Tension 4 - Technical Approaches vs Creating Conditions for Change
- Jara Dean-Coffey, MPH
- Aug 23, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 15, 2022
Originally published on equitableeval.org on July 14, 2020
In my last post, I wrote about Tension 3 – Individuals vs Organizations vs Systems as part of a series of five tensions that I/we are struggling with as the Equitable Evaluation Initiative unfolds. In this post, I want to explore the tension between supporting the work of others vs creating the conditions for new mindsets, strategies and tools.
Tension 4: Technical Approaches vs. Creating Conditions for Change
When I first conceptualized this series, I realized I defaulted to the how too quickly. We know, and have all borne witness to, how swiftly the move to technocratic and tactical fixes can happen without fundamental changes in what, whom, and how we value. What’s the balance to strike and what and how should that be determined? And by whom?
We at EEI have taken a position that before we move to method (as an expression of methodology) we must stop, look around, and check our assumptions, know our history, understand deeply our context and bring our humanity and curiosity to evaluative work. Philanthropy more than any other sector is uniquely positioned to be different and do differently. The other actors in the ecosystem take their cues (and monies) and will adjust accordingly, for better or worse (e.g., Eyes Wide Open, Response to Strategic Philanthropy for a Complex World).
As the EEI team evolves through strategy execution and ever-changing context, the following can be said:
We are in the unknown driven by what we hold as core, hopeful about where we want to be, and comfortable with exploring multiple hows.
We deliberately reject the notion that as consultants we are experts (the most important ones) and have the answers. There is collective and different expertise needed to get to someplace new.
We seek partnership on multiple levels - individual, organizational and systemic. The innovation, prototyping and testing is happening in the field.
We know that we (EEI) are but a piece of the puzzle and that others have started this work and have said many of the same things we are saying.
We are temporary. We aspire not for perpetuity but obsolescence.
I read this comment on “Tension 4” and how it talks about real strain and balance between ideas in everyday life. It made me think of a time in school when I had to Take my online calculas class and the problems felt confusing at first. I slowed down, looked at one question at a time, and that made each step easier to understand. Little steps helped me finish the work.
I read the post about Tension 4 in the Equitable Evaluation series and it talks about the challenge of choosing between technical solutions and creating real conditions for change within evaluation work, which feels pretty deep and honest about how people try to make things better. One semester I was so stressed I needed online class help service just so I could focus without falling behind on tests and work piling up.
I appreciate how the content connects attitude with clothing and CM Punk Survivor Series 2025 Larry’s Dad Jacket strengthens that style narrative naturally.
When I put on the Elizabeth Mitchell Mrs. Claus Costume for a holiday photoshoot, the pictures came out absolutely stunning. The colors pop so well, and the costume brings such a warm, storybook feel to every shot. It’s honestly one of my favorite holiday looks ever.
Thanks for sharing these insights. When retiring old routers and servers, consider partnering with a professional Network Equipment Scrap Buyer in UAE. They managed the collection of our redundant equipment, provided clear documentation of recycling, and ensured secure handling of any data-bearing devices.