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Building a "Super" Logic Model: Developing a System of Tiered Logic Models to Identify Key Outcomes in a Large Nonprofit Organization
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| Presenter(s):
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| Susan Connors, University of Colorado, Denver, susan.connors@ucdenver.edu
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| Joyce Schlose, Goodwill Industries of Denver, jschlose@goodwilldenver.org
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| Amelia Challender, University of Colorado, Denver, amelia.challender@ucdenver.edu
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| Kelci Price, University of Colorado, Denver, kelci.price@ucdenver.edu
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| Abstract:
Goodwill Denver is a nonprofit organization providing a multitude of community services to youth and disabled/disadvantaged citizens. The organization had a history of collecting a wide array of accountability data. To increase the organization's ability to identify those key outcomes most central to their mission, evaluators worked collaboratively with staff members to develop a series of tiered logic models to describe the inputs and outcomes of each distinct program and organizational unit. Finally, a 'super' logic model was synthesized to describe essential outcomes across all services. Evaluators will share the benefits and challenges of using this process for conducting a comprehensive program evaluation. A representative from Goodwill Denver will share the value of the resulting logic models for organizational learning.
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Raising the Level of Evidence: How to Develop Evidence-Based Practices Within Local Non-Profits
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| Presenter(s):
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| Kelly Hill, Nexus Research Group, khill@nexusresearchonline.com
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| Dana Rickman, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, drickman@gpee.org
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| Janelle Williams, The Center for Working Families Inc, jwilliams@tcwfi.org
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| Abstract:
The importance of evidence-based practice in developing and promoting responsible social interventions is well documented. What we know less about however, is the means by which an organization moves from "promising" or "best" practice to evidence based practice. What are the key steps as well as real barriers and challenges? In this session, we offer a framework for moving a group towards an evidence based practice using the example of The Center for Working Families, Inc. (TCWFI). TCWFI is a community-based non-profit which provides bundled services to individuals and families living within five contiguous neighborhoods in Atlanta, Georgia. To better service their participants, the organization has engaged an extensive process evaluation - revising core processes and updating its evaluation infrastructure. By exploring this example, we hope to provide some practical advice on how evaluators might be more effective in helping community-based groups raise the empirical bar.
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Advancing Social Change Through Evaluation: The Value of Evaluation in the Nonprofit Sector
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| Presenter(s):
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| Joanna Klak, Independent Consultant, klakjoanna@wp.pl
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| Abstract:
Although the value of evaluating projects, programs, and policies long has been understood, its usefulness has not been fully discovered by the nonprofit organizations especially in developing countries. A research study conducted among nonprofit leaders in Poland revealed that, there is limited capacity for, and understanding of, evaluation within staff members in nonprofit organizations. In addition, evaluation is seldom used by donor agencies or recipient organizations to improve program effectiveness. This raises ethical concerns about the efficient use of donated resources, and the effects on the intended beneficiaries of aid. An urgent need is signaled for professional evaluators to disseminate their knowledge about evaluation in the nonprofit world. The author concludes with a reflection on the professional evaluators' potential to challenge the status quo, and the evaluators' role in bringing social change.
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