Program Evaluation For A Youth Community Center Inspired By Visual Voices, A Community Based Participatory Research Method

摘要

Background: The economic struggle of the United States has directly impacted the need for quality after-school programs to provide support for working parents and their children. This support can be provided in a variety of forms, including academic support, social development, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles offered through community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the programming at the Shadyside Boys and Girls Club through a participator, arts-based data collection method guided by community-based participatory research principles and the Visual Voices method. Public Health Relevance: With many kids spending much time at after-school programs, it is necessary to provide positive, developing programs and activities to help prepare them to be a healthy, contributing member of society. Methods: Visual Voices strongly influenced the methods of this paper to actively engage youth participants on several topics of discussion: Career aspirations, favorite academic subject, favorite healthy food, favorite physical activity, how to make the community better, a current role model, and changes they would like to see at the Boys and Girls Club. These topics all directly relate to the three main components of the Formula for Impact developed by the Boys and Girls Club of America: Academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Results: Several suggestions emerged from this study in order to help facilitative positive development of youths at the Boys and Girls Club. These include a community garden, healthier snack foods, a revised homework reward program, and community service outings.