DATE:
March 27th, 2014
TO:
Richard Utama & ACAS Staff
FROM:
Brian-Bao Ly
SUBJECT:
S.L.A.M! Report 2014
As requested, here is a written report of my findings for the successes and challenges of S.L.A.M! 2014. The information is presented in a format as follows: 1) the event overall, 2) the information extracted from registration, and 3) an overall analysis of the survey/evaluation forms. Below are a few key findings from recorded data:
The creation of “YOU” character (Asian, newcomer, navigating new culture and gay life in Toronto, encountering HIV, etc) yielded results as planned; “YOU” may be tailored for future workshops to be more broad/specific, depending on the need. Participants highly engaged in the conversation surrounding HIV in social context which include HIV disclosure, HIV stigma, PHAs, POZ/NEG relationship. The evaluation forms indicate this is a favourite topic and participants wished to have further discussion. ACAS network may not be sufficient to reach men of other sexual orientations and of certain age groups
In addition to the report, I have included my own personal findings that have been observed during the S.L.A.M! 2014 event, and may be addressed in the future:
Organizing a yearly SLAM event to support Men’s program. Develop workshops that are related to issues raised at SLAM and as a lead up to the event. Registration should commence 2 months prior to the event date, and closed a week prior to the date, to leave ample time for registration e-mails to be sent out, and participant attendance to be confirmed. Workshops should have a basic format/layout, created by facilitators, and submitted to the coordinator, and recorded for future events and reference. Registration should include “before” questions, to provide a baseline as a reference for the evaluation completed during the event.
Thank you, Richard, the board members, and ACAS’s staff for allowing me the opportunity to organize the event. I look forward to helping organize and plan future events. If you have any inquiries about the report, the event or general inquiries, please contact me at the ACAS office. 1
OVERALL EVALUATION Held on Saturday, March 8th, 2014 at the Holiday Inn Toronto, S.L.A.M! attended by 32 people, consisting of: participants, facilitators, staff, volunteers, and members of the community. The event was introduced by Richard Utama and Brian Ly, with a foreword speech about ACAS Men’s Program Initiative from ACAS’s Board Chair Andre Goh. The event began with the story telling of “YOU” from Ryan Tran, which led to the discussion and topics with the assistance from our facilitators: Robert Diaz, Elmer Bagares, Constantine Cabarios, and Aries Cheung, no identifying information was kept, but the material was written onto chart paper and is kept on record. The information shown in the next few tables were collected from the 3 evaluation forms completed throughout the day, and also the workshop evaluations given during the afternoon. First Survey Questions 1 - 5 Rank Question 1 Feeling this Morning Question 2 Condom Use Question 3 Current sexual experience Question 4 STIs and HIV/AIDS knowledge Question 5 LGBT Community Involvement Second Survey Questions 1 - 2 Rank Question 1 Attention Question 2 YOU's Life Relation
Last Survey Questions 1 - 4 Rank Question 1 Think of S.L.A.M! Question 2 STIs and HIV/AIDS Question 3 Negotiating Safe Sex Question 4 Current and Future Relationship
1 1 3 3 0
2 2 1 4 2
3 5 3 7 9
4 9 9 7 7
5 6 6 2 5
0
0
5
14
4
1 0 1
2 0 7
3 8 5
4 5 9
5 8 1
1 0 0 0 0
2 1 5 2 0
3 6 5 7 3
4 4 6 8 11
5 10 4 3 6
2
Break Outs Varsity Room– Identity Rank Question 1 Learn something new Question 2 Useful Information Question 3 Comfortable in the workshop Question 4 Enjoy the workshop Spa Excess Room– Sexual Health Rank Question 1 Learn something new Question 2 Useful Information Question 3 Comfortable in the workshop Question 4 Enjoy the workshop AsianXpress Room - Relationships Rank Question 1 Learn something new Question 2 Useful Information Question 3 Comfortable in the workshop Question 4 Enjoy the workshop
1 0
2 0
3 1
4 1
5 6
0
1
1
2
4
0
0
0
2
6
0
1
3
0
4
1 0
2 0
3 1
4 2
5 5
0
0
0
2
6
0
0
2
0
6
0
0
0
2
6
1 0
2 0
3 1
4 3
5 3
0
0
0
4
3
0
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
3
4
Analysis of Each Survey: General Knowledge: Each question has 5 ranks, with a 50/50 rank to allow for greater data extrapolation. First: Results in Q2 created a concern, but was disregarded as those participants which wanted to create “fun” at the event. Q4 was regarded as understandable as well, due to the large amount of attendees which have an affiliation with ACAS. Q5 presents a correlated surprise, because those that answered also commented on wanting to be more involved. Second: Q2, majority of participants can relate to “YOU” and his life. 3
Last: Q2 may imply that we should have a baseline lesson for HIV and STI information. Q4 was openended, such that the participant could interpret the question in a sexual, romantic, or platonic manner.
REGISTRATION EVALUATION Below the data collected from the registration.
S.L.A.M! attracted a diverse age groups which allow for diverse conversation and experience/information sharing among participants. Age range of 21 – 45 is most prominent. We conclude that the ACAS network is effective for reaching a large age range, but require tapping into other networks to reach other less prominent age demographics.
4
Majority of participants are educated. Yet they have limited knowledge or uninformed about sexual health, and risks. This may be a proof that education might not have anything to do with their sexual behavior. There presents an opportunity to develop workshops focusing on sexual health and risk management.
5
As in the previous years, gay men remain the majority of the participants. It has always been a challenge to attract trans and straight men perhaps due to ACAS limited resources and materials presented during SLAM. This is in issue that needs to be constantly revisited.
6
ACAS remains the main source of S.L.A.M! registration; connecting with other networks such as other non-profit agencies, will reach broader audience, especially people who are not affiliated with ACAS.
EVENT EVALUATION After the event, Hassle Free Clinic conducted anonymous HIV testing and 10 participants took part which is considered to be successful. Some factors that may contribute to the success include a space that is racially safe/friendly and outside the clinic. This goes to show there is an interest and need for anonymous HIV testing post specific event. We hope this will continue to be incorporated at future S.L.A.M!s.
PARTICIPANT SURVEY COMMENT EVALUATION The comments and recommendations presented by participants and facilitators in the evaluation forms, S.L.A.M! committee deems it is conducive to develop and organize interactive/facilitated workshops regularly throughout the year to address issues and topics emerged during S.L.A.M! and in conjunction with Men’s program, and in the lead up to future S.L.A.M!s.
BUDGET EVALUATION The event was organized within the allocated budget with thanks to ACAS in-kind contribution and extra donation from one the sponsors, Spa Excess. We hope to receive stable funding for future S.L.A.M!s. 7
APPENDIX I First Survey: “Feeling Good? We Have To Make Sure” Disclaimer: Information you provide is confidential, non-identifying and will only be used for statistical and administrative purposes for ACAS.
How are you feeling this morning? 1
2
I didn’t want to get out of bed
Ask me after my coffee
3
4
I’m here at least
Good, lots of cute guys here
5 Ready, OKAY! SEX TIME!
How often do you use condoms?
1
2
What’s a condom? maybe not
3
If he’s cute
4
um, 50/50 the time
5
Yeah, most of I like to wrap my cock in rubber
How would you describe your current sexual experience?
1 Non-existent
2
3
Meh
I am picky!
4
5
Mediocre
AMAZEBALLS!!!
What’s your Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS knowledge?
1 What’s that?
2
3
I know a few things
I could learn more book!
4 Top Notch
5 I could write a
How involved are you with the LGBT community?
1 There’s an LGBT community?
2 3 Don’t like to be Church St. is associated w/ LGBT my destination
4 I am involved enough
5 I’m here, I’m ever ywhere get used to it!
What is your favourite sexual position?
8
Second Survey: “Are We Losing Any Of You Yet?!” Disclaimer: Information you provide is confidential, non-identifying and will only be used for statistical and administrative purposes for ACAS.
Do we still have your attention? 1 I need a pillow.
2
3
There are a lot of cracks in the ceiling.
Paying attention
4 It’s, like, so interesting
5 Hell, yeah, more!
Did you relate to ‘You”s life? 1 Nope, completely different
2
3
Maybe on some things
Yes and No
4 Most of his life fits
5 Did you steal my life?!
What is/are your favorite topic(s)? Why? What is/are your least favorite topic(s)? Why? You are a: a) b) c) d) e)
TOP BOTTOM VERSATILE ORAL ONLY HAND ONLY
9
Last Survey… WE PROMISE! Disclaimer: Information you provide is confidential, non-identifying and will only be used for statistical and administrative purposes for ACAS.
What do you think about S.L.A.M.?
1 Waste of time!
2
3
It’s ok
I’m glad I came
4
5
So goooood!
I love getting S..L.A.M.’d!
Did you learn anything new about STIs and/or HIV/AIDS?
1
2
Nothing
3
A few things I can take with me
Enough to last me
4 So many things
5 You guys should be teachers!
Has your confidence increased in negotiating safe sex after the forum (S.L.A.M!)?
1
2
Nope
3
um, maybe?
Mostly in control!
4 YES!
5 I am always
Will the workshops help you with your current and future relationships (yourself, friends, family, strangers and intimate relationships)?
1
2
Fuck No!
Nah-Nah!
3 Nah-Yah!
4 Yah!
5 Fuck Yeah!
What topics would you like covered in the next forum? What services can ACAS provide you in the future? Lastly, which facilitator or participant would you like to sleep with? Disclaimer: We will be emailing all participants at a later date, to gauge your interest in participating with ACAS in the future. Please expect an email within the Month! Thank you all, and your attendance to this event and filling out these forms is appreciated!
Please do not hesitate to use the below space to provide feedback as well! THANK YOU!
10
Survey Comments/Answers No “Comment” questions in First Survey Second Survey Question: What is/are your favourite topic(s)? Why? Answers: -
Sex (3 comments total) HIV Status (8 comments total) YOU Story (2 comments total) Bathhouse Sanitary/Dirty (5 comments total) POZ Disclosure / POZ+NEG Relationship (5 comments total) Rural & Urban Apps/Online Hookup (3 comments total) Hearing everyone’s story Drugs (3 comments total)
Question: What is/are your least favourite topic(s)? Why? Answers: -
Identity Bathhouse, due to zero experience, but it’s nice to hear everyone’s stories Drugs (2 comments total) Apps Third Survey
Question: What topics would you like covered in the next forum? Answers: Asian Stereotypes Negotiating Condoms/Break Ups Relationship (2 comments total) Aging/Suburbs Self-Development Sexual Diversity (including all genders: straight, women, trans) More sexual dynamics between Asian men Age+Sex (Issues of growing older and issues with body and performance)/How are today’s young gay men meeting? Online, apps, old school bar, circuit parties? Cultural/arts events? Self-identity/Confidence 11
-
Drugs Deeper analysis of topics discussed Gay life and aging Is financial status really important in gay LTR? Age related issues HIV Stigma/Robert’s Talk More on PEP/PREP
Question: What services can ACAS provide you in the future? Answers: -
Mentorship Program Tourism travel together More social community activities/More “AX” parties Peer Support Social Groups Community Building Volunteer Opportunities/Networking Workshop discussion night/Specific Topics Bonding More HIV 101 on core skills training for volunteer More methods/gathering to meet people/networking to expand each other’s circles Space to talk & interact with other Asian gay men
Other Comments: -
The morning session was a bit slow Afternoon was excellent Break Out Evaluation Comments:
Spa Excess: Comments: Elmer should do HIV 101 on ACAS core skills training Varsity: Comments: interesting literal translations of gay/cultural differences/personal power/deep good issues S.L.A.M! Facilitator Evaluation Forms: 12
Emerging Issues from the Event: -
PREP, PEP, Body Image Cultural Identity Testing Positive – What happens next, reporting, etc Legal Issues Related to Disclosure The acknowledgment of class differences between our community The types of de-professionalization we experience Depression related to immigration Forms of empowerment and action – even when we are marginalized How personal decision are affected by larger issues Isolation Racism Generational convenience Body Image Rejection
Recommendation(s) for further exploration: Ongoing smaller workshops or discussion groups Off-clinic testing Maybe a list of support networks that we can hand out to participants that address not just sexual health but also other concerns (issues with integration, issues with discrimination, etc) Seeking help and access to counselling services (i.e. Towel Talk) Empowerment & Resilience Self-esteem issues
13
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION A) Meeting Room + Hotel Rooms Rental Cost based on 2 rooms with a complimentary meeting room 1 room/$147.00 a night x 2 rooms = $294.00 Subtotal: $294.00 B) Honoraria for Forum Coordinator $500.00 for event organization and event day execution $250.00 for completion of Final Report $20.00 for miscellaneous Phone Call fees Subtotal: $770.00 C) Honoraria for Graphic Designer $200.00 for creation of event Program, Postcard, and Posters Subtotal: $200.00 D) Meals and Break (Food for Event) Meals are calculated based on 25 participants + 10 staff = 35 persons $5.70/person x 35 persons = $199.50 Subtotal: $199.50 E) Advisory Meeting Expenses Refreshments provided at meetings, calculating $30.00 / meeting with 5 meetings $30.00/meeting x 5 meetings = $150.00 Subtotal: $150.00
Expenses Total:
$294.00 + $770.00 + $200.00 + $199.50 + $150.00 = $1613.50
14
LOGISTICS: Promotional Planning and Execution -
Branding Multi-stage promotional plans
Media Involvement and Relevance -
February – March
Setting up Cleaning up Collection of Materials Food Pick-up
Registration Planning and Execution -
February
Advisory Committee speaker Facilitator Speaker
Volunteer Organization and Contribution -
February - March
Photography Social Media
Speaker Organization and Contribution -
February
February - March
Online Registrations Facebook Event
Surveys, Note Taking
January - March
Gifts, Prizes
February - March
-
Distributed on the day
15
S.L.A.M! March 8th 2014
Work plan
Action Hiring Project Coordinator
Timeline End of Jan
Who Richard
Contact Venue (Food/Accomodation)
Mid Feb
Brian
Advisory Committee
End of Jan
Richard
Create TOR
End of Jan – Beginning of March
Advisory Committee
Working Advisory Committee
End of Jan – End of the Event
Hiring Committee
Beginning of Feb – End of the Event
Advisory Committee Richard
Evaluation Team
Beginning of Feb – End of Feb
Brian Volunteers
Logistics Team
End of Jan – End of Project
Brian Volunteers
A/V Team
Day of the Event
Promotion Plan
Feb- March
Richard Ryan Brian Volunteers Brian Rex Meza Ryan Christian Advisory Committee Facilitators
16