Virtual Café by YouthREX | Keesha Singh | Activity

Keesha replied to the discussion A large part of evaluation is sharing the findings with other people, both internal and external to your program. What are great tips you have used or seen others using to share evaluation findings? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:41:15 -0500

Reply to A large part of evaluation is sharing the findings with other people, both internal and external to your program. What are great tips you have used or seen others using to share evaluation findings?

A great tip I have seen is using data visualization to capture the audience, it displays the information in a way that can be straightforward and engaging. You want people to be able to easily understand what you are telling them, and it is important to make it accessible. You also want to make it appealing, so it is not just another report…

Keesha replied to the discussion Does your youth program have an inventory of all the program data it collects (example include registration form)? If yes, how you did your program create this inventory and what are ways you use it in your program evaluation? If no, what would help your program to create a data inventory? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:32:42 -0500

Reply to Does your youth program have an inventory of all the program data it collects (example include registration form)? If yes, how you did your program create this inventory and what are ways you use it in your program evaluation? If no, what would help your program to create a data inventory?

Our program utilizes Sharepoint, wherein all program data is saved electronically, any hard copy files are scanned for ease of access.
Files are managed by Cohorts, and then participants- all relevant client files can be found and managed there.
This can be improved with a linear and consistent file management system implemented by team…

Keesha replied to the discussion What data do you already collect as part of your program? What data could you be collecting that you are not currently collecting? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:23:41 -0500

Reply to What data do you already collect as part of your program? What data could you be collecting that you are not currently collecting?

The program collects the following data:

Client registration which includes demographics ranging from age, gender, immigration status, indigenous status,
Workshop attendance
Submission of assignment
Client surveys

The program could implement surveys based on program activities and workshops so program staff can understand if the activities… Read more

Keesha replied to the discussion How can evaluation ‘improve’ youth programs rather than just ‘proving’ that they work? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:17:13 -0500

Reply to How can evaluation ‘improve’ youth programs rather than just ‘proving’ that they work?

Evaluation can improve youth programs because it centers youth voices and experience which can enhance service delivery. Evaluation allows for reflection, it offers understanding of how service is perceived by participants, and the impact of services. It lets you know what you’re doing right and where the gaps are. It allows you to come up with…

Keesha replied to the discussion What is your youth program’s “recipe”? What are the key components? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:06:26 -0500

Reply to What is your youth program’s “recipe”? What are the key components?

The key components to our youth program’s “recipe” include:

Providing clear expectations and outlining instructions throughout the program
A monthly calendar, and daily agenda so clients know what to expect and prepare for
Building relationships and using transparent communication with clients, and maintaining relationships even after client has…

Keesha replied to the discussion What are good practices for making sure that youth can make an informed decision about participating in an evaluation of a youth program? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:05:24 -0500

Reply to What are good practices for making sure that youth can make an informed decision about participating in an evaluation of a youth program?

Good practices for making sure that youth can make an informed decision about participating in an evaluation of a youth program include:

Inform participants about the evaluation being conducted, the purpose, the scope and potential impact of the results, as well as the risks and benefits involved
Make resources and supports available…

Keesha replied to the discussion What challenge with evaluation mentioned by participants in the Beyond Measure study is similar to a challenge that your youth program / organization experiences? in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:55:36 -0500

Reply to What challenge with evaluation mentioned by participants in the Beyond Measure study is similar to a challenge that your youth program / organization experiences?

A major challenge faced by organizations and youth programs is a lack of funder engagement wherein, “funders do not spend
enough time at programs and therefore do not have a good understanding of the context and realities of the
youth sector”. Funders understand and evaluate a program primarily based on reports, which often seek to…

Keesha replied to the discussion What is your metaphor for evaluation: "Evaluation is like a _ because _". in the forum Evaluation and Youth Work

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:48:26 -0500

Reply to What is your metaphor for evaluation: "Evaluation is like a _____ because _____".

Evaluation is like a disco ball because it casts a light on all those in the room (in this case the program) and ensures that multiple perspectives are seen and acknowledged during that time.