The Latest

Principles-Focused Evaluation: Newest Approach for Evaluating Complex Change Efforts

One of the toughest challenges for social innovators and evaluators is to describe the “it” they are trying to evaluate. While they typically have a general idea of the outcome they would like to see (e.g., an end to homelessness, addressing mental health issues, a feeling of inclusion), they often struggle to lay out the pathway(s) to get there. This makes it difficult for both parties to land on questions, indicators and/or methods around which to build an evaluation design. 

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Painting a Picture from Many Angles

As we approach the upcoming holiday season, a reoccurring theme of narrative comes flooding through my mind in a series of palpable examples. When I think about what I want to read or engage with during this reflective time of year, I often see stories as paramount to stirring up emotion and bringing people towards a cause.

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The (Mostly) Certitudes of Change

All things considered, I prefer sameness in my personal life. Okay, actually, I really like the comfort of my personal routine when I am at home.

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Embracing the Messy, Unpredictable Journey

Looking out the window at the snow-covered ground, it feels as though ages have passed since my time at the Community Change Institute in Vancouver. Although, the seasons have quickly changed and new day to day operational priorities have skipped to the head of the line, there are many messages that remain in my mind about the content shared that week.

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YOUR IMPACT IN 30 SECONDS!

In September the Community Sector Council NL challenged its partners to present '30-Second Pop-Ups!' throughout its networking event. Simps! I thought then 10 minutes later I realized that this task would require a great deal of thought. I hardly ever get asked the impact question. Most funders don’t even ask for impact/outcomes reporting!  The majority are still at outputs reporting. How many session were held? How many clients served? The demographic of those served? And maybe just maybe – What did the individuals think about it all?

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Enhancing Belonging: A Guidebook for Individuals, Organizations, and Communities

The New Story Group of Waterloo Region is pleased to announce the release of the Enhancing Belonging: A Guidebook for Individuals, Organizations, and Communities.

“This Guidebook will make an important contribution to our community,” says Kim Sproul, chair of the New Story Group. “With many organizations and municipalities now committed to social inclusion, this Guide will provide an important tool for people to intentionally implement strategies that enhance belonging and well-being.”

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