Migrancy Initiatives to Date

Think Tank I was held in May of 1993 to raise awareness of the problem and to consider possible solutions.  Approximately 80 agencies were present and the event was covered in the newspapers and on local TV.  Agency representatives each made a commitment to an action and agreed to return the following year to share information about the results of their actions.  One school experimented with a Migrancy Network model, with agencies meeting regularly to explore ways of reducing migrancy within that school area.  Another school developed a very active PR approach with parents.

Think Tank II, in February of 1994 brought together many of the same agency representatives.  Three questions were developed to use with families who needed to move:

1. Why are you moving?
2. Can we help you solve the problem?
3. If you have to move, can you wait until July?

Again, there was good coverage in the local media.  Pamphlets and slogans were shared with schools and agencies.  Every agency was able to identify families which had remained stable in neighbourhoods as a result of the public information efforts.

A video was developed in conjunction with Videon Cable TV, with the understanding that the migrancy committee would receive a number of copies to distribute and that the video would be shown on TV.  Posters and pamphlets were developed to complement the video.   The Winnipeg School Division Communications Officer won a Bravo Award for the publicity campaign.  As a result of entering this event and the screening of the video, the materials have been shared with several places across Canada.

Think Tank III took place in March, 1997 to publicize the video, pamphlets and posters.  Every attending agency received a free video and promotional materials.  A follow-up survey was sent in June, 1998 to determine whether the materials were being used.

A Migrancy Handbook was developed for distribution to school administrators in the fall of 1998.  It is a quick reference guide with suggestions for dealing with families who are considering moving, a summary of research results, and a list of places to call for help in solving a variety of problems families may encounter.

For more information, contact Spencer Clements
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