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November 29th, 2016

11/29/2016

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There are many, many, many survey platforms that you can choose from. Here are three:
 
  1. Survey Monkey
 
Pros: It has a free version that allows for 10 questions, 100 respondents, and light theme customization and templates.
 
Cons: It doesn’t export your data.
 
  1. Google Forms
Pros: Free version includes unlimited surveys, unlimited respondents, survey answers collected directly in Google Spreadsheets, theme options, skip logic, and ability to imbed surveys into emails or website.
 
Cons: Couldn’t find one!
 
  1. Qualtrics
 
Pros: Free version includes limited surveys and respondents, great variety of question types, theme options, forced response, customized scale points. Data is downloadable to a spreadsheet.
 
Cons: You will have to pay a fee to use the full versions.
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10 Pitfalls of Survey Design

11/15/2016

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Survey design is a complex task. There are best practices for creating surveys. Here are some survey pitfalls that we all need to avoid in order to get better data:
 
  1. Not using the research or study objectives as guides when formulating the survey questions.
  2. Using questions with multiple meanings.
  3. Using questions with technical jargon.
  4. Using open-ended questions rather than multiple choice.
  5. In multiple choice answers, using responses that overlap.
  6. Using very long sentences or questions.
  7. Using double negatives.
  8. Asking unnecessary details.
  9. Not testing the survey.
  10. Including unnecessary questions.
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Participatory asset mapping: What is it and when to use it

11/3/2016

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Participatory Asset Mapping is a process where community members create asset maps by identifying and providing the information about their own community’s assets on a map. It is an important tool to recognizing human capital and the capacity of individuals to use their own talents to create positive structures in their communities.
 
  1. In advocacy and Policy: mapping the availability or lack of community assets can present a powerful tool when trying to support policy changes.
 
  1. In community outreach: mapping may be use as a way to help visualize the networks of service organizations, neighborhood associations, and other groups that exist to serve the community. These new connections can serve as a means to outreach to a wider span of the community to further strengthen community resources.
 
  1. In community organizing: by involving the community members in the creation of asset maps, the process itself can be an organizing tool. 
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Evidence-Based Programs: Why use them?

10/18/2016

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Evidence-based programs (EBP) have been rigorously evaluated for effectiveness. That means that researchers have tested the programs using random assignment of people in the intervention/implementation group. Then, the evaluation methods are also examined carefully by experts in the field (not just the program developers). Once everyone is satisfied with the results of the program the developers often submit the program to certain federal agency for consideration. These federal organizations certify the program as EBP.
 
It is important to remember that just because a program contains research-based components it does not mean that the program is an EBP, unless it is also scientifically tested. There are many places where organizations may look for an evidence-based program. Here are a few.

Evidence Based Programs:
  • Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention
  • Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Blueprints for Violence Prevention
  • The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
  • Exemplary and Promising Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Programs
  • Helping America’s Youth
  • Northeast Center for the Application of Prevention Technology (CAPT) Database of Prevention Programs
  • Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Model Programs Guide
  • Promising Practices Network on Children, Families and Communities
  • Social Programs that Work, Coalition for Evidenced-Based Policy
  • Strengthening America’s Families: Effective Family Programs for Prevention of Delinquency
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
  • Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General
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Outcome and Process Evaluations: Why Should They Be Part of Your Programs?

10/4/2016

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​There are different types of evaluations. Most people are familiar with outcome evaluations, but process evaluations may be invaluable for an organization. Here are the differences and why each is important:
 
Outcome evaluation: it helps us assess the effectiveness of a program in producing change. So, it answers the question, “Did the program work? Did it have the expected impact on participants?”
 
Process evaluation: it helps us identify how a program impact was achieved. It documents the process of a program implementation, and helps us answer questions such as, “What strategies or interventions were used to reduce or eliminate the problem? What barriers were encountered during the implementation of the program? What went well? Was the program support adequate?”
 
Outcome evaluations are valuable because they tell us if the program work, and if the goals and objectives were achieved. Process evaluations are useful because they provide an understanding of how the outcomes were achieved and serve as a guideline for program replication.
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10 tips for conducting rigorous program evaluations

7/20/2016

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  1. Determine the purpose of the evaluation.
    Example: demonstrate program success to support increased funding. Identify areas for program improvements. Determine the needs of a target population.

  2. Identify the audience for the evaluation.
    Who are the stakeholders and communities impacted by the outcomes of the evaluation? Engage these individuals early and often in the evaluation process.

  3. Develop a strong, measurable research question.
    Example: did the program reduce malnutrition rates among children under five?

  4. Utilize Community-Based Participatory Strategies
    Engage the community and program staff as equal members in the research process; build on one another’s strengths, resources, and relationships to identify and address health concerns.

  5. Have a control group and/or perform pre-post assessments.
    Developing an evaluation from the start of the program will produce higher quality data; when possible, integrate program evaluators into the program planning process.

  6. Use existing, validated measures.
    Utilize already existing, valid surveys to adapt for your program’s evaluation purposes.

  7. Every question should have a purpose.
    Do not ask questions for the sake of collecting information. Have a purpose. Collect only what is necessary.

  8. Triangulate data when possible.
    Incorporate different modes of data collection (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, archival) to validate findings and overcome weaknesses found in choosing one method of data collection.

  9. Ensure ethical practices when collecting sensitive data.
    Collect only necessary information, de-identify personalized information, create codes, and utilize self-administered questionnaires to protect participant privacy and confidentiality.

  10. Determine how to best disseminate and utilize findings.
    ​Change the tone, look, and read of findings according to the audience. Use findings to make policy or program changes, appeal to funders, help other agencies replicate programs. 


Thanks for reading! What topics do you want to learn about next? Comment below!
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FUNDING TO SUPPORT YOUR SERVICES, PROGRAMS OR PRODUCTS? HERE IS A TIP...

5/17/2016

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Are you looking for funding to support your services, programs, or products but don’t know where to look? 


Federal, state, and city governments regularly publish Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Quotes (RFQ) to seek assistance from nonprofits and local businesses. Anything from social service programming to construction materials or maintenance support are purchased every year by these organizations. And you do not have to be a large company or organization to submit a bid! 


In fact, many requests from government agencies are intended for small businesses, nonprofits, and social service providers. So where to start? There are hundreds of websites that are used to publish these RFPs and RFQs. Here are three of Saguaro Evaluation Group’s favorite in Arizona: 
 
BidSync: https://www.bidsync.com
Procurement Arizona: https://procure.az.gov/bso/
Arizona School Districts: http://www.azpurchasing.org
 
Each of the websites will require you to register, but registration is free of charge. If you are seeking to expand your business or organization, this is definitely one smart way to go. 


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