214: Integrating Community-Centered, Data-Systems Focused Capacity Building into Evaluation

Session Abstract (143 114 words): Data-systems focused evaluation capacity building is a powerful way for community-based organizations to build skills and resources needed to collect, analyze, and interpret their own data — enabling them to make data- informed decisions that improve outcomes for their communities. An equity-driven, community-centered approach is essential to ensure that capacity building is both immediately impactful and sustainable over time. This session will demonstrate the value of centering strengths-based, community-focused capacity building within evaluation to meet organizations' data needs. . Using tools to help organizations assess their readiness for a formal data system and guide them in determining next steps, evaluators can center community voices within data systems, foster innovative data solutions, and strengthen long-term data management capacity.

Erica Wei Wu