What is the Library of Promising Practices?
This library was developed by Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) as a platform for GBV shelters and transition houses to exchange promising practices with each other and learn about the impactful and innovative work that GBV shelters/transition houses do!
All the practices in this library have been implemented by GBV shelters/transition houses to meet specific needs and improve shelter work. Each practice has proven to be useful. The practices are also relevant to the wide range of work undertaken by GBV shelters/transition houses across Canada.
WSC worked with an advisory committee comprised of GBV shelter workers from across Canada to develop and launch this library. Their valuable insight and expertise helped us select these practices and find the best ways to share them in the library.
Who has access to the library?
The information in this library is not available to the public. WSC Associate Members receive access to the library and its resources as part of their membership benefits. Non-Associate Member shelters that contribute practices to the library receive one year of access to the library.
How can I use the library?
Through the library, you can read and learn about successful practices. The practices may inspire you to adapt your work. You can download information to help you adapt your own work from these practices, and you can endorse practices in the library. In many cases, the practices also provide contact information so you can reach out to the shelter for further information.
We ask you to acknowledge the contributing shelter when making use of their ideas or resources. In some cases, the practices may include specific instructions on how to acknowledge the original shelter or limits on what can be used or replicated. You can also submit your own promising practice here.
By contributing practices in the library, you have the opportunity to share your achievements and stories and engage with others.
For questions, contact Chandra at csaha@endvaw.ca.
How are the practices in the library selected?
We encourage recommendations about practices and also identify potential practices through our work across the country. Practices can be submitted directly through this submission page. <link>
Once a potential practice has been submitted or identified, the advisory committee reviews it based on the following criteria:
- The promising practice is actionable, concrete, and specific. For example, it includes specific actions that can be taken and is “ready to implement.”
- It is evidence-based and has a proven record of success. For example, the shelter explained how this practice improved their services or operations and stakeholders agree the practice is useful.
- The practice meets a need and improves GBV shelter operations. For example, the practice addresses a need at the shelter and improves services or operations in some way.
- The practice is applicable beyond the specific context in which it was created. For example, the practice or some aspects of the practice could be applied in other regions across the country.
- It is unique or innovative in nature. For example, the practice adds something new to shelter services or operations instead of being something that is already widely used by shelters across the country.
- The practice reflects an anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach to shelter work.
Each practice in the library meets the above-mentioned criteria.
How are the practices documented?
WSC prepares a practice summary for each practice in consultation with the contributing shelter. It includes a brief description of the practice, its impact, challenges experienced by the shelter, and useful tips for anyone who wishes to implement it. There may be additional resources like templates or application forms available for download.
Do you have a practice to contribute to the library?
You can use the submission page <link> to send your promising practices to us. If you have any questions, reach out to Chandra at csaha@endvaw.ca. We look forward to your participation!