The GirlPower Project — Recreation, BC Health Goals and Social Capital

Abstract

'GirlPower,' a participatory action research project, explored how participation in recreation might contribute to the achievement of BC's Health Goals and nurture social capital. After identifying their health issues, up to 43 young women participated in recreational activities for 10 months, gradually taking responsibility for the planning of the weekly sessions. Data collection methods included weekly participation rates, two surveys to measure self-perceptions and health habits, focus groups with participants to assess needs and as a process evaluation tool, a qualitative summative evaluation with participants, key informant interviews with staff, a journal kept by the project leader and fieldnotes of researchers' observations. Quantitative findings did not support the propositions that the project contributed to the health of participants. However, analysis of the qualitative data suggests that GirlPower participants emerged from the project with a better sense of control over their lives and feeling more connected to their community.