17 - Participatory Evaluation: A Framing Device for More Equitable Evaluation Practices in Grant Funded Youth Development Programs

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM ET

Location: Griffin Hall

Presenter(s)

Ana Maria Grigoras, PhD

Chief Executive Officer
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting
Syosset, New York, United States

Author(s)

Ana Maria Grigoras, PhD

Chief Executive Officer
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting
Syosset, New York, United States
TD

Taylor Disco, M.U.P.

Evaluation Manager
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting, United States

Presenter(s)

Hayley Davis, MPH

Director of Development
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting, United States

Author(s)

Hayley Davis, MPH

Director of Development
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting, United States

Presenter(s)

JS

Jackie Sifuentes, MA

Evaluation Manager
L&G Research and Evaluation Consulting

Participatory evaluation practices are ideal to promote an equity lens in grant funded programs. Evaluators and consumers of evaluation alike often struggle to embrace and conceptualize participatory techniques in grant funded programs that are usually compliance driven. It is important to recognize the flexible, creative aspects of participatory work even in the very rigid, accountability driven world of federally funded programs. We define participatory evaluation practices, present effective tools, and highlight the natural, authentic connection between participation and equity. Participatory evaluation tools are positive vehicles for group discussion, analysis, problem solving and corrective action - vehicles that empower stakeholders to be more actively involved in decision making. Equity in evaluation is not something that is simply addressed in a group training exercise, a reading or handout. Equity in evaluation, especially through participatory approaches, needs to be a choice during each step of an evaluation in the context of real-world constraints. It must be centered in what we do as evaluators. By embedding equity into each choice an evaluator makes, it is more likely to be realized. Participatory tools that promote equity in the evaluation of out-of-school time program will be shared during this session.