Co-powerment in the Mission-Driven Sector: Client Participation in Program Evaluation

Abstract

This paper centers on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on development work in underserved populations, making the case that non-profits aimed at empowering the marginalized must fulfill their commitment to honoring the voice of the population they serve by incorporating client participation in evaluation of programs. Not only does this approach empower beneficiaries, but it also provides an invaluable resource to the organization, leading to what can be termed a “co-powering” relationship in which both parties benefit and grow. This paper illustrates four methods of client participation through the “Ladder of Evaluation” and includes a discussion of important considerations in implementing these methods. Following this is an argument for developing an organizational “culture of evaluation,” which incorporates general staff in systematically asking questions and gathering information rather than delegating evaluation to one person. Through this approach, an organization can develop the capacity to build off what has been learned through consistent monitoring and evaluation.