The Power of Most Significant Change Stories: Amplifying Lived Experiences in Participatory Evaluation

Abstract Information: Participatory evaluation approaches aim to amplify the voices of those traditionally marginalized and excluded from the evaluation process. One promising method for doing so is the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, which centers on the collection and analysis of personal stories of change and local knowledge. MSC stories provide valuable insights into how interventions affect individuals' lived experiences, and can be used to guide program improvements and communicate impact and recommendations to project clients. This presentation will draw upon iDE's unique application of the MSC technique to demonstrate its power in amplifying lived experiences in participatory evaluation. It will discuss the process of collecting, analyzing, and using MSC stories, as well as the challenges and opportunities of working with this approach. Additionally, the presentation will explore the implications of using MSC stories as a strategic visioning tool and method to evaluate organizational change. The presentation will also include considerations for data quality, ethics, and utilization. By highlighting the power of MSC stories to reveal the complexity and nuance of impact through the lens of lived experience, this presentation aims to inspire evaluators to embrace more inclusive and participatory evaluation approaches.

Relevance Statement: Participatory evaluation approaches have become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of engaging marginalized and excluded voices in the evaluation process. One such approach, the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, has shown promise in amplifying the lived experiences of individuals impacted by interventions. This technique centers on the collection and analysis of personal stories of change and local knowledge, which can provide valuable insights into the impact of programs and guide program improvements.

The proposed presentation on "The Power of Most Significant Change Stories: Amplifying Lived Experiences in Participatory Evaluation" provides a unique opportunity to explore the application of the MSC technique in the field of evaluation. The presentation will draw upon iDE's experience in using the MSC technique to demonstrate its potential to amplify lived experiences and provide valuable insights into the complexity and nuance of program impact.

In addition to discussing the process of collecting, analyzing, and using MSC stories, the presentation will also explore the implications of using these stories as a strategic visioning tool and method to evaluate organizational change. The presentation will also address key considerations for data quality, ethics, and utilization.

The proposed presentation is highly relevant to the field of evaluation as it offers a valuable opportunity to explore and demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory evaluation approaches. The use of the MSC technique in particular has the potential to enhance the inclusiveness and diversity of voices in evaluation, and provide valuable insights into program impact that might otherwise be overlooked.