BLOGS
In every rapidly unfolding change initiative, there are moments when a developmental evaluator (DE) can bring data and observation to a team so they can move closer to realizing their goals. These moments are opportunities for the art of the nudge.
Nudge refers to the intentional yet subtle interventions that a DE employs to feed information and insights back into the system for consideration; art refers to the well-honed sensibility and craftsmanship of deciding if and how to do so.
The art of the nudge features five key practices that create opportunities for groups to find their collective way, to recognize patterns within complex systems, to take stock of how the team is doing and to name design flaws or blockages in a supportive manner.
Reports and stories of past work
A sampling of our past Developmental Action Research and Evaluation (DEAR) initiatives.
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Blueprint for Resilience — Disaster response lessons from community organizations–Fort McMurray Fire
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Stories from people working in the community sector.
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In collaboration with the Manitoba Agricultural Societies, four community engagement sessions as a central component of building their strategic plans, social capital and leadership.
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Codesign approaches to reducing vulnerability to falls, medication mismanagement, and other triggers of decline.
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Developmental Evaluation snapshots of learning during the project's development.
Enriches: Reducing social isolation of marginalized senior caregiver
A MOSAIC: Resources and tools from a team of Developmental Evaluators. for the. A initiative to Reduce social isolation
Articles
These articles and reports capture lessons learned from over 60 projects that applied our Developmental Evaluation and Action Research methodology (DEAR).
Developmental Evaluation 201 — Key practices identified and developed through a three-year multi-site case study involving developmental evaluators at six sites across the country.
The Art of the Nudge: Five Practices for Developmental Evaluators — The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation Vol. 27 The study presents five practices found central to the art of the nudge: (a) practicing servant leadership, (b) sensing program energy, (c) supporting common spaces, (d) untying knots iteratively, and (e) paying attention to structure. These practices can help developmental evaluators detect and support opportunities for learning and adaptation leading to right-timed feedback.
Renewal of a Youth-Serving Organizations: Lessons and Stories Shared Shared through an Eco-cycle Metaphor — Voices from the Voluntary Sector: Perspectives on Leadership Challenges
University of Toronto Press, 2011
Explores the renewal of conventional youth-serving organizations. Youth-infused and community based management interventions founded on the principles of youth inclusion and empowering leadership are discussed.
