A participatory or collaborative evaluation approach gives stakeholders practical, hands-on experience with monitoring and evaluation techniques. The following resources include tools, practical steps, and State and local examples of participatory evaluations.
Participatory Action Research: Involving All the Players in Evaluation Change
Shows how participatory evaluation methods are used to guide evaluation efforts in a variety of fields, including early childhood development and immigration.
Participatory Evaluation Essentials: An Updated Guide for Non-Profit Organizations and Their Evaluation Partners(PDF - 2140 KB)
Baker & Bruner (2010)
Shows how the Rochester Effectiveness Partnership used participatory evaluation as a practical management tool to evaluate and make decisions about programs. The guide offers resources to advance the use of participatory evaluation and evaluative thinking skills in the nonprofit sector.
Participatory Evaluation with Young People: Workbook (PDF - 556 KB)
W.K. Kellogg Foundation (2008)
Designed for young people who want to use program evaluation to effect action and change. Provides practical tools for participatory evaluation, including organizing, gathering information, assessing the findings, and forming strategies for creating change. The Facilitator's Guide supplements the workbook and is also available. (PDF - 1440 KB)
State and local examples
Community-Based Approaches to Empowerment and Participatory Evaluation
Suarez-Balcazar & Harper (2003)
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Provides an overview of the concepts of empowerment and participatory evaluation. The book contains articles about the theories behind empowerment and participatory evaluations, as well as frameworks, tools, and examples of evaluations.
Building Capacity for Participatory Evaluation Within Community Initiatives
Fawcett, Boothroyd, Schultz, Francisco, Carson, & Bremby (2003)
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Outlines a framework for participatory evaluation, examines how to support and build capacity, and discusses the challenges, benefits, and opportunities in using this approach.