| Session Title: Evaluating Social Change Programs: How Does a Culturally Responsive Approach Apply |
| Think Tank Session 716 to be held in TRAVIS C on Saturday, Nov 13, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Sponsored by the Multiethnic Issues in Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Deloris Vaughn, Innovation Network, dvaughn@innonet.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Laura Ostenso, Innovation Network, lostenso@innonet.org |
| Melisa March, Innovation Network, mmarch@innonet.org |
| Abstract: Foundations and nonprofits often have as the focus of their programs, a social change agenda that invariably impacts specific cultural groups. From large scale, multi-pronged advocacy to specific public will or grassroots organizing strategies, such agendas require talking about the root causes of social injustices in order to unearth the program’s theory of change. Evaluating such programs and their theory of change require open, straight forward conversations that can bring to the fore issues of culture, race and gender inequities, power, and privilege. As evaluators, how do we facilitate the dialogue, what role does culturally responsive evaluation play in this context, how do we address our own biases, what tools do we use, what tools do we need? These are the questions that each small group will address and their responses will be used to compile a list of strategies, resources and tools to be shared with the whole group. |