Baum, H. S. (2001). How should we evaluate community
initiatives?. American Planning Association. Journal of the American
Planning Association, 67(2), 147-158.
When it pertains to community
interventions and the evaluation of the success of those interventions, I must
admit that I am a novice. I have never
implemented a community intervention, evaluated it, or been a part of the
process of developing one. In order to
create an effective and helpful intervention for the Ferguson community, I have
been on the lookout for helpful articles that supply guidance in how to best
create and assess initiatives. Baum (2001) looked at community evaluation and
the limitations those community initiatives must combat.
Baum began by defining what a community initiative is as creating coalitions that then enact a series of interventions, used to create change. I instantly noticed the similarities between his definition and the class objectives for this semester. One of the first steps within the community project was to split the class into groups (a version of creating coalitions, perhaps?). Now those groups are seeking to create an intervention or a series of interventions.
Next, Baum went on to explain the importance of recognizing that there are a variety of individuals (or “actors”) that contribute to the cause. Each will bring different levels of involvement, determination to see the cause through, and a different idea of what success is. I believe this is especially important for every group to keep in mind not only amongst its own members but also when conducting interviews. While some might want to accomplish higher levels of diversity within a housing initiative others might be more focused on simply getting empty houses sold or rented out without a concern for resident variation. Such differences can occur not only between the different members of each group but also amongst community residents.
Moreover, these actors, their objectives, and the community’s overall strategy can broaden or narrow in time. The Dudley Street Initiative video shown within class helped to demonstrate that, in time, leaders and participants within an initiative might change. In fact, they likely should vary over the years in order to bring in fresh perspectives and new thoughts. As Baum pointed out, initiatives usually do not follow research as much as the guidance from involved and dedicated actors.
In terms of evaluation, Baum brought up the lack of resources that many communities must contend with in order to successfully review an initiative. There is often a limited amount of funds, focus, and interest that only lasts for a few years. While increased monetary support would help, gaining that extra money would face difficulties of its own as the investment is often more than the returns. Due to its limitations and challenges, community evaluation is usually more likely to be more reflective in nature than systematic or analytical.
Even in cases where the funding is generous, community initiatives are multifaceted and complex. There are times where it is difficult to measure the changes an initiative has made, especially if the evaluation is not a long term one but the impacts of the intervention are. Furthermore, even the creation of an adequate measurement tool can be difficult. What best displays the success of a community? A thriving educational system? Adequate housing? What would either of those things be officially defined as, what data would be collected, and how would it be examined? Not to mention the difficulty of collecting the data at all as some is easier to come by than others.
Evaluations are still important, however, as they help to form at least some decisions on the success or lack thereof of the interventions. The evaluations can be utilized to track important interactions between residents and their communities. Mistakes or especially helpful initiatives can be tracked and made note of as well. Future efforts can then refer to past evaluations for guidance and ideas.
What are some of your concerns in creating an initiative for your community? Have you already begun to encounter a difference in what various residents or even members of your group consider the most pressing concern for the community? Would funding be a serious issue for the interventions you are planning? What about community interest, time, and energy? What are some ways to combat these limitations and move past them?
Baum began by defining what a community initiative is as creating coalitions that then enact a series of interventions, used to create change. I instantly noticed the similarities between his definition and the class objectives for this semester. One of the first steps within the community project was to split the class into groups (a version of creating coalitions, perhaps?). Now those groups are seeking to create an intervention or a series of interventions.
Next, Baum went on to explain the importance of recognizing that there are a variety of individuals (or “actors”) that contribute to the cause. Each will bring different levels of involvement, determination to see the cause through, and a different idea of what success is. I believe this is especially important for every group to keep in mind not only amongst its own members but also when conducting interviews. While some might want to accomplish higher levels of diversity within a housing initiative others might be more focused on simply getting empty houses sold or rented out without a concern for resident variation. Such differences can occur not only between the different members of each group but also amongst community residents.
Moreover, these actors, their objectives, and the community’s overall strategy can broaden or narrow in time. The Dudley Street Initiative video shown within class helped to demonstrate that, in time, leaders and participants within an initiative might change. In fact, they likely should vary over the years in order to bring in fresh perspectives and new thoughts. As Baum pointed out, initiatives usually do not follow research as much as the guidance from involved and dedicated actors.
In terms of evaluation, Baum brought up the lack of resources that many communities must contend with in order to successfully review an initiative. There is often a limited amount of funds, focus, and interest that only lasts for a few years. While increased monetary support would help, gaining that extra money would face difficulties of its own as the investment is often more than the returns. Due to its limitations and challenges, community evaluation is usually more likely to be more reflective in nature than systematic or analytical.
Even in cases where the funding is generous, community initiatives are multifaceted and complex. There are times where it is difficult to measure the changes an initiative has made, especially if the evaluation is not a long term one but the impacts of the intervention are. Furthermore, even the creation of an adequate measurement tool can be difficult. What best displays the success of a community? A thriving educational system? Adequate housing? What would either of those things be officially defined as, what data would be collected, and how would it be examined? Not to mention the difficulty of collecting the data at all as some is easier to come by than others.
Evaluations are still important, however, as they help to form at least some decisions on the success or lack thereof of the interventions. The evaluations can be utilized to track important interactions between residents and their communities. Mistakes or especially helpful initiatives can be tracked and made note of as well. Future efforts can then refer to past evaluations for guidance and ideas.
What are some of your concerns in creating an initiative for your community? Have you already begun to encounter a difference in what various residents or even members of your group consider the most pressing concern for the community? Would funding be a serious issue for the interventions you are planning? What about community interest, time, and energy? What are some ways to combat these limitations and move past them?
Initially my biggest concern in creating an initiative was what if the community was not accepting of the initiative I was creating. As I have done more research and been involved in my community more I am coming to find out there is a lot of initiatives already in place and have missing pieces that would be more effective to work with what is already in place.
ReplyDeleteAs for funding I think it is always something to keep in mind, but not use it as a limitation completely because in some situations funding issues just might mean the initiative will take longer to complete, not that it should not be done.