Programming for the oppressed  

Within the City of Rochester 43.1% of households are run by single females and 25.9% of the population live below the poverty level (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). The majority of youth utilizing Rochester’s Department of Recreation (DOR) centers belong to this oppressed population. Feeling that programming was lacking, The DOR partnered with University of Rochester anthropology students to assess the quality of programming offered through the rec-centers.

Participant observation uncovers limitations 

University students conducted participant observation and action research with Rochester’s thirteen rec-centers. Interviews and group discussions with staff, alumni, volunteers, and participants explored their rec-center experiences and perspectives on areas for change. Reviewing academic literature and archival work provided a contextual understanding that unpacked the symbolism and meaning of childcare belief systems in Rochester and the United States. Over the course of six months we came to understand that the rec-centers provided limited opportunity for participants to experience people, activities, and environments not marked by impoverished conditions. 

Building community and breaking barriers

An action plan was designed to get participants out of their daily environments and foster an integrated community of university and rec-center participants. University students and faculty visited rec-centers to lead academic and art workshops for participants and their families. Rec-center youth were invited into the university environment to participate in cultural events and academic coaching. Ongoing programming between the university and the DOR continues to break spatial and power barriers of oppression.