Evaluating with at‐risk communities: Learning from a social program in a Brazilian slum

Abstract This chapter describes a 2‐year evaluation of a social program in a Brazilian slum troubled by poverty, unemployment, drug‐related threats, and violence, where self‐protecting attitudes have led to inhabitant behaviors of fear and silence. Evaluation experience in this unique environment taught us how not to conduct evaluations. Our strategies made more sense where they were informed by what not to do. Trust building as the basis for data collection and data utilization was of utmost importance. Inclusion and empowerment ensured key community member involvement, stakeholder safety and integrity, and just as important, data quality. Emphasis on appreciative inquiry facilitated utilization of findings for community betterment. The significant lesson that emerged astonished the program staff, sponsors, evaluators, and evaluees alike: Evaluation became meaningful to this community. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.