E-blast to appropriate members
&
Blog posting
MDAO Research Advisory Committee (MRAC)
At the recent Annual General Meeting for the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, a poll of our
membership identified that a majority of our members believe in the importance of research and would
like to see an increasing involvement of the organization in such projects.
As a result of this feedback, we are launching the Mood Disorders Research Advisory Committee (MRAC)
to help guide and advise on research related activities in the organization. This committee will include 8
members throughout the province representing individuals and families living with mood disorders, as
well as community stakeholders. We would like to invite invitations to join the MRAC by reading the
attached Terms of Reference, and submitting a membership application which will ask a series of
questions regarding your interest and experience. The MDAO will review these applications and select
members for the committee.
If you are interested in this exciting new project, please read the attached Terms of Reference and
application form which provides a general description of members’ roles and responsibilities. Please
email your completed application to research@mooddisorders.ca no later than Jan 17th 2014.
Embed/link Terms of Reference & Application please
The Mood Disorders Research Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference
Background
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario is a community peer support organization for individuals
with mood disorders. Its mission is to serve individuals with mood disorders and their families across
Ontario by providing peer support, recovery programs, awareness, education and training.
As part of the report, “Thoughts and Steps on the Road Forward for MDAO …”, a needs assessment
survey was sent to over 2700 MDAO members to identify priority areas for future development. The
results showed that a majority of members believe in the importance of research (77%) and would like
to be contacted to participate in MDAO approved research projects (73%).
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario strives to develop a community based participatory research
model using a collaborative approach to research that equitable involves all partners in the research
process and recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. Through a knowledge translation
framework we hope to be able to take the knowledge gained and put it into action by communicating
these findings in an accessible and relevant way to individuals and families living with mood disorders.
Guiding Values and Principles
The Mood Disorders Association Research Advisory Committee will be guided by a commitment to:
●
Strengthen program evaluation and research related to mood disorders and mental health in
order to ultimately improve the quality of life of those experiencing mental illness and the families we
help at the MDAO
●
Represent consumer and family interests in research and evaluation projects that impact those
living with mood disorders throughout the province.
●
Recognize differing power dynamics among committee members and work to create a space
where cultural safety and equity is promoted, and members’ opinions, values and expertise are
respected and valued through open discussion and consensus based decision making.
Purpose
Advise and provide a consumer perspective on the implementation of research and program evaluation
strategic initiatives at the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Review and provide a peer based perspective to MDAO senior management on external research and
evaluation projects presented to the organization.
Help to communicate research findings to make the information relevant and accessible to people and
families dealing with mood disorders through a knowledge translation framework.
Membership
Peer driven provincial representation, including family representation, and community stakeholders.
Membership roles
Support the strategic objectives of the MDAO in its commitment to ensure that people with lived
experience are central to the planning, consultation and delivery of research projects in the province.
Provide a provincial consumer perspective and represent peer interests in research projects that impact
those living with mood disorders and their families.
Provide guidance on communication strategies to make research findings relevant and accessible to
individuals and families living with mood disorders.
Work to address issues for consumers that arise and share expertise and knowledge to help problem
solve matters related to mood disorders research.
How will the committee work?
The MDAO Research Advisory Committee will conduct its business through conference calls every other
month, and via regular electronic communications. Members will be asked to commit to a minimum
term of 1 year. Committee members will be asked to review and provide feedback on research and
evaluation projects at the MDAO, as well as advise on the appropriateness of external research projects
presented to the organization.
How and when will the work begin?
The Terms of Reference come into effect upon selection of the MDAO Research Advisory Committee
members and we will begin our work in Feb 2014. These terms will be reviewed as needed to ensure
ongoing effectiveness and to make required adjustments.
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario Research Advisory Committee (MRAC) Application
Application Form for Membership
Thank you for your interest in The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario Research Advisory Committee
(MRAC). In order to be considered for membership on the MRAC, please review the terms of reference
which describes the committee and how it will work. In the hopes of producing a generalized diverse
perspective for this committee, we encourage interest from a variety of ethnicities, ages and genders.
Please answer the following questions if you wish to apply:
Name:
Email address:
City of residence:
1. Why are you interested in serving on the MDAO Research Advisory Committee (MRAC)?
2. Please list if you have lived experience with mood disorders, experience as a family member
of someone with a mood disorders.
3. What experience do you have with advocacy or advising on mental health issues?
4. What experience do you have with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario or any other
client/family groups?
5. Please describe any work you have done before on committees.
6. Please describe any experience you have with research.
7. Please list any training or experience you have with public education, media, or teaching
about mental health issues.