Abstract Information: This presentation will showcase a new approach to program evaluation that centers on locally-led storytelling, a novel approach developed by iDE. Drawing on the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique, iDE aims to create a more authentic and representative storytelling process that amplifies the voices of those traditionally marginalized and excluded from the evaluation process. Using a case study example, we will explore how we co-defined the term "locally-led storytelling" with project clients and identified significant change through the adaptation of participatory evaluation techniques like Most Significant Stories of Change. We will also discuss how we used creative technologies and informal approaches to share and amplify these stories of change through local communication channels, and why that is important for the field of evaluation. By involving local stakeholders in the storytelling process, we can create a more inclusive and participatory evaluation approach that recognizes the power dynamics at play in traditional evaluation methods. This presentation also highlights the importance of using creative and informal approaches to communicate impact and recommendations to project community members, recognizing the important integration of diverse communication channels in different contexts.
Relevance Statement: Locally-led storytelling has emerged as a promising approach for evaluating programs that amplifies the voices of those traditionally excluded from the evaluation process. This presentation will highlight a case study example of co-defining the term locally-led storytelling with project clients and using the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique to identify the most significant change, as well as using creative technologies and informal approaches to share that story of change through local communication channels. By prioritizing the lived experiences of program clients (beneficiaries) and giving them a platform to share their stories, locally-led storytelling has the potential to create a more authentic and representative storytelling process that better captures the complexity and nuances of program impact. The proposed presentation has several implications for evaluation theory and practice. Firstly, it highlights the importance of empowering program beneficiaries by centering their voices and stories in the evaluation process. This approach aligns with the principles of participatory evaluation, which prioritize the involvement of stakeholders in all phases of the evaluation process. In this case, the emphasis is on the sharing and application of evaluation results. Secondly, it demonstrates the potential of the MSC technique as a tool for identifying and amplifying the most significant changes resulting from a program, while also capturing the richness and diversity of individual experiences. Finally, it showcases the value of using creative technologies and informal approaches to share stories of change through local communication channels, which can improve the relevance and accessibility of evaluation results for diverse audiences. The proposed presentation aligns with relevant standards of quality in evaluation theory, methods, and practice. It prioritizes the inclusion of diverse perspectives and the use of participatory approaches to increase the relevance and usefulness of evaluation results.
