Episode 23: A community approach to evaluating programs

Evaluating programs and initiatives is critical. It gives projects credibility, supports fundraising efforts, and informs future decisions. Extension has learned that just listening to community members' stories and interviewing community members can have an impact on the evaluation process. In other words, evaluation doesn’t always need to be done through a paper or email survey.

In this episode, Scott Chazdon and Pam Bishop share how Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) has allowed Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures (REV) to evaluate its efforts in a unique way. It also helped REV better understand the program's communities. Learn some key factors your community should consider for planning an effective REM.

Read the transcript

Episode host(s)

• Christy Kallevig, Extension educator
  University of Minnesota Extension, Center for Community Vitality

Guest(s)

• Scott Chazdon, evaluation specialist
  University of Minnesota Extension, Center for Community Vitality
• Pam Bishop, vice president of economic development
  Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Resources

• Use the Community Vitality page as your go-to resource for help in your community work.
• Gain a better understanding of REM:
  • Read our article on Ripple Effect Mapping for an overview of the process.
  • Dive deeper into the REM process by reading A Field Guide to Ripple Effect Mapping.
• Learn more about REV:
  • Visit the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation website to learn about the REV program and the communities involved in it.
  • Hear more from Pam Bishop about evaluating the REV program in our podcast REVing up entrepreneurship.