Moving data to action: Uses of assessment and evaluation findings by local organizations

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4107.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - Board 7

Abstract #39708

Wayne M. Harding, Ed, M PhD, Social Science Research & Evaluation, Inc., 21-C Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803, Jack J. Vondras, MPH, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Prevention Coalition, 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139, and Michele R. Cummins, BA, Social Science Research and Evaluation, Inc., 21-C Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803, 781-270-6613, wayneh@gis.net.

Rather that welcoming and exploiting needs assessment and evaluation, many community organizations tend to avoid these activities, or if required by a funder, to tolerate them. Identifying valuable uses for assessment and evaluation data can help promote investment in these activities by community organizations. It can also alert researchers, who may be overly focused on funders' reporting requirements, to the equally important need to provide findings in ways that best serve community organizations. Using practical examples from a substance abuse prevention coalition, this paper illustrates the uses of assessment and evaluation data beyond meeting funding requirements, including: building an organization's capacity and enhancing its reputation; guiding program and policy development inside and outside the organization; raising community awareness and changing community norms; and providing a resource for other organizations. The paper also discusses how to reach potential consumers of the data (e.g., youths, parents, service providers, the media, professional peer organizations) using a variety of methods (e.g., brochures, community forums, advertisements, classroom lessons, posters, conference papers). Finally, it identifies strategies for fostering a collaborative relationship between a researcher and a community organization, which is an essential part of generating findings that the organization can use easily.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session the participants will be able to

3. Identify at least four uses of needs assessment and evaluation data by community organizations.
6. Understand how dissemination of research findings can be tailored to different audiences (e.g., parents, service providers, schools) and different methods (e.g., brochures, community forums, advertising).
9. Understand that a community organization can greatly enhance its effectiveness and reputation by building a collaborative relationship with a researcher.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Coordinating Services to Increase Access to Health Care

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA