90 - Weighing the Risks: Considerations for Amplifying Voices of Vulnerable Individuals in Data Collection

Abstract Information: While we can agree amplifying the voices of vulnerable individuals is important, it is critical for veteran and emerging evaluators alike to discuss and align on how to do it respectfully and safely, and when to walk away from direct engagement. The safety of participants and evaluators/enumerators should always be prioritized over data collection needs in evaluation; however, translating this principle into practice requires navigating many complex factors. For example, both local and global disruptions have spurred many evaluators to pivot to remote approaches in recent years, which can present additional challenges for the engagement of vulnerable individuals. This session will help evaluators from all backgrounds unpack the concept of “Do No Harm” and explore example discussions, considerations, and frameworks we have used with clients when deciding if and how to directly engage vulnerable individuals. During the first half of the session, we will share insights from past experiences working with U.S. State Department and USAID partners to develop tailored approaches for assessing context, recruiting additional experts, developing engagement protocols and criteria for generating participant contact lists, weighing in-person vs. remote data collection, and importantly, determining an alternative path if risks appear too high. In the second half of the session, we will facilitate a dialogue and invite attendees to share their own experiences engaging vulnerable groups in evaluation, including pitfalls to avoid, lessons learned, and personal successes.