5. Observations on Community Evaluation Capacity
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In the course of research and discussions with the Winnipeg task force, we attempted to assess community evaluation capacity. It was immediately apparent that the evaluation activities focusing on local realities generate both interest and concern among community leaders. They were not told what use was made of the data they had to provide for previous evaluations, or whether it will ever serve a purpose. However, the idea of building research and evaluation capacity that would help their own work did generate interest.
We note, for example, that recent strategic planning efforts attempt to translate the objectives into results and identify indicators. The participants are integrating the definition of results and indicators as part of their responsibility toward the community.
However, for community players, as for anybody, research and evaluation activities require a level of expertise. The participants are familiar with the use of indicators, but lack experience in establishing a hierarchy of expected outcomes and their corresponding indicators. From this point of view, training, mentoring or other forms of support would most likely foster capacity building.
Evaluation is also costly and time consuming. At present, community organizations have limited time and little money. Funding agencies should therefore earmark part of their contribution for evaluation.
