Evaluating Unitec’s ALLY workshop on diverse sexuality and gender inclusivity
| Published date | 01 September 2019 |
| Date | 01 September 2019 |
| DOI | 10.1177/1035719X19875595 |
| Subject Matter | Practice Article |
https://doi.org/10.1177/1035719X19875595
Evaluation Journal of Australasia
2019, Vol. 19(3) 134 –146
© The Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/1035719X19875595
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Evaluating Unitec’s ALLY
workshop on diverse
sexuality and gender
inclusivity
Helen Gremillion
Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Catherine Powell
Healthy Families Waitakere, New Zealand; Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Abstract
This article presents findings from a mixed-method, utilisation-focused evaluation of an
education workshop on diverse sexuality and gender (DSG) inclusivity offered at Unitec
Institute of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand. Workshop completion enables
participants to make a public commitment to DSG inclusivity by joining Unitec’s ALLY
Network. A questionnaire was designed to ascertain whether workshop participation
achieves the following outcomes: increased awareness of systemic discrimination
and greater confidence to act in ways that promote DSG inclusion. The study also
draws on findings from semi-structured interviews with current ALLY members. Data
analysis included testing the statistical significance of differences between participants’
responses to pre-workshop questions and their responses to identical questions posed
post-workshop (these questions were answered using Likert-type scales). Narrative
data were analysed thematically. Findings indicate that the ALLY workshop is effective
in achieving its goals. Emergent themes highlight areas of significant learning and growth
for workshop participants as well as particularly valuable workshop practices and
conditions. This study addresses a gap in the literature on evaluations of DSG diversity
education and provides evidence supporting the continuation – and the informed,
potential expansion – of a unique initiative within a New Zealand tertiary provider.
Corresponding author:
Helen Gremillion, School of Healthcare and Social Practice, Unitec Institute of Technology, Waitakere
Campus, Building 510, Room 5019, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
Email: hgremillion@unitec.ac.nz
875595EVJ0010.1177/1035719X19875595Evaluation Journal of AustralasiaGremillion and Powell
research-article2019
Practice Article
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