Progress in 2012
In 2012 the research centred on a comparative study between Youthworx and One Economy’s (OE) Digital Connectors program (www.one-economy.com/digital-connectors). We explored different models of social innovation for digital and social inclusion, conducting two main strands of data collection and analysis: an analysis of OE’s quantitative data on young people’s skill development through participating in Digital Connectors; and fieldwork in San Francisco. The fieldwork study focused on understanding the operational structure, human resources and pathways provided by the program. Additionally, further research into youth transitions was conducted at Youthworx.
Plans for 2013
- Youthworx Media will continue with its media training model and delivery of CERT I-III in partnership with NMIT, TAFE and The Salvation Army. The plans include strengthening a focus on work experience as part of the media training and carrying out a number of integrated projects with Youthworx Productions. There are a number of socially and culturally relevant projects to be run in 2013, with a focus on the integrated delivery across Youthworx Media and Productions in 2013. For example, ‘Live Up’ – an independent web-based living series produced by and for Youthworx’s young people. Youthworx Productions will continue producing films for external clients such as Multicultural Arts Victoria and Centre for Multicultural Youth
- Completion of the research on Youthworx’s youth transitions
- Completion of a series of articles, book chapters and conference papers
- Completion of a scholarly monograph on media-based projects for social change (Podkalicka and Rennie)
- Completion of several chapters of PhD projects (Wilson and Staley).
New Knowledge Generated
- A rare longitudinal study tracking and documenting the organisational development of the program from a community media project to a social enterprise, including the evaluation of its cross-sectorial collaboration, real-world training, and educational and work pathways;
- A long-term exploration of impacts on individual young participants’ lives, especially educational and employment opportunities as result of their engagement in media training and work;
- An empirically-grounded study to contribute to the current policy and academic debates on the benefits of creativity-led, innovative approaches to addressing social problems;
- An international comparative study to better understand existing and emergent forms, drivers and contributions of media-based work for social good;
- An elaboration of social innovation project evaluation methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative research strategies.