Does Evaluation Take Money from Services?

One of the things I often hear from nonprofit and coalition leaders is that evaluation takes needed financial resources from the people the nonprofit is trying to serve.

I get that.

I started my early career providing counseling, prevention, and juvenile diversion services in communities.

I understand the need for resources to serve our community members most in need.

But let me ask you a question.

How do you know you are making a difference?

Now let me ask you another question,

How do you know you aren’t causing harm?

I got the idea for this meme from some SWAG I picked up at the Canadian Evaluation Society Conference. I think it’s hilarious.

This week I had the honor of speaking at the VA/SAMHSA Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenge Innovations Conference. Grantees are funded to work to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and their families. I shared how coalition leaders can use data to better tell their story.

The work they do is so important. The work YOU do is so important.

Knowing for sure we are making a difference is a must.