EVIDENCE uses a participatory approach to do its research and evaluation and we are guided by the following principles in our work:

• The researcher facilitates participants’ learning – The researcher is a facilitator, collaborator, trainer and learning resource. As much as possible, stakeholders are decision-makers and researchers.
• Each person values the other’s perspectives and expertise – The researcher recognizes and values stakeholders’ perspectives and expertise, and works to help stakeholders recognize and value their own and each other’s expertise.
• The researcher supports stakeholders’ work together – The researcher and stakeholders work together as a team. The researcher supports group cohesion and collective inquiry.
• Stakeholders are engaged in learning how to conduct research – As much as possible, stakeholders are involved in learning research skills, such as developing research designs, considering research ethics, collecting and interpreting data, making decisions based on data, and connecting processes to outcomes.
• The research belongs to the stakeholders – Stakeholders own the evaluation by making the decisions regarding the major focus and design, and by drawing and applying conclusions. Stakeholders focus the evaluation on process and outcomes that they consider important and to which they are committed.
• The research supports stakeholders’ accountability – All aspects of the research are meaningful and understandable to stakeholders. The research supports stakeholders’ accountability to themselves, to their organization and to their community.