Why Bother?

We evaluate to learn whether and how we are making a difference, to learn how to improve the program or the process, and to make better use of resources. Formative evaluation before the completion of a project helps the community group create mid-point corrections. Even more important is the opportunity to learn from evaluation activities either mid-point or at the end of the project, as a summary. Evaluation doesn't have to be formal or led by an outsider. Rather, it can be informal and conducted as part of the group's learning and improving.

The Situation:

The community group has a grant that requires an evaluation. As a community builder, you'd like to see the evaluation be more than just compliance for the funder.

Should you:

(A) Develop an evaluation committee to document the progress made.

(B) Pick one area of impact such as communications and then constantly check on it.

(C) Design ways to get the group to reflect on and discuss impacts of their project.

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