It's a chance for youth to be heard, says Erica Benson.
The Quest University student has organized a youth needs assessment survey for Squamish. Information from the survey will aid organizations, such as the Squamish youth centre, in developing programs.
The survey has been posted on the Hotspot Community Resource Centre Facebook page and the Squamish Youth Resource Centre's Facebook page Joe Youthworker. Big Brothers Big Sisters Sea to Sky Corridor has sent the questionnaire to its participants. The survey is open to youth between Grades 7 and 12. The participation deadline is Feb. 29.
"The interest in [the survey] is great," Benson said.
So far, 38 Squamish youth have filled it out. Benson is aiming for a minimum of 62 additional completed forms.
"I need at least 100 to have significant data," she said.
Benson is focusing on youth programming in her career training. Last summer, Benson held a number of nature and art workshops at the Squamish youth centre. Although she and her colleague were excited about the program, it didn't hit the spot for teenagers. This prompted her to gather their insight.
Squamish offers a smorgasbord of outdoor activities for teenagers, but if you're not into sports, one's options drastically fall, Benson told The Chief when developing the study last December. It's a similar trait to what Benson saw in her hometown of Campbell River. Now in her graduating year at Quest, Benson is studying healthy ways to facilitate the wellbeing of teenagers, research she wants to take to the Island.
In March, Benson will analyze the survey results. She plans to make a presentation to Squamish stakeholders shortly afterward.
"I think it will be really good to share the results," Benson said.
The survey was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Board at Quest University and conforms to the standards of the Canadian Tri-Council Research Ethics guidelines.
To participate in the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/questneedsassessment
