|
This book focuses on various aspects of research as applied to community change work. Of particular note is Chapter 7, which focuses specifically on the role of evaluation.
Stoecker describes the different challenges and needs when the call for evaluation is coming from inside or outside of the organization, noting that an internal participatory evaluation is a much preferable method. However, he recognizes that there are instances in which circumstances may dictate an external, non-participatory evaluation.
He elaborates on the differences between process and outcome evaluations, noting the importance and challenges of each. While recognizing that outcome evaluations are critical (and often required by funders), process evaluations are important both as a check to see if outcomes are due to the activities being implemented and also as a critical piece of improving performance.
After making the case for a participatory evaluation process as the preferred method for assessing community change efforts (including community organizing), Stoecker lays out a step-by-step process through which organizations can begin to map out their own evaluation.
In the section entitled "Participatory Evaluation from the Beginning," Stoecker identifies the following steps for engaging constituents in the evaluation process:
§ Determining the questions
§ Choosing the methods
§ Gathering the data
§ Analyzing the data
§ Presenting the data
In each of these sections, he provides a brief explanation of the expectations of the group and questions it must answer for each step. Although he does not go into expansive detail about each step, the explanations given may point users in the direction needed to develop a participatory evaluation process for community organizing work. | 
