Community Research Unit
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10294/407
The Community Research Unit (CRU), based in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina, builds relationships between our community and faculty by facilitating community-based participatory research and community service-learning opportunities. The CRU matches community groups interested in undertaking research with university faculty and student researchers and organizes the annual Arts CARES community service-learning program.
Our Mission:
The mission of the Community Research Unit (CRU) is to enable the Faculty of Arts to serve as a resource for non-profit organizations and communities, rural and urban, and to be enriched in turn by our relationships with those communities. In doing so, the University enhances civic engagement and its own actual and perceived value to the province as well as its capacity to produce high quality and relevant knowledge.
Our Mandate:
The CRU functions as a partnership between community-based organizations and university faculty and students. Our mandate is to provide independent, participatory research support in response to needs expressed by community-based organizations to build their organizational capacity and enhance community quality of life.
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Recent Submissions
Item Open Access Community Research Unit 2016-2017 Annual Report(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2017-10-31) Community Research UnitItem Open Access Incidence, Circumstances and Risk Factors of Residential Careless Cooking Fires in the City of Regina(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2017-10-10) Jurdi-Hage, Rozzet; Giblett, Candace; Prawzick, AngelaThis research project contributes to filling current gaps in fire data by undertaking primary research into the incidence, circumstances and risk factors of careless cooking in the City of Regina, with a focus on high risk populations.The findings in this report are based on surveys of 884 residential cooking fires that happened between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Fire department officers collected information on all cooking incidents, irrespective of their severity or extent.Item Open Access Seniors Neglect and Abuse Response Line - A Systems and Servies Review of Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2017-05) Beingessner, Naomi; Novik, Nuelle; McIntosh, TomCanadians are increasingly aware of the issue of senior neglect and abuse, according to a 2011 EKOS survey. Many service agencies in Saskatchewan receive reports of senior abuse and neglect. However, there is uncertainty regarding what community resources exist for older adult victims and whether those resources are meeting current community needs. This project investigates policies and procedures relating to senior abuse and neglect in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR), in order to identify existing services and any gaps or challenges that may exist. While RQHR does not have specific policies relating to senior neglect and abuse, it has policies around abuse and neglect in situations that senior clients are often in. Managers interviewed were quite aware of policies and processes and recent health region changes to improve them. They expressed confidence in the ability of health region staff to respond to situations of abuse and neglect, but also suggested that further supports could make their responses more thorough and timely. In particular, study participants recommended the creation of a provincial Guardian and Trustee for Seniors and more connections between the health region and community organizations for assistance with education and service provision.Item Open Access Farming in the City: Investigating the Policy Implications for Urban Farming in Regina(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2017-03-10) Osayomwanbor, OsazuwaThis study will discusses the concept of urban agriculture, its growth and spread in Canada, and position Regina within the broad Canadian spectrum. It serves to inform the people of Regina and particularly, its urban agriculture community about the implications of municipal bylaws and policies on urban agricultural activities in Regina. It also uses the policy frameworks of other cities to suggest what needs to change if the urban agriculture landscape in Regina must improve. Lastly, this report presents what it considers as best practice in urban agriculture, providing practical actions and activities that are required for urban agriculture to thrive within Regina.Item Open Access Community Research Unit Annual Report 2015-2016(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2016-09) Beingessner, NaomiThe Community Research Unit's annual report for June 2014 - June 2015, describing the CRU's research projects, events, capacity building activities and the Arts CARES program.Item Open Access Working for a Living Around the Ivory Tower(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2016-09-08) Stevens, AndrewThe report investigates wages and employment conditions and living expenses for students, academic workers, and staff at the University of Regina and federated colleges. A total of 687 members of the university community were surveyed, and thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with a representative cross section of the University of Regina campus. Results are discussed in the context of a living wage for Regina, and recommendations for improving campus conditions are included.Item Open Access The Link: Interpersonal Violence and Abuse and Animal Safekeeping(STOPS to Violence, PATHS, Saskatchewan SPCA, 2016-03-01) Wuerch, Melissa; Knutson, Tracy; Wach, Frances; McKendrick, Rod; Giesbrecht, Crystal; Beingessner, Naomi; Miller-Schroeder, PatriciaThis report details findings from quantitative and qualitative research among human service and animal welfare providers that indicates that concern for the safety of companion animals and livestock is a barrier to individuals leaving situations of interpersonal violence and abuse in urban and rural areas of Saskatchewan. Participants discussed a noticeable gap in the lack of awareness regarding current resources, services, and programs within the community that are available in these situations. In addition to raising awareness and establishing partnerships between animal welfare agencies and human service organizations, participants suggested developing and implementing more program options that offer financially realistic and appropriate resources. The report concludes with recommendations to be included in an action plan.Item Open Access Global Education in Saskatchewan Schools(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2016-03) Barreno, LeonzoThe intent of this study was to find the current situation of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Saskatchewan schools. While Global Education continues to be the predominant term that educators and the Ministry of Education use in areas related to GCE, the goals of GCE are being taught by individual teachers who are interested in the topics. However, more needs to be done to support Saskatchewan educators with GCE resources, training, and formal education. This study concludes with a list of resources for GCE educators.Item Open Access Community Research Unit Annual Report 2014-2015(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2015-09) Beingessner, NaomiThe Community Research Unit's annual report for June 2014 - June 2015, describing the CRU's research projects and capacity building activities and the Arts CARES program.Item Open Access Development of the Anonymous Reporting and Third Option Programs(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2015-03) Wuerch, Melissa; Beingessner, Naomi; Price, Heather; Carlson, Stephanie; George, Debra; Robinson, PatThe Anonymous Reporting and Third Option Program are being piloted in Regina, Saskatchewan as a step to better support victims of sexual assault and create a coordinated community response to this issue. The report contains the learnings from this initiative, specifically the step-by-step process used and the suggestions for success, and allows for this information to be utilized by interested jurisdictions and stakeholders when considering the development and implementation of both programs.Item Open Access Community-Based Research Showcase Final Report and Action Items(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2015-01) Beingessner, Naomi; Cibart, Sarah; Stewart, MichelleThis report summarizes the proceedings of the Community Film Showcase and Community-Based Research Showcase. Over one hundred participants turned out to learn about research done by community organizations and present research needs to University of Regina students and faculty. The goal of this report was to showcase these presentations and support the continued and enhanced collaboration of the University and community organizations.Item Open Access Community Research Unit Annual Report 2013-2014(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2014-09) Beingessner, NaomiThe Community Research Unit's annual report for June 2013 - June 2014, describing the CRU's research projects and capacity building activities and the Arts CARES program.Item Open Access Establishing an Enduring Organization for African Canadians in Saskatchewan Through Community Participatory Research(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2014-08-06) Lwanga, Christine; Frank, FloThis project report is comprised of information collected at a series of community discussions and workshops, combined with research findings on successful Canadian community organizations. The report contains the direction, vision, and action plan that came out of this participatory research with the goal of forming an enduring, functional, and supportive African Canadian organization in Saskatchewan.Item Open Access Like Any Other Job? An Analysis of Potential Changes to Canada's Prostitution Legislation(Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan, 2014-03) Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of SaskatchewanThe December 20, 2013 Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Canada v. Bedford (2013 SCC 72) struck down parts of Canada’s existing prostitution legislation. The Supreme Court of Canada gave the federal government until December 2014 to redraft the criminal laws regarding prostitution that were deemed unconstitutional or to legalize prostitution. This report examines decisions and legislation regarding prostitution around the world, reviews media and scholarly articles on the topic, and advocates abolition of prostitution through rewriting the prostitution laws.Item Open Access Community Food Assessment University-Community Partnership Evaluation(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2014-04) Beaudry-Mellor, TinaRegina's Community Food Assessment is a participatory, community-led process that is examining a broad range of food-related issues and resources in the City of Regina. The primary goal is to improve the security, sustainability and resiliency of the community's food system through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Community Food Assessment. In addition to examining and reflecting upon the community partnership that is implementing the Community Food Assessment, this evaluation was specifically interested in evaluating the community-university aspect of the partnership to date for the purpose of sharing experiences with others and providing insight into potential best practices for future models. This is measured through a largely reflective approach rooted in the principles of action research. Key lessons have been identified to strengthen the partnership going forward and to be shared with other similar initiatives.Item Open Access Communities Respond - Summary Report of PFS Consultations 2011-2012(Poverty Free Saskatchewan, 2012-10) Banks, Brian; DeSantis, Gloria; Gilmer, Peter; Gingrich, Paul; Mulvale, Jim; Nelson, Kristin; Havelock, JoanneRecently Saskatchewan has experienced an increase in economic activity – a “boom”, but this monetary gain has not been experienced by everyone. Many people struggle daily without adequate income, food, or housing. Poverty affects a very wide range of people. Groups that are particularly hard hit are Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) people, newcomers, women (especially senior women), single men, students, youth, people with disabilities, people with addictions and mental health issues, people leaving prisons, and vulnerable and special needs populations, including those with intellectual challenges. Poverty is a problem in urban, rural and northern locations. Poverty excludes many Saskatchewan residents from full participation in our province. Yet Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada without a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to deal with poverty. People in every part of Saskatchewan have decided that it is time for action and are seeking solutions .Previously, PFS published two documents: Let’s Do Something About Poverty and Strategies to Eliminate Poverty in Saskatchewan. To gauge citizen response and advance the work of eliminating poverty in the province, PFS conducted a series of consultations in 2011 and 2012. The Communities Respond report outlines the input received from the community discussions. These ideas will be used in future to develop an integrated and comprehensive poverty elimination plan. This plan will be built on the results of the community consultations, and a review of successful strategies in other provinces and in local Saskatchewan communities.Item Open Access A Living Wage for Regina(Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2014-01) Gingrich, Paul; Enoch, Simon; Banks, BrianWhat annual income does a family require to maintain a decent standard of living? What is the Living Wage in Regina? The main purpose of this report to describe the concept of the Living Wage and calculate what is the actual base income level of a family of four in Regina. The methodology for calculation of the Living Wage and the cost of living data developed for this report will contribute to a wider discussion of what is a fair wage for families in today’s economy.Item Open Access Mapping Corporate Power in Saskatchewan(Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, 2012-12) Enoch, SimonThe following study seeks to identify networks of corporate power in the province by documenting the inter-locking relationships between corporations, industry and trade associations, advocacy groups, policy institutes, universities, political parties and government itself. We draw upon the traditions of sociological power structure research that emphasize the social networks in which these enterprises are embedded and the importance of viewing these networks as “arenas of power” (Scott, 1991, 182). The study of corporate interlocks is at the centre of this form of research. An interlock exists when a particular individual sits on two or more corporate boards, with multiple interlocks between corporations revealing a level of dense corporate elite integration. Equally important to our research are the interlocks that exist between corporations and the governing boards of other corporate-sponsored or corporate-interest organizations and/or institutions, such as policy planning groups, inter-sectoral organizations, trade or industry associations, government advisory boards or other corporate interest advocacy groups.Item Open Access Environmental Scan: Conventional and Indigenous Food Systems and Gaps in the Regina Area, SK(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2014-01-29) Sanden, Tracy; Desmarais, Annette Aurelie; Marsden, Dawn; Hansen, Yolanda; Qualman, DarrinThe Environmental Scan is the first phase of work in the Regina Community Food Assessment, a collaborative, participatory process that brings people together from various sectors of the local food system to: analyze the local context; identify the assets, gaps and priorities of the community; and develop an action plan to improve community food security. The Scan is a snapshot of our local food context at this time, and is meant to help us understand more about our local food system, including an acknowledgement of what we don't yet know. The report examines some key elements of the Regina-and-area food system. That is, it looks at production, economic, and cultural context of that food system.Item Open Access Homelessness in Regina: Current Situation and Solutions from Other Communities(Community Research Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 2013-10-16) Vracar, NikolinaThis report was prepared for Carmichael Outreach, a community-based organization that provides housing and support services to citizens of Regina. Objectives of the report are to provide an overview of the city's housing and homelessness situation (e.g., available housing, number of homeless individuals, barriers that homeless individuals face, and available support services) and to examine successful housing strategies of other municipalities. Several Canadian municipalities including Moncton, Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver have successfully housed homeless individuals by using the Housing First approach. With the Housing First approach homeless individuals are first housed and then given support services as needed. The use of this approach is supported by reports and research literature across North America. Research indicates that the Housing First approach is more successful at housing homeless individuals and more cost-efficient than the traditional Continuum of Care approach.