CLEAR Unit | Community-Linked Evaluation AIDS Resource: History of CLEAR

	Community-Linked Evaluation AIDS Resource \| CLEAR Unit

THE HISTORY OF CLEAR

After a request for proposals from the AIDS Bureau, The Community-Linked Evaluation AIDS Resource (CLEAR) was established by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, in September 1999, to carry out research and evaluation with community-based organizations receiving AIDS Bureau funding throughout the province. At its inception, CLEAR comprised a Steering Committee and a Research Team. The Steering Committee was made up of ASO appointees, funding representatives and CLEAR Unit Investigators. The CLEAR Unit comprises director(s), investigators and staff, almost all of whom were located at McMaster University. As the CLEAR Unit and Steering Committee matured and reporting relationships were clarified, this structure was revised in 2003. The Steering Committee reviewed and changed its Terms of Reference in 2003 and is now called The CLEAR Committee. The CLEAR Committee comprises 12 community members representing Community-based AIDS Organizations and programs, funding representatives and CLEAR Unit Investigators. To review the revised CLEAR Committee Terms of Reference, please visit the Publication Section of our website.

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

Vision

It is the vision of CLEAR that Community-based AIDS Organizations (CBAOs) and HIV/AIDS programs fully value, embrace, and employ research and evaluation to guide their responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ontario.

Mission

Through community direction* and joint leadership, CLEAR will provide the opportunity for equitable access to evaluate services and expertise to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of Community-based AIDS Organizations (CBAOs) and HIV/AIDS programs in their response to HIV/AIDS and, will promote the use of research and evaluation.

Values

CLEAR aims to model and practice its work through a values-based approach rooted in collaboration. CLEAR has at-heart a historical and ongoing commitment to stronger communities more able to respond to challenging and catastrophic circumstances of persons with HIV/AIDS and those conditions placing people at risk for HIV infection. CLEAR recognizes that this encompasses:


1. Creativity:	To advance a vibrant learning environment, based upon ethical standards and strategic approaches that uses imagination and flexibility to foster risk taking, adventure, challenge, and maintains a confidence to conceive and put in place a better future.

2. Accountability:	Through collaboration, partnership, respect and transparency ensure that information, decisions, planning and direction setting, and defined roles and responsibilities build trust and clarity to ensure the success of CLEAR.

3. Leadership:	To be guided by the principles of equity, professionalism and academic rigour in order to ensure that cultural and community values determine the processes of research and community ownership of the outcomes of the research.

* Community Direction:

CLEAR's community in Ontario CBAOs and other community organizations conducting HIV/AIDS programs or delivering HIV/AIDS services. Priorities and perspectives of these organizations will give direction to the work of CLEAR at two levels: through representation on the CLEAR Committee; and, through direct contact between members of CLEAR (its CLEAR Committee and staff) and individual community organizations, as research is being planned, conducted and interpreted. CLEAR relies upon the organizations it serves and the CLEAR Committee membership to represent the priorities and perspectives of PHAs, and persons affected by or at risk for HIV/AIDS, while providing direction to CLEAR's work.


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	CLEAR Unit: McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences at Frid Building T30, 75 Frid Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4M3 Tel: 905-525-9140, Ext. 22293 · Fax: 905-528-5099 www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/slru/clear Funded by: AIDS Bureau, Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care