Data
The following isms dictate the value, collection, analysis, and investment of data: adultism, racism, patriarchy, heterosexism, transphobia, classism, capitalism, colonialism, and ableism. This is not an exhaustive list. Visit the isms blog series to learn more.
These anti-oppressive recommendations are a starting point for partners across sectors to convene conversations to learn from one another, build awareness for anti-oppressive initiatives happening within the youth sexual health field, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and engage in action planning.
Building Awareness Across Initiatives
If you are leading an initiative or practice that is in alignment with the recommendations shared below, we want to hear about it, and would love to discuss how to elevate your work through this website or with partners.
If you would like a partner to explore and discuss these recommendations with, please contact Trailhead’s Youth Sexual Health Program team to connect.
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Data exists within oppressive systems and operates to uphold those systems. Data is science and does not see people as humans, but as statistics and numbers to apply for grants. Data has limits and often closes off the opportunity for relationships. Sexual health data serves as a reference point to understand but there should be curiosity and intention to know more and learn. How much then should we rely on data to make decisions about funding, whose voice matters, and who gets to decide? What other options exist? What is the role of oral histories? How can you be anti-oppressive in your data practice?
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) is the primary surveillance tool used in Colorado to capture youth health behaviors. One Youth Sexual Health Board member noted that this survey often was triggering to the students at their school and there was no context or support provided to address the content of the survey and triggering nature of the questions. Further, teachers and students do not even see the results from this study. An alternative approach implemented at AUL Denver focuses on students interviewing other students on health topics.
Recommendations for Anti-Oppressive Action
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Explore how oral histories and other forms of qualitative data could be used to tell additional stories.
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This may include using nontraditional forms of data collection like storytelling.