A Participatory Approach to the Development of an Evaluation Framework: Process, Pitfalls, and Payoffs

Abstract: Much literature exists on participatory approaches to developing and implementing program evaluation. Little is documented, however, about participatory approaches to developing an evaluation framework. This article reports a case study of implementation of a participatory evaluation approach and examines the results in light of participatory evaluation theory. A participatory approach was used to develop a provincial evaluation framework for a unique, collaborative community/provincial/federal funding program for community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations in Alberta, Canada. The participatory process resulted in significant capacity building, mutual learning, and relationship development, as well as a comprehensive and user-friendly provincial evaluation framework. The purpose of this article is to share our process, the pitfalls, and the payoffs to our participatory approach in developing an evaluation framework.