ABSTRACT
The importance of setting aside staff time and designating responsibility for program evaluation in a program utilizing an advocacy/ empowerment approach cannot be underestimated. Often, where resources are stretched, arrangements can be made with universities to provide internships, etc., as a vehicle for offsetting costs; however, the research must be under control of the program with regard to instrument design, data collection process, and publication. Obviously, the person responsible for the program evaluation must share the advocacy/empowerment perspective. An appropriately conceived program evaluation can help sustain program direction and guidance through providing critical reflection; it can create systematic, databased responses that enhance program survival in a turbulent and hostile environment; it can contribute to building working agenda for staff and clients in case management and/or day programs and it can create assertive strategies in the program’s struggle to advocate for social change. In this chapter, we will explore several questions or issues regarding the purposes, pitfalls, designs, methodologies, tools and uses of advocacy/empowerment program evaluation. Here are a number of concerns which occurred to us over time:
– Why should a community-based, advocacy/empowerment-oriented agency engage in program evaluation?
