The Ontario
Youth Sector Compass
Thanks to all who participated! The surveys and interview screening forms are now closed.
The findings from the research project are coming soon!
The Ontario Youth Sector Compass is a research project focused on understanding the experiences of young people and youth workers in Ontario.
This research is in collaboration with the York Research Chair in Youth and Contexts of Inequity held by Dr. Uzo Anucha at the School of Social Work at York University.
We want to understand what supports young people in Ontario need to thrive and what supports youth workers need to work with young people as healthily as possible.
We are using an equity-based approach that will merge quantitative data from surveys and stories from qualitative interviews collected from youth and youth workers across Ontario.
We’re committed to sharing the findings with our community stakeholders in timely and accessible formats to energize change and action in Ontario’s youth sector! The findings will inform programs, practices, and policies that better meet the distinct needs of Ontario youth and youth workers, so both can thrive.
Please share widely with your networks! We want to reach as many young people and youth workers across Ontario as possible.
How can I participate?
You can complete an online survey, and/or participate in a 1-on-1 interview. We'd love to hear from you if you are:
A youth between the ages of 16 and 29 living in Ontario, or
A youth worker working with young people in Ontario between the ages of 12 and 29.
Questions?
Please connect with us at onyouthcompass@youthrex.com or call +1-416-843-3274. Thank you!
What do I get for participating?
Survey participants will be entered into a draw to win one of many prizes!
Interview participants will get a $50 honorarium for their time.
Survey Participation Prizes
There will be draws for $500, $250, and $100. You will be able to choose between a cash prize via e-transfer or an Amazon gift card. There will be 18 prize draws for the youth survey and 9 prize draws for the youth worker survey:
Youth Survey Draws
4 x $500
4 x $250
10 x $100
Youth Worker Survey Draws
2 x $500
2 x $250
5 x $100
Youth
BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 - 29 LIVING IN ONTARIO
We want to better understand what matters to Ontario youth. We want to know:
- What barriers and challenges you face?
- What supports and opportunities you need to thrive?
- How is your social, mental, and economic wellbeing?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Our goal is to amplify your views and advocate for programs, services, and policies that better meet the needs of young people in Ontario.
ONLINE YOUTH SURVEY
The survey will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 18 cash/gift card prizes worth between $100 and $500!
The survey is now closed. Please check back for the findings from the research project coming soon!
1-ON-1 YOUTH PHONE INTERVIEW
Participate in a one-on-one audio-recorded telephone interview. It will last about an hour, and you will receive a $50 honorarium.
The interview screening form is now closed. Please check back for the findings from the research project coming soon!
You can complete just the survey, the interview or both.
Youth Workers
ANYONE WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN ONTARIO
BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12 and 29
We want to better understand what youth work looks like in Ontario – who is doing the work, the conditions surrounding this work, and the wellbeing of youth workers. We want to know what barriers and challenges you face:
- What opportunities exist to support youth workers so they can work healthily and effectively to support young people?
- How would you describe your work and your experiences as a youth worker?
ONLINE YOUTH WORKER SURVEY
The survey will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 9 cash/gift card prizes worth between $100 and $500!
The survey is now closed. Please check back for the findings from the research project coming soon!
1-ON-1 YOUTH WORKER INTERVIEW
Participate in a one-on-one audio-recorded telephone interview. It will last about an hour, and you will receive a $50 honorarium.
The screening form is now closed. Please check back for findings from the research project coming soon!
You can complete just the survey, the interview or both.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I participate?
Join hundreds of youth and youth workers across Ontario by participating in a survey, a 1-on-1 interview, or both!
What if I’m a young person and a youth worker? Which survey and interview should I complete?
You can choose whichever ones you’d like to participate in, or you can do all! Please remember that not everyone who completes the screening form for the interviews will be selected.
How long does the survey take?
The survey will take about 15-20 minutes for you to complete.
How long does the interview take?
The interview will take about 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
What do I get for participating?
After completing the survey, you can enter a draw to win one of our prizes. There will be draws for $500, $250, and $100, and separate draws for the youth and youth worker surveys. You will be able to choose between a cash prize via e-transfer or an Amazon gift card. There will be 18 prize draws for the youth survey and 9 prize draws for the youth worker survey:
Youth Survey Draws:
4 x $500
4 x $250
10 x $100
Youth Worker Survey Draws
2 x $500
2 x $250
5 x $100
All individuals who are selected for a 1-on-1 interview will receive a $50 honorarium (your choice of cash via e-transfer or Amazon gift card).
How will I be notified if I win the draw?
You will be notified by email if you are selected as a winner of one of the draws. Draws will be made after the survey closes. Winners will be notified afterwards.
How will I receive my interview honorarium?
You will receive your honorarium via email. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule your interview. Once it is scheduled, a member of the YouthREX team will email you requesting you to complete the consent form and honorarium forms indicating your preferred honorarium (i.e., cash via e-transfer or Amazon gift card). Once these forms are returned, your honorarium will be emailed to you.
Can I invite my friends and colleagues who are youth and youth workers to participate?
Absolutely! Please feel free to share the link to our project webpage with any youth and youth workers you know.
What happens with my survey and interview? How is the data stored and shared?
Any information provided as part of this project will remain confidential. No names will appear on the collected data, and no names or other identifying information will appear in any reports that will arise from the research. You will be asked to provide your name for contact purposes for the survey prize draws and interviews. This information will be kept separate from any responses you provide.
Are there any risks to taking part?
There are minimal risks to participating in this interview. You might feel uncomfortable when discussing your opinions or answering certain questions. These feelings are normal and should be temporary. We have also compiled a list of free emotional support services if you would like help to process any difficult emotions that may come up during the interview.
What are you going to do with my responses?
This research will help us understand the experiences of young people and youth workers in Ontario. The findings will be available to policy makers and youth programs across Ontario so they can understand how to better support youth and youth workers.
How can I be updated about the project findings?
The findings are coming soon and will be posted on our website.
I have more questions … Who should I contact?
Feel free to email us at onyouthcompass@youthrex.com or call us at +1 416-843-3274 if you have more questions.
PAST RESEARCH PROJECTS
2018
Doing Right Together for
Black Youth
Doing Right Together for Black Youth summarizes what was learned from over 1,500 community members during community consultations led by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services to co-develop the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) in 2017.
2016
Beyond Measure
In order to inform the development of our services and to have a greater understanding of the evaluation capacity of the youth sector, YouthREX undertook a province-wide survey early in 2015. This study examined the experiences of youth-serving agencies with conducting evaluation of their programs and services.
2016
This is Youth Work
YouthREX conducted a study to better understand the experiences of youth workers in Ontario. This initial study asked: What is youth work in Ontario really like? How does youth workers’ work intersect with their personal lives? What are the systemic issues, gaps, and barriers encountered by youth workers? How do youth workers navigate these gaps?