What is measured matters. And conversely, what is not measured rarely gets the attention or resources to correct it.
With this in mind, BoardVoice is proposing that the Community Social Service sector and others work together to aggregate available data into a single point annual report to help draw attention to some of BC’s most challenging social issues.
The goal is to provide a focal point for discussion on ways that community and government can work together to inspire and inform a more strategic and holistic approach to solving BC’s social issues, working towards a better life for all British Columbians.
To provoke broad discussion and public interest, this information must be presented in forms that are accessible to media, the public and decision makers.
Building on our proposal for creating a Social Policy Framework for BC and the support received from the sector, municipalities and UBCM, we propose to start with eight to ten top-line measures that could be presented as a starting point for the conversation with communities about what can be done to help address these issues. What role can communities play? What role does government play?
The initial report could be presented on a single webpage, updated annually, and focused on some of the most pressing and serious social issues identified across communities. The site could report changes and advances made by government and community working together, and help highlight local innovation and success stories.
Issues would be selected by their province-wide impact and importance to communities. Selected measures and indicators would be able to show geographic differences and track and report on changes over time so trends could be established year to year.
Behind this home page more detailed analysis, methodology, and segmentation would be provided. We might include: a description of the issue presented, why it is important, how BC compares to other regions, and the BC Ministries responsible for addressing the particular issue.
In addition to presenting an annual focal point for a province-wide discussion on social issues and policy, the very act of creating the BC Social Reports would have benefit. By formulating the selection criteria, we begin to define the needs of a BC Social Policy Framework; by forming the partnerships needed to create the reports we strengthen the networks and relationships within the sector and with other related sectors. We begin conversations that are needed to build lasting and positive change in BC, and the sector takes a central role in shaping those conversations.