DATE:
March 27th, 2014
TO:
Richard Utama & ACAS Staff
FROM:
Brian-Bao Ly
SUBJECT:
S.L.A.M! Report 2014
As requested, here is a written report of my findings for the successes and challenges of S.L.A.M! 2014. The information is presented in a format as follows: 1) the event overall, 2) the information extracted from registration, and 3) an overall analysis of the survey/evaluation forms. Below are a few key findings from recorded data:
The creation of “YOU” character (Asian, newcomer, navigating new culture and gay life in Toronto, encountering HIV, etc) yielded results as planned; “YOU” may be tailored for future workshops to be more broad/specific, depending on the need. Participants highly engaged in the conversation surrounding HIV in social context which include HIV disclosure, HIV stigma, PHAs, POZ/NEG relationship. The evaluation forms indicate this is a favourite topic and participants wished to have further discussion. ACAS network may not be sufficient to reach men of other sexual orientations and of certain age groups
In addition to the report, I have included my own personal findings that have been observed during the S.L.A.M! 2014 event, and may be addressed in the future:
Organizing a yearly SLAM event to support Men’s program. Develop workshops that are related to issues raised at SLAM and as a lead up to the event. Registration should commence 2 months prior to the event date, and closed a week prior to the date, to leave ample time for registration e-mails to be sent out, and participant attendance to be confirmed. Workshops should have a basic format/layout, created by facilitators, and submitted to the coordinator, and recorded for future events and reference. Registration should include “before” questions, to provide a baseline as a reference for the evaluation completed during the event.
Thank you, Richard, the board members, and ACAS’s staff for allowing me the opportunity to organize the event. I look forward to helping organize and plan future events. If you have any inquiries about the report, the event or general inquiries, please contact me at the ACAS office. 1