Evaluation work has historically marginalized, minimized, and even disrespected Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Therefore, special effort must be made by experienced and equity-focused evaluators to conduct evaluations in service of equity – to examine all aspects of an evaluation through an equity lens.

Not only must an evaluation be useful, but it must also be equitable. We could even argue that if an evaluation does not work towards advancing equity, it is not useful.

Evaluative work can and should answer critical questions about the ways in which historical and structural decisions have contributed to the condition to be addressed. Evaluators should take an asset-based approach to their work, recognizing the value and strengths of individuals and communities, rather than just what needs to be worked on or improved.

Finally, production, consumption, and management of evaluation and evaluative work should not just center those being evaluated but put them in control and as equal stakeholders in the evaluation beginning from design through final reporting.

Examples of how equity can and does impact evaluation can be found here. See also: Strand E from American Evaluation Association Guiding Principles for Evaluators.

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