About the Project

Our research project aims to transform public recreation access for immigrant and racialized communities in British Columbia. Focusing on collaboration and understanding, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable recreational environment.

Objectives

Understand Perspectives

We seek to identify how immigrant and racialized communities define and experience recreation differently from native-born public recreation staff.

Promote Engagement

We will explore the implementation of Belonging, Dignity, Justice, and Joy (Davis, 2021) as guiding principles for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in public recreation.

Co-creation Initiatives

We aim to develop a process for equity-deserving groups to collaborate with municipal recreation staff in creating initiatives that enhance access to public recreation.

Enhance Access

Our goal is to improve the lives of these communities by uncovering gaps in services and barriers to accessing public recreation.

The project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive and equitable public recreation services for immigrant and racialized communities in British Columbia.

Here's how the project's objectives correspond with specific SDGs:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.

Alignment: By enhancing access to recreation services, the project supports physical activity and social engagement, which are vital for physical and mental health.

2. Goal 4: Quality Education

Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity.

Alignment: The project's educational components, such as EDI training for staff and community workshops, foster understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and inclusion.

3. Goal 10: Reduced Qualities

Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or other status.

Alignment: The project aims to reduce inequalities by ensuring that public recreation services are accessible and welcoming to immigrant and racialized communities.

4. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for marginalized groups.

Alignment: By enhancing access to recreation services, the project supports physical activity and social engagement, which are vital for physical and mental health.

5. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

Alignment: The project's community-based participatory research approach ensures that marginalized voices are included in decision-making processes related to public recreation services.

6. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships between the public sector, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Alignment: The project fosters partnerships among municipal recreation departments, community organizations, and immigrant communities to collaboratively enhance recreation services.

“This project is dedicated to building an inclusive framework for public recreation that reflects and supports the diverse needs of all community members in British Columbia and beyond.”

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Expected Outcomes

Comprehensive Insights

Understand immigrant and racialized communities' recreation needs, identify access initiatives, and address barriers through systemic change.

Social Integration

Create pathways to strengthen societal integration and boost civic engagement within immigrant and racialized communities.

Collaborative Processes

Build impactful partnerships between municipal recreation staff and immigrant and racialized communities to co-create accessible programs.

Research Artifacts

Produce exemplary initiatives that can be adapted and implemented in other Canadian communities to improve access for equity-deserving groups.

Intersectional Data

Capture data on the intersectional identities within immigrant and racialized communities to inform future research and support for other equity-deserving groups.

Positive Community Impact

Ensure co-created initiatives benefit target populations and intersecting communities, including those with disabilities and diverse gender identities.