For our current survey (note: this survey closed on April 23rd) Urban Exchange is very excited to be partnering with Peg. The responses collected from you will be used to help focus how Peg measures and tracks poverty in Winnipeg; information that will be used by organizations, industries and individuals in our community.
But what is Peg all about? Why do we need it? When will it be launched?
You’ll find the answers to these and other important questions below.
Q: What is Peg?
A: Peg is Winnipeg’s community indicator system. Peg will track key indicators on the most important economic, environmental, social and cultural issues in our community. Individuals, groups, and organizations in all sectors can use the information to increase their knowledge, inform decisions, and guide action to achieve short- and long-term progress.
Q: Why do we need Peg?
A. Many people, organizations and government departments work very hard on issues that are important in our community. We work together on issues like poverty, the environment, and our business climate. But how do we know if we’re making progress as a community?
Peg puts a stake in the ground and tracks our progress over time on key indicators. When trends are not favourable or progress is slow, Peg encourages people and organizations to get involved to make a difference.
Q. Why is United Way interested in Peg?
A: When we work together, amazing things can happen. United Way is committed to working with volunteers, sector leaders and a wide range of partners toward positive social change in Winnipeg.
By tracking some key indicators on the issues most important to us, we can get a sense of whether or not we’re making progress as a community. We can celebrate our successes. And we can identify areas needing attention. In those areas, we can focus our collective efforts to turn things around. Peg will help inform decision making and will encourage collaboration on key issues.
Q: When will Peg be launched?
A: Peg will be launched this fall (2010).
Q: What exactly will be launched?
Peg is a pilot project and will be developed in phases. In the fall, we plan to launch the first phase – a system for the indicators and a first set of indicators. In the fall, you will see a website that will track indicators in 8 theme areas. And the website will include 7-10 indicators in the area of poverty. Over time, more indicators will be added to cover all dimensions of our community.
Q: What are the benefits of a community indicator system?
A: There are many community indicators system that exist in the USA. A study by United States Government General Accountability Office (2004) found that comprehensive key indicator systems:
• enhance collaboration to address public issues,
• provide tools to encourage progress,
• help inform decision making,
• improve research, and
• increase public knowledge about key economic,
environmental, and social and cultural issues
Over time, Peg will be a valuable and common resource for the community.
Q: Who is involved in Peg?
A: Since 2003, United Way has been working with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to make the Peg a reality. As partners, the two organizations contribute unique and complementary strengths.
IISD contributes an international reputation and the knowledge, skill, and experience it has gained working with community groups and governments on indicators systems in countries around the world. United Way contributes experience in bringing people together.
A wide range of groups are involved with Peg including, for example, all three levels of government, Health in Common, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Manitoba Center for Health Policy/University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, The Canadian Economic Development Network, the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, along with participants from over 60 other groups and organizations.
Q: Who is funding Peg?
A: Peg is funded by several partners who all see the value of a community indicator system. The Provincial government, the City of Winnipeg, Health in Common and United Way have all contributed dollars to the first phase of the Peg.
Q: Why is it important to have Winnipegger’s engaged in Peg?
A: Peg currently has over 60 stakeholders engaged. These stakeholders form three committees:
1. The Steering Committee provides oversight of the entire pilot project.
2. The Engagement Group provides input into the development of the overall system and framework. This group is very large and brings perspectives from all aspects of our community.
3. The Indicators Working Group defines the indicators and identifies data sources for our first set of indicators – in the area of poverty.
All three committees meet regularly and provide important input to the project.
Q: How are indicators selected?
A: The Indicators Working Group developed a set of criteria to assist in selecting the indicators for the pilot – and beyond.
While initially the Working Group reviewed approximately 100 indicators, they were able to develop a short-list of about 36 indicators. We are now in the process of distilling these 36 possible indicators down to 7-10 pilot indicators.
To do that, we are seeking input and advice from a range of individuals and groups, including Urban Exchange panelists. We have talked with experts at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, among others. They have helped us define the actual measures and where we may get the data.
We are currently in the process of consulting with folks who live in poverty and with groups like the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council. We are also interested in the thoughts of UrbEx panelists.
With input from all of these sources, the Indicators Working Group will select a final set of 7-10 indicators in the area of poverty. Data will then be collected and analyzed.
Q: Who will use the information from Peg?
A: Peg will provide reliable, credible information on key indicators. The site will be used by a range of individuals and organizations. For example, students of all ages might use the site for research projects. Not-for-profit organizations might use the site to gather information to assist in applying for grants. Government departments might use the site to collect data about the community. Business owners might use the site to assess trends impacting their customers or to define where they may like to get involved. These are just a few examples of how Peg’s information can be used.
Click here to take the survey.
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