CBR Workshops offered by Wellesley Institute and Ryerson University
The following courses are offered periodically. For more information on dates, click here.
CBR 303: Developing Survey Tools in Community Based Research
Data collected from survey research can be invaluable for program planning, evaluation, and advocacy. The challenge with survey research is that the data we collect are only as good as the questions we ask. This workshop is an advanced how-to session designed for those interested in developing survey tools. We will explore how to avoid common pitfalls in survey research, how to design appropriate questions, and tips for dealing with sensitive topics.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
* Differentiate between what you need to know and what is nice to know
* Use various strategies for asking survey questions
* Apply different types of response options
* Recognize various approaches for administering surveys
* Describe how to increase response rates
* Develop a strategy to manage data
* Identify various strategies for presenting survey results
CBR 308: Developing Real Solutions to Real problems: Policy Analysis from a Community Perspective
This workshop focuses on understanding how and why public policy decisions are made by policymakers and political decision makers. Learn how to craft practical, workable policy solutions and recommendations. CBR 308 teaches how to write effective policy options that analyze the policy impact and implications of issues identified through research, needs assessments, consultations, front-line networks and other community forums, and taking research into action. Prerequisites: CBR 101 and CBR 301
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
* Understand what drives political and public policy decisions
* Understand the importance of defining or framing the issue
* Understand how to develop and analyze policy options, describe and rationalize recommendations, and identify/assess impacts
* Think through, draft, and critique policy options and recommendations
* Integrate these skills and knowledge into your ability to develop practical and workable policy alternatives within a community of practice
CBR 310: Presenting Real Solutions to Real Problems: How to Write and Deliver a Policy Presentation
If you are required to make cases to government and other decision makers on public policy issues, or are interested in developing policy alternatives to present to your communities, this workshop is for you. The first step in preparing a policy presentation is to take into consideration the influencers of public policy:
* The ‘fit’ of your issue with the political climate and current public policy, communications, and fiscal agenda
* Seeing your issue through different lenses and shaping your solution for a positive outcome
* The ideas, evidence, language, stories, images, and words that decision makers will understand
* Timing
The second step is considering how to deliver the presentation itself. This hands-on workshop focuses on how to craft and deliver a clear, concise policy presentation that supports your position as a policy analyst or advocate. Through lecture, group discussion, case studies and practice, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to prepare and present a policy position in slide deck format, for a variety of possible audiences, in a highly peer-supported and facilitated learning environment. Prerequisites: CBR 101, CBR 301, and CBR 308
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
* Describe, at a high level, what drives political and public policy decisions
* Describe what political and public policy decision makers look for in presentation materials
* Use a basic format to create policy presentations (slides, briefing notes)
* Prepare a basic slide deck or briefing note
* Plan, draft and critique policy presentations
* Integrate these skills and knowledge into your ability to develop practical and workable policy alternatives within a community of practice