Implementing an Outcomes Model in the Participatory Evaluation of Community Initiatives

Abstract

Abstract Community-based organizations (CBOs) face a number of challenges in conducting evaluations of their initiatives. This paper illustrates some of the processes and challenges that arose in our efforts to collaborate with eight CBOs to implement an outcomes model adapted from the United Way model (1996) to evaluate their initiatives using a participatory approach. The outcomes model emphasizes the link between program goals, activities, outputs (process evaluation) and outcomes. An empowerment and participatory approach to evaluation emphasizes self-determination and evaluation skills building. We illustrate challenges and alternative solutions as we implemented our evaluation process comprising five phases: developing the partnership and planning the evaluation; developing an outcomes logic model; identifying the methodology and data collection strategies; interpreting and reporting findings; and utilization of findings. Overall, our collective experience indicates that despite some challenges, staff gained important evaluation skills and produced information useful to improve programs.