37 - Evaluation for Equity - The Socio-Political Challenge of Moving Beyond Diversity to Equity and Inclusion

Abstract Information: This presentation contextualizes evaluation for equity by elevating social and political factors that impact is application and efficacy. These include the racial and social consciousness of evaluators, the willingness of program directors and organizational leadership to champion equity and inclusion, and the nature of partnership with marginalized stakeholders in shaping theories of action. If engaged authentically, equity-based evaluation is an ongoing and courageous endeavor for all involved. Moving assessment beyond diversity metrics towards those implicating conditions of equity and inclusion is not a simple matter of adding variables. For evaluators, it's personal work in which they must confront their own (mis)understandings and/or levels of (dis)comfort. Its skillful work involving their ability to guide organizations towards greater transparency. It's also committed work in that qualitative assessment is essential for it's promotion but may not be prioritized in the budget.