This evaluation is being shared with the permission of the client. The Learning Network is an excellent model for a network which creates and shares feminist, intersectional materials about gender-based violence (GBV). The Learning Network (LN) is an Ontario-wide initiative based at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC), at Western University in London, Ontario.
This is a mixed methods independent evaluation which looks at LN outputs and outcomes through examining the results of evaluation surveys pertaining to 38 LN products and activities, gleaning performance measures from reports to the funder, conducting two case studies, performing a document analysis and conducting 10 interviews with key stakeholders across Ontario.
As of March 30, 2020 the LN had 19,656 subscribers on its e-mail list to whom it distributed over 3 million resources and information between March 8, 2017 and March 30, 2020. The LN attracted 217,679 unique views to its website during the evaluation period. The LN helped stakeholders with requests for GBV information and presented by invitation to professional organizations. The evidence from multiple sources demonstrates that the Learning Network:
• produces and provides access to a range of up-to-date, high quality, accessible, evidence-based GBV materials with an Ontario/Canadian focus;
• produces excellent and timely resources identifying and filling knowledge gaps about emerging issues, such as the extensive materials produced in a timely way about GBV and COVID-19;
• identifies and fills gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning marginalized groups, using an inclusion/intersectional lens;
• strengthens and connects the sector of GBV trainers, educators, researchers and front-line workers, through well-facilitated in-person events, virtual events, and by facilitating and forming partnerships and collaborations;
• produces high quality materials used extensively to educate and train GBV and related professionals.Evaluation data suggested only minor improvements, primarily related to the organization of the website and to continued enhancements in accessibility for persons living with a disability. Stakeholders also expressed a wish list of topics for further resources to address remaining gaps. Among these are resources on GBV and women with cognitive impairments and mental illness, women in rural/remote areas and franco-Ontarians in partnership with Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes.
The Learning Network meets and exceeds the expectations of its contract with the Government of Ontario, providing value-added resources and activities that are essential for the GBV and related sectors in Ontario. Factors that contribute to this success are: knowledgeable, dedicated and helpful staff who are flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing needs and feedback; listening to and acting on the needs of the GBV sector in Ontario; collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and other CREVAWC projects with other sources of funding; substantial in-kind support from Western University; and making the best use of all reliable GBV knowledge generated in Ontario and beyond for training and education purposes. The Learning Network is recognized not only as a leader in its field in Ontario, but in Canada and internationally.