Landscape of practice: a participatory approach to creating a trauma- and violence-informed physical activity social learning space

Abstract

ABSTRACT Social learning spaces, such as communities of practice or landscapes of practice, are purported to promote ongoing education and meaningful engagement which can lead to innovations. This research explores the potential of a social learning space focused on expanding the use of trauma- and violence-informed physical activity (TVIPA) approaches to improve access to physical activity resources for individuals who (have) experience(d) trauma. As part of a larger feminist participatory action mixed-methods study, the purpose of this qualitative research is twofold: 1) to determine if the development of a social learning space, such as a community of practice or a landscape of practice was warranted by TVIPA experts and community leads; and 2) to understand the characteristics of a successful social learning space. Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with key informants from the fields of TVIPA and social learning. Through inductive reflexive thematic analysis, two themes were identified: 1) a successful community of practice require funding, exchange, collaboration, and reflective practice; and 2) a community of practice must be aligned with the goals of the community, hold true to the tenets of TVI programming, and be multidisciplinary/levelled. Our findings support the development of a TVIPA landscape of practice that involves all stakeholders, particularly community members and program participants, with the aim of supporting individuals who have experienced trauma to be physically active.