, providing opportunities for the girls to learn more about the community and the activities available to them. Girls had the chance to try archery and wall climbing at the university, as well as indoor trampolining, bowling, swimming, sledding, and skating at community facilities. Creative programming was required, as there were only so many free facilities the group could use. At the Club, sessions on Ukrainian dance, hip-hop, nutrition, and cooking were held, and the Wii “Just Dance” was always available as a backup activity. Girls Night Out also helped the group address the issue of Winnipeg winters. Through the program, staff were able to inform participants and their families about the importance of proper clothing and how to stay warm and active during the colder months.

While the program aimed to introduce girls to new and exciting opportunities, it also showcased activities that required little or no equipment that the girls could continue to do on their own. As with all girls programming, it was important to brainstorm potential activities with the participants but also ensure that a healthy-body, healthy-mind component was included. In addition to having nutrition and cooking modules, the groups took part in discussions and activities related to social, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Cultural InclusivityCultural respect was at the forefront of Girls Night Out, and the motto of the program was “what we do, we all do together.” It was important for parents to know that dietary practices, clothing choices, and the need for female-only spaces were honoured, and never was an activity planned that would knowingly exclude one of the girls. For example, when the group went swimming, Program Leaders made sure to find a pool with a female-only swim time and where complete privacy could be guaranteed. Program Leaders recognized why targeted, barrier-free programs were important for engaging newcomer girls, and why relationship-building with parents was essential. All staff involved with the program understood its purpose and uniqueness.

Logistical ChallengesSpace is an ongoing issue for BGCW. Securing appropriate facilities to accommodate the variety of activities offered during Girls Night Out at the Club was difficult. As a result, the group went out into the community most weeks. While these field trips were beneficial in many ways, it will be important for BGCW to set aside more female-only gym time in the future to create the safe space that girls and young women need to participate.

Choosing a day and time for the program that worked for participants was another challenge. It was absolutely impossible to accommodate everyone. At some point staff just had to pick a day and stick with it. For certain activities, however, program times were adjusted so the girls wouldn’t be out too late at night.

Regardless of the accommodations made, the program still lost participants once and a while. One girl, for example, stopped coming to the program because


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her father wanted her to focus on her schoolwork instead. When situations like this came up, staff always tried to work with parents, but understood that they ultimately had the last word.

Community CollaborationA number of partners helped develop and deliver the Girls Night Out program. While BGCW staff were great leaders, they were not always familiar or comfortable with the activities the participants wanted to try. It was therefore important to bring in, or go to, the experts. Seeing Program Leaders try certain activities for the first time was reassuring for the girls. It demonstrated that no one is perfect and no one can be an expert at everything. Having the Program Leaders try the activities alongside the girls also reiterated that the purpose of the program was to participate and have fun! Other community partners also shared resources and provided support for Girls Night Out. The girls saw the importance of BGCW’s partnerships and developed an under standing of what community really means. They learned that their community goes beyond just their school and Boys and Girls Club, and that there is a large group of individuals and organizations that cares about them and are invested in their wellbeing.

Program Leader Training and SupportFacilitating Girls Night Out was a great opportunity for the Program Leaders. Some were newcomers or immigrants themselves, others had experience working with newcomer families, and for others, working with this population was a completely new experience. Regardless of their background, by facilitating this program they all became more aware of the barriers newcomer girls experience to participation and the need to create targeted programs to engage this population in physical activity and sport. Through Girls Night Out, Program Leaders were also able to strengthen their leadership skills, gain knowledge of community events and activities, and network with community partners.

Unfortunately, the Program Leaders changed each year, making it difficult for the learnings to be shared from one year to the next. BGCW learned a lot from these experiences, however, and were in a better place by the end as a result. These challenges helped BGCW create clearer expectations and guidelines for the Program Leaders, guest instructors, and for the program itself. BGCW learned the importance of having managers regularly check in on the Program Leaders and programs to ensure they have the support and resources they need, and that program goals are being met. Checking in on a regular basis also allows for ongoing evaluation and feedback to modify and improve the program.

Organizational Change – a Newcomer LensGirls Night Out did not follow the typical BGCW program delivery model, and the many unique aspects required support at all levels, from the Board and managers, right down to the frontline staff. This level of staff engagement provided an opportunity for the organization to reflect on their services, and be more intentional about how programming is approached. The organization now applies a newcomer lens to all programs – the unique needs and challenges of newcomer


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families are considered and addressed from the onset. Before starting any program, a needs assessment is conducted and consultations with partners, participants, and community members are facilitated. These findings then shape program content and delivery.

BGCW’s Tips for Quality Programs

Involve Parents If staff could go back and do anything differently, they would focus more resources and time to involving parents. A lot of newcomer parents are turned-off by the individualized nature of programming in Canada. Their cultures are often more family-oriented, so they are not used to simply “dropping off” and “picking up” their children from programs. Through mother-daughter nights or initiatives that involve the whole family, programs such as Girls Night Out can be the hook for getting parents more involved and connected with the Boys and Girls Club and the broader community.

Connect Families Program delivery organizations should take a larger role in connecting parents with settlement services and support to help them adjust to life in Canada. Power struggles can often arise between newcomer parents and their children as the youth more easily learn the language, develop friendships, and become involved in community life. It is important to help parents become engaged and connected with the community, as helping parents helps strengthen the family as a whole.

Support Growth and Participation The changes and growth seen in the participants will be the legacy of the Girls Night Out program. Through this program, the girls’ relationships with one another improved. Most of them knew each other from other programs, but Girls Night Out helped forge friendships and improve their ability to work through difference and conflicts. The girls also gained confidence and awareness, and developed a healthier attitude towards physical activity. Through Girls Night Out, participants came to see sport and physical activity as part of their daily lives.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCETake It EASY (Empowerment and Self-Esteem for Youth) is a Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada program that addresses the complex issues facing young people – especially girls between ages 10 and 15.

J www.bgccan.com/en/ClubsPrograms/Programs-National/Pages/ Take-It-EASY.aspx

About tHE boYs AnD GIrls Clubs of wInnIpEG The Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg provides a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

J www.wbgc.mb.ca


saskaTooN, saskaTcHewaN

Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens / Newcomer On the MoveHeart and Stroke Foundation

Promoting Healthy Living among Saskatoon’s Newcomer PopulationImmigration is considered vital to Saskatchewan’s growth, and as such there has been a large influx of newcomers settling in the province. Unfortunately, in Saskatoon, opportunities for newcomers to participate in culturally appropriate programs were limited. To be proactive and promote physical activity, health, and wellbeing to newcomer girls and young women, the Heart and Stoke Foundation (HSF) partnered with CAAWS to deliver the Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move programs.

The Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move programs provided participants with opportunities to try a wide range of fun and exciting activities. In addition to creating active opportunities for newcomer girls and young women, HSF also set out to raise awareness of the experiences of newcomers in Saskatoon and demonstrate the importance of targeted female-only programs.

Experiencing Saskatoon through a LensExperiencing Saskatoon through a Lens targeted newcomer young women, ages 14 to 18. This summer program combined physical activity, education, and the use of cameras to help participants get to know the city of Saskatoon and all it had to offer. Each week centred on a different theme, such as Amazing Race where the young women participated in a scavenger hunt across the city, and Giving Back which involved volunteering at a community garden. The photo-voice component was integrated throughout the program – each week participants took photos of different topics including physical activity, food, health, community recreation facilities, and their overall experience with the program. The photos helped participants share their unique stories and opinions, and helped Program Leaders better understand the young women and their lives.

Newcomer On the MoveNewcomer On the Move provided non-competitive physical activity opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment for girls ages 9 to 12. Three distinct programs were delivered in partnership with local elementary schools. Each eight-week program was delivered at a different school with a different group of newcomer girls, spreading the benefits of the program across the city. Programs ran during the after school hours with each week focusing on a different activity based on the girls’ interests and feedback. Girls had the chance to participate in Zumba, yoga, basketball, soccer, and badminton, for example, and enjoyed field


trips to the local swimming pool and climbing gym. There were also plenty of games and ice-breakers, and discussions and activities based on health and nutrition.

Journaling was a central activity within the Newcomer On the Move program. Participants received notebooks and were encouraged to write about what they had learned and enjoyed each week. They also used the journals to suggest other activities and games, and provide informal feedback. Program Leaders would collect the journals each week and use them to help guide future programming. At the end of each program, participants took their journals home and were encouraged to continue writing about their healthy living experiences.

Program Leaders played an essential role in delivering the Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move programs, and in creating a safe and welcoming environment that inspired participants to be active. They were responsible for organizing and delivering activities, as well as reaching out to inactive girls, developing relationships with them, and encouraging their participation. Most importantly, Program Leaders acted as role models by demonstrating that physical activity and healthy living can be fun!

Creating Targeted ProgramsBoth Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move addressed common barriers to participation such as cost and transportation. The programs were free and delivered in central locations. Rides home were coordinated as needed, buses were organized for field trips, and bus passes were provided to older participants.

The fact that the programs specifically targeted newcomer girls and young women made them more appealing to participants and their families. They felt safe knowing those in the group shared similar experiences and loved having a program that was designed specifically for them and their peers. At the beginning of the programs, a number of girls felt self-conscious and nervous to participate. Many were reluctant to run during tag games or try some of the more challenging activities like indoor rock climbing. By the end, however, they felt comfortable with the group and confident and excited to try new activities. The girls developed strong friendships and became a source of support and encouragement for each other.

Through these programs, HSF learned the importance of directly asking participants what they want to do and then planning activities based on this input. Since Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move were designed by the girls and young women themselves, they loved participating each week.

Making the CaseInitially some school divisions and their staff did not see the value of these programs. They believed there were enough opportunities in the schools and

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community, and that targeted programs for newcomer girls and young women were not necessary. This lack of support only demonstrated the need for more education about the needs of newcomers and the benefits of female-only programming. Even when schools and teachers were on board, it was still important to be firm about the purpose of the program. For example, Program Leaders were approached about making the program co-ed, or to change the focus of the program to combatting bullying in school. During these exchanges it was important to turn the conversation around and reinforce the need to support newcomer girls and young women in being active.

To successfully run these programs, strong relationships with the schools were important. Thankfully at each school there was at least one champion staff member supporting and promoting the program. These teachers, Principals, and Community School Coordinators helped identify and recruit participants and share information with parents. In one school, the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher valued the program and believed in its benefits so much that she volunteered her time to talk to families and serve as a gateway person between them and the Program Leaders and HSF.

Program Leaders and other HSF staff gained valuable knowledge and experience being part of the Experiencing Saskatoon through a Lens and Newcomer On the Move programs. Delivering these programs was an eye-opening experience for all involved. Growing up, most had been involved in community sport programs and were not aware of the barriers newcomer girls and their families experienced with regards to participation. Now, the importance of providing culturally appropriate programs in a safe and welcoming environment is understood. The learnings from these programs will be shared within the Heart and Stroke Foundation, with the Advisory Committee, and across the city in an effort to create more opportunities for newcomer girls and young women to be active.

Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Tips for Quality Programs

Consider Language and Literacy Levels Paperwork created a lot of challenges throughout the programs. Seeking permission and addressing liability was a frustrating and often difficult process. There were a lot of forms that needed to be signed in order for the girls to participate – registration forms, media release forms, and field trip permission forms. It was time consuming and stressful ensuring everyone understood the forms, filled them out correctly, and returned them on time. Strategies to address these issues include reminder phone calls, combining paperwork to limit the number of forms, hosting an open house where parents can come and complete the forms with assistance, and partnering with settlement agencies to have the forms translated.

Find Active Program Leaders It was crucial to have experienced Program Leaders. The HSF Volunteer Manager recruited volunteers through a Memorandum of Understanding with

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the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Public Health. The Program Leaders were Public Health students, some with a background in Kinesiology. Having someone in charge with a sport and physical activity background was an important asset – Program Leaders came to the program with their own “toolkits” of games and activities that they could share with the group.

Prioritize the Interests of Participants While the Advisory Committee provided valuable input, there was sometimes a disconnect between what they thought the program should focus on and what the participants actually wanted to do. For example, the Advisory Committee wanted Program Leaders to address body image and self-esteem issues and introduce new sports such boxing, football, and swimming. While the Advisory Committee considered these topics and activities important, the participants were not necessarily interested in them. It was therefore important to have Program Leaders that understood the participants’ interests and could switch things up, keep things fun, and make sure activities were age appropriate and based on the girls and young women’s input.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCEPHE Canada’s Active Living After School How-to Guide highlights the critical elements of a successful after school program and provides practical tips for ensuring physical activity and healthy eating are integral components of all after school programs.

J www.phecanada.ca/programs/active-living-after-school

About tHE HEArt AnD strokE founDAtIon VISION: Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will

make it happen.

MISSION: • Prevent disease – Give children and youth the best start for a long, healthy life – Empower Canadians to live healthy lives

MISSION: • Save lives – Enable faster, better cardiac emergency response and treatment – Enable faster, better stroke response and treatment

MISSION: • Promote recovery – Enhance support for survivors,

families and caregivers

J www.heartandstroke.sk.ca

Heart and Stroke

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SASkATOON,

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surreY, BriTisH columBia

Newcomer Girls On the MoveCity of Surrey

As a rapidly diversifying area, the City of Surrey is committed to developing and delivering services and programs that support immigrant and refugee families settling in the region. Prior to becoming involved in CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project, the City of Surrey collaborated with a newcomer Welcome Centre to deliver active programming for children and youth while parents accessed settlement services and support. Sadly, the girls and young women didn’t play very much – they seemed uncomfortable and felt they lacked the skills needed to participate. Staff also seemed to lack the knowledge and experience to fully engage the girls in the activities. Therefore, when the City of Surrey heard about the Newcomer On the Move project they connected with CAAWS to create a healthy living and skill development program just for the girls and young women.

Reaching Diverse Populations Across the CityTo deliver Newcomer Girls On the Move, the City of Surrey partnered with Options Community Services (Options) and their Settlement and Integration Program. From the onset, roles and responsibilities were clearly defined – an important factor for successful partnerships. Options took care of reaching out to other settlement agencies and recruiting families and participants, while the City took the lead in delivering the program.

Each eight-week Newcomer Girls On the Move program was delivered at a different community centre to reach out to the diverse newcomer populations across the city. During each program, participants tried a variety of activities such as skating, floor hockey, badminton, and yoga. A grocery store scavenger hunt was also organized as a creative way to teach the participants about healthy food.

Prior to the program, many newcomer families described City buildings and City staff as being intimidating. In some countries, people and places of authority are feared, not trusted. It was therefore important to ensure newcomer families felt safe and welcomed within the programs and facilities. As part of the Newcomer Girls On the Move program, trips to other community recreation centres were organized to help increase participants’ comfort and familiarity. RCMP officers and local firefighters also visited the program to introduce themselves and speak to the girls about safety. Participants were initially hesitant and nervous about having these uniformed guests at the program but they quickly realized that they were friendly and trustworthy.

Engaging Participants and ParentsNewcomer Girls On the Move targeted girls ages 10 to 12. Parents were the biggest influence in deciding what these girls could do and where they could go with the program, so gaining their trust and support was crucial. Offering a tour of the recreation centre was not enough; parents were therefore invited to join the


program the first week so they could see the space, meet the staff, and go away with a clear understanding of the program. Settlement workers were also on site to help translate if needed.

When choosing the program activities, it was important to give not only the girls a voice, but also their parents. Based on the families’ cultural and religious beliefs some activities weren’t considered appropriate. For example, in one program, parents didn’t want the girls to go swimming; in another, certain types of dance were off limits. Ultimately, parents appreciated that the City sought their input and respected their opinions and feedback.

Quality Programs through TrainingThe Program Leader gained valuable experience facilitating the Newcomer Girls On the Move program. She participated in the I am Game initiative – the City of Surrey’s unique sport readiness/physical literacy and life skill development philosophy and program. This initiative helped the Program Leader become familiar with a variety of games and activities, and learn how to teach them to inactive girls. I am Game focused on the importance of creating positive first experiences, breaking down skills, and setting participants up for success. The Program Leader took everything learned through I am Game and applied it to the Newcomer Girls On the Move program. Facilitating this program also helped the Program Leader be more accountable to herself and the group. At the beginning she did not consider herself very athletic but in working on this program she realized she needed to walk the talk and make positive changes to her diet and fitness routine to be a better role model for the girls.

Partnerships and NetworksFor most programs, the City relies on the distribution of seasonal Leisure Guides (printed and online program listings with descriptions) for promotion and participant recruitment. To engage newcomer populations, however, the City understood that a more direct and targeted approach was needed. The City faced barriers reaching out to newcomer families, gaining their trust, and recruiting participants; partnering with settlement agencies and Welcome Centres was therefore crucial. These organizations already had established relationships with newcomers and were able to vouch for the City and the Newcomer Girls On the Move program.

The Advisory Committee assembled after CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move Workshop proved to be very beneficial. A diverse group of individuals and organizations made up the committee, including community recreation programmers, settlement workers, as well as the engagement coordinator with the City’s fire service. Together, the City of Surrey, Options, and the Advisory Committee were able to create a vision for the Newcomer Girls On the Move program and share program information and learnings across the city.

It is important for the City to provide programs that reflect the needs of the community. The Newcomer Girls On the Move program helped raise awareness about the barriers newcomer girls and their families face with participating in sport and physical activity, and how to better address these obstacles. The City will continue to work with settlement agencies to support newcomer families in being

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active and engaged in the community. Sharing information about opportunities such as the female-only swim times will be key.

The City of Surrey’s Tips for Quality Programs

Define Partner Roles and Responsibilities It’s important not to assume individuals or organizations agree on program policy and practice. Strong partnerships with clearly defined roles and responsibilities were key to delivering successful programs. While each partner brought something different to the table, everyone involved was committed to the same goal.

Develop Sport Skills and Confidence There was one participant who was originally very shy and reluctant to participate. She had never been part of a physical activity program before and didn’t think it was for her. Slowly she became more involved and open to participating. One week she was surprised and ecstatic to learn that she could actually run – and run fast! She had never before been encouraged to run, and didn’t think she would be any good. Newcomer Girls On the Move helped her, and many other girls, develop the confidence to participate in sport and physical activity.

Create Social Inclusion Through Sport This program truly had a positive impact on the girls. One session had a very diverse group with many cultures represented. At first this led to cliquey behaviors where some girls would talk in their first language, excluding other participants as well as the Program Leader from their conversations. Once the girls got into the gym however, things changed – sport brought the girls together, took away language barriers, and promoted teamwork and inclusiveness.

RECOMMENDED RESOuRCESThe Play it Fair toolkit promotes human rights, non-discrimination and peaceful conflict resolution within non-formal education programs for children.

J www.equitas.org/en/what-we-do/children-and-youth/play-it-fair-canada/

About tHE CItY of surrEY The City of Surrey’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department enhances the quality of life in our communities by working together to:• Provide and facilitate the development of high quality parks, facilities, services

and events;• Embrace and foster diversity and community identity;• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity;• Champion environmental and cultural stewardship;• Encourage and support individual and community wellness; and• Develop, deliver and preserve cultural and educational resources and services.• We will accomplish our mission through active

partnerships and a community development approach.

J www.surrey.ca


conclusions and recommendations

CAAWS’ national Newcomer On the Move project had a significant impact on individuals and organizations alike. The community programs increased the participation rates and activity levels of newcomer girls and young women across the country. Participants were exposed to a variety of fun and accessible activities and learned the importance of active living. Programs also supported the settlement and integration process – participants increased their familiarity with the community and available services, enhanced their English language skills, and created friendships and a greater sense of belonging. The relationships created among participants, and between participants and Program Leaders, will have a lasting impact on the girls and young women. The participants were a source of support and encouragement to each other, and within the group they felt safe to have fun and truly be themselves.

At the organization level, host organizations increased their capacity to engage newcomer populations and deliver targeted female-only sport and physical activity programs. Success required the host organizations to adopt a participant-driven, community-based approach – a completely new way of programming for some. Awareness about the needs, interests, and experiences of newcomer girls and young women, and their families, was greatly enhanced among traditional sport and physical activity service providers, impacting their policy and practice. Commitment to the value of sport, physical activity, and healthy living programming as tools to support settlement and integration also increased among partners providing settlement services. Finally, enhanced partnerships throughout the communities have improved communication and coordination to address the needs of newcomer families, supporting the sustainability of programs and further expanding the impact of the Newcomer On the Move project.

For CAAWS, collaborating with 14 organizations across 12 communities provided invaluable opportunities to learn about the diverse needs and experiences of newcomer girls and young women and their families, and about the realities confronted by service providers. The innovation and determination demonstrated by the partners was inspiring, and learnings from the community programs and national project will enhance future initiatives and the mentoring and support CAAWS provides across the country.

While there have been numerous learnings and successes through the National


Newcomer On the Move project, there is still work to be done. To support action in communities across Canada, this resource concludes with summary recommendations based on key learnings from across the Newcomer On the Move sites and by CAAWS. Additional tips to help organizations start a Newcomer On the Move program in their community are included in Appendix A.

RecommendationsComplementing the tips and experiences already shared in this resource, the following five recommendations highlight critical considerations for organizations looking to create programs for newcomer girls and young women. These recommendations summarize the understanding and commitment needed to significantly impact healthy living opportunities for this important target group.

1 Make Female-Only Newcomer Programs a Priority To address gaps in the availability and utilization of healthy living programs for newcomer girls and young women, service providers need to prioritize this important group. This may require changes in attitude, policy, and practice (e.g. reallocation of human, facility and/or financial resources; adaptations to clothing policies or accommodations to ensure facilities are private for female-only programs; changes to program development models; and the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies). For many newcomer girls and young women, and their families, female-only programs are required based on their religious/cultural beliefs and practices; for others a female-only environment is just more comfortable. It will take time to build interest and momentum for such programs, but service providers need to demonstrate that they value the participation of newcomer girls and young women, and are committed to providing them with a safe space to be active.

J Action Idea – Review CAAWS’ In Her Voice and Making Healthy Connections with Racialized Communities reports to gain insight into the sport and physical activity experiences of girls and young women and the unique needs, interests, and experiences of girls and young women from ethnic communities. Visit www.caaws.ca.

2 Don’t Go it Alone All Newcomer On the Move sites benefited from partnerships created during the project. A diverse range of partners contributed a variety of resources including program delivery experience, healthy living expertise, access to newcomer communities, facilities, equipment, instructors, swag and prizes, transportation, registration fees, and connections to other community groups. Enhancing communication and collaboration within the community was also beneficial, especially when exploring sustainability options. To support and maintain successful partnerships, partners must develop a shared understanding of the program’s goals and outcomes, agree on how to make these a reality, and clearly define each person/organization’s role and responsibilities.


J Action Idea – Organize a networking event where organizations serving newcomer communities can come together to discuss current and future programs and services, and explore opportunities to collaborate.

3 Build RelationshipsWith and Amongst the Girls – Prioritize fun and participation to create relationships and a sense of security and belonging within the group. Through these programs, newcomer girls and young women developed strong bonds and friendships, and were a source of support and encouragement to each other. The relationships between the Program Leaders and the girls were equally important. Developing relationships with the girls and young women takes time and intention, but is vital for Program Leaders who are important role models for the participants.

J Action Idea – Include ice-breakers and discussions or sharing circles to help participants get to know one another and the Program Leader. This will also help to create the safe and welcoming environment needed for the girls to feel free to be themselves.

With Parents and Families – Parents/guardians and other family members have considerable influence on the leisure time of newcomer girls and young women. The families of some Newcomer On the Move program participants were unfamiliar with structured programming and available healthy living programs for their daughters. Additionally, many did not feel safe in their community, and/or did not trust traditional sport and physical activity program providers. Connecting with parents and guardians, educating them about program delivery and the value of healthy living, and addressing their concerns, all helped to build trust with these important stakeholders. Consider engaging the parents of existing participants to talk to other families about their positive experiences with the program and your organization. Some organizations found a more family-oriented approach to programming was also important for addressing families’ concerns and barriers to participation (e.g. mother-daughter programming, concurrent programming for siblings, and transportation support for the whole family).

J Action Idea – Host an open house and invite families to visit the program space and meet the Program Leaders. Ensure a staff member is available before and after the program to introduce themselves to parents and answer questions. Connecting with parents by phone mid-way through the program can also provide an opportunity to refer families to other programs and services to support healthy living and/or settlement.

4 Be FlexibleThe needs and experiences of newcomer girls and young women, and their families, are diverse. Newcomer On the Move programs reflected this diversity in their structure (e.g. program length, program day and time),


target group (e.g. age, mother-daughter programs), activities, and additional support (e.g. concurrent programs for siblings). Approach programming with an understanding that programs will change and evolve based on the needs and interests of the group. Be flexible with week to week delivery plans to repeat successful activities, respond to new ideas, and support participants with discussions and education opportunities.

J Action Idea – Consult with target participants and community members during the development of the program. Incorporate their feedback with regards to program logistics, including day of the week and time, location, activities, and registration.

5 Provide Ongoing Training and Support For Program Leaders – While Program Leaders were diverse, the most successful leaders were those with training or education relevant to providing quality program experiences. Key skills and attributes included personal sport and physical activity experience, understanding about the value and need for female-only programs, background in kinesiology/physical education, and a familiarity with ice-breakers and games. Above all, a positive attitude was required! Program Leaders cannot be expected to be experts in all areas, therefore relevant training and support must be provided to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver comprehensive quality programs.

J Action Idea – Provide professional development opportunities for Program Leaders. Possible topics include playground and tag games, Fundamental Movement Skills, and program evaluation techniques. Be sure to connect Program Leaders with CAAWS and provide the On the Move Top 10 Success Factors to get them started.

For All Staff – It is important for all staff to better understand the newcomer communities they serve. Take time to learn about the communities’ religious and cultural beliefs and practices (including clothing choices, dietary practices and restrictions, and holidays/observances), and the immigration and settlement process. Be careful not to make assumptions or rely on stereotypes – newcomer communities are diverse and complex. Understanding the experiences of newcomer girls and young women and their families will enhance your/your organization’s capacity to address barriers that often limit participation and will ultimately help to create more inclusive and welcoming programs.

J Action Idea – Connect with community partners to provide staff with diversity and cultural sensitivity training opportunities. Engage community leaders to talk about their experiences. Create an open environment where staff can ask questions, examine their practices, and question policies. Download CAAWS’ resources about working with racialized communities at www.caaws.ca.


Programming 101 – Starting a Newcomer On the Move Program in Your Community Based on the experiences of Newcomer On the Move program sites across the country, the following steps were designed to assist communities in starting their own program or initiative for newcomer girls and young women. Start small, meeting once per week for eight weeks, and let it grow from there!

1 Review CAAWS’ On the Move resourcesDevelop a foundation of knowledge and understanding about the needs, interests, and experiences of girls and young women, the unique experiences of newcomer girls and young women, and the value of targeted, female-only programs. Review the proven On the Move Top 10 Success Factors for key program characteristics.

2 Create an Advisory CommitteeConnect with settlement agencies, municipal recreation and public health departments, schools, religious institutions, sport leagues, private businesses, etc. Develop shared goals and formalize roles and responsibilities.

3 Engage parentsHost an open house to meet parents, learn about their experiences, and talk about the value of healthy living programs for girls and young women. Make follow-up calls and invite them to participate in a session with their daughters.

4 Talk to the girlsEngage participants before or at the beginning of the program to find out their interests and expectations. Over the course of the program, create opportunities for the girls to get to know one another and the Program Leader.

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5 Create an inventory of community resourcesThink outside the box to identify sport, physical activity, and healthy living opportunities. Explore community facilities and parks, connect with recreation and health organizations, reach out to sport and fitness clubs, recruit instructors and volunteers, and visit the library for guides, videos, and other tools.

6 Consult on program schedulesIdentify a day and time that works best for the target group. Consider the lunch hour, after school, evenings, and weekends. Keep in mind conflicting programs, holidays, etc.

7 Secure a program spaceFind a safe, accessible space that participants can walk to or easily get to with public transportation. Be creative! Consider community recreation centres, schools, and multi-use space in residential buildings, libraries, churches, mosques, etc.

8 Promote the programEngage trusted teachers and settlement agency staff to provide referrals and vouch for the program. Recruit participants and parents to talk to other girls and young women and their families.

9 Evaluate your programSeek informal and formal feedback from participants, parents, staff, and partners. Conversations, focus groups, surveys, and questionnaires before, during and after the program can help gauge success. Make adjustments and changes as needed to ensure the program reflects the dynamic needs and interests of the target group and community.

10 Share your storyShare your experiences and learnings with others, and highlight successes stories. Describe the impact the program has on participants, you/your organization, and the greater community.

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