Issue link: https://takingitglobal.uberflip.com/i/134182
Research With global membership numbers exceeding 420,000, TakingITGlobal's members are actively conveying insights about what issues are of greatest concern, what actions are most often taken online and the kinds of conversations in which they are keen to participate. In an effort to understand how this landscape is evolving, TIG has been working to learn from existing research, evolve our approach to 'listening' through in-person consultations and improve the rigour of our capacity to 'ask' through academic partnerships. These key initiatives, taken together, are working to refine our evidence-based approach to project and program development, issues identification within the community and monitoring and evaluation in reporting. Academic Publications TakingITGlobal's Theory of Change is grounded in a decade of action, research and dialogue with our global community. In fall 2012, TIG published a book chapter, entitled "Global Education as a Catalyst for Social Change", in a peer-reviewed volume titled "New Directions in Social Education Research". In addition to connecting TIG's view with existing academic literature on models of change, the chapter provided a platform to highlight the theory in application through discussions of TIG's Sprout and DeforestACTION projects. Academic Partnerships: York University http://www.yorku.ca Creating opportunities to learn more about the dynamics of on- and offline civic engagement behaviours is at the core of TakingITGlobal's research goals. Building on the momentum of the 2010 Member Research Survey, a partnership with the York University Faculty of Health was established. Working with Michaela Hynie, Associate Director of the York Institute for Health Research, TIG members were invited to participate in interviews focused on dimensions of civic engagement, including leadership, synchronous and asynchronous modes of communication and self-efficacy. Monumental Change: Coburn Ventures http://www.coburnventures.com " he Crosby group discussions gave me a broader insight T into topics such as advertising, big data, and youth today, and it was great being able to hear so many angles and input your own. The event was also a fantastic opportunity to network and meet many interesting new people." — Fraser McFarlane, Age 16. TakingITGlobal members were provided with opportunities to come together and discuss monumental change as part of a series of events developed by Coburn Ventures. Together with industry leaders, investors, educators and entrepreneurs, TIG members were invited to participate in the discussions sharing their insights and perspectives. Moderated by TIG Director of Operations & Research, Sean Keith, the intergenerational and interdisciplinary discussions focused on a range of topics, including the question: 'What older people would be wise to know about younger people'. TakingITGlobal Annual Report 2012 29