Brock University’s Lifespan Development Research Institute is searching for local parents to help with upcoming research initiatives.

The Lifespan Institute is recruiting for a Parent Advisory Committee, which will be made up of Niagara parents who would like to provide input on relevant research and knowledge mobilization work. This research will be focused on parents, families, children, youth and the local community.

“The Lifespan Institute has always had deep roots in the community — in Niagara and beyond,” said Teena Willoughby, Director of the Lifespan Institute. “Engagement committees like this one help to create the space and opportunity for Brock researchers to better connect with the groups and community members that their research involves — gaining input and insights that are critically important to ensuring that our work is relevant and informed.”

Members of the committee will assist the Lifespan team in developing research ideas and strategies for sharing research findings, connecting with families in the local community and keeping the team informed about important matters affecting families in Niagara.

Notably, the Parent Advisory Committee will operate similarly to Lifespan’s Youth Engagement Committee, which is made up of local youth aged 14 to 24, and the Senior Advisory Committee, which consists of adult Niagara community members who are 60 years of age or older.

Through these committees, and with the addition of the Parent Advisory Committee, the Lifespan Institute creates an opportunity for the community to directly inform research in the Niagara region and facilitates a space for community members of all ages to have their voices heard.

“The advisory committee will be extremely informative for researchers studying families in Niagara,” said Angela Evans, Associate Professor of Psychology and Lifespan Institute member. “Parents’ insights and experiences will help inform the questions researchers ask, how we connect with families in Niagara and how we share our findings.

“We are hoping this committee will help us build an even stronger connection between researchers in the Lifespan Institute at Brock and the local Niagara community, and improve our ability to place our research findings in the hands of parents who can use it.”

Members of the committee will meet with Lifespan Institute researchers and staff members about four times per year to review relevant projects and provide feedback. Until it is safe to do so, all PAC meetings will take place virtually on video chat.

The Lifespan Institute Parent Advisory Committee is looking for members who:

• Are parents of children or youth.
• Are residents of the Niagara region.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in issues surrounding parents, children/youth and families.
• Enjoy working collaboratively in groups.
• Are willing to commit time to committee activities, including meeting between three to five times per year and responding via email.
• Are willing to serve a one-year term.
• Have submitted a completed application package.

To apply to be on the committee, please complete the form on the Lifespan website. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 8.

Any questions about the Parent Advisory Committee or the application process can be directed to lifespan@brocku.ca