Data and Democracy II Project

At the core of the work of community-based organizations (CBOs) serving low-income populations, immigrants, the homeless and other underserved populations are community needs assessments. This tool helps to identify and prioritize areas for action. However, many CBOs are under-resourced and do not have the capacity to hire a researcher or evaluator. These organizations often need formalized training to give them focus and a toolkit of skills to conduct the assessment effectively. A clear understanding of the various data that are available to them, and how to understand and interpret the data to identify strategic objectives is critical in helping CBOs become more focused, efficient organizations. The Urban Institute conducted a comprehensive evaluation of The Data and Democracy II project, funded by The California Endowment and implemented by UCLA, which invests in increasing this capacity in local CBOs. The study focuses on the Train-the-Trainer model, which trains a group from local CBOs in needs assessment skills, then requires these individuals to disseminate the information in their communities through their own workshops. We examine the program's effectiveness, long-term impacts, and challenges through observations, surveys and case studies. We find that the training provided directly to CBO staff by Data and Democracy II is of high quality. However, not all “trainers” go on to become leaders within their home organizations, capable of setting the curriculum into motion to accomplish strategic goals. To maximize program impact, course participants should be chosen thoughtfully and the development of leadership potential should be given greater emphasis.