Wellbeing through sport for regional youth

Introduction

In [Insert date here] based on a sucessful engagement to write a strong strategic plan, Push Consulting Principal Shawn Boyle was commissioned to bring this to life in the research and creation of a new program.

The key criteria for sucess? The program had to be compelling enough to attract funding.

Approach

Even the strongest communities feel the brunt of long-term social and economic disadvantage.

The Strong and Active Communities Program approach is to identify these strengths and engage them in co-ordinated program delivery.

Through introducing resources, providing training, linking with business and community partners, fostering leadership opportunities, and, coordinating local and regional efforts, the Stephen Michael Foundation builds capacity in communities to sustain ongoing activity and positive outcomes.

A powerful model build on insight & research

The Strong and Active Communities Program is built on four main pillars consistent with the strategic plan of the Foundation. The pillars are articulated as outcomes to be achieved over the life of the program's duration in local or region communities.

The four pillars are:

1. Engaged and inclusive commuinities
2. Sustainable local programs
3. Strong and healthy young people
4. Pathways to work and education

Each pillar has a corresponding set of strategic actions carefully designed to achieve the stated outcome in a measurable manner.

A toolkit of proven program guides, training modules, policies and partnership agreements power the effective execution of the program.

The program was based around indepth research to fully consider factors around local need, resourcing and, more importantly, what had not worked previously - and why.

The program was designed to provide an 'out-of-the box' solution increase it's perceived value to potental funders, even down to the inclusion of resources, performance indicators and budgets.