Program evaluation is a complex necessity in all health programming. All program funders now require that programs have strong evaluations to guide their development, implementation, and ongoing fine tuning or improvement; and that these evaluations go beyond the simple reporting of activities and results to the funding agency. Implementing agencies are being asked to collect information to guide their program design and to use ongoing evaluation data to shape and mold the program as it is being implemented. Implementing agencies are also being asked to gather information and data that can tell the story of their communities and programs and the context of observed changes. Implementers are being asked to answer a series of key questions: Who is this community? What does this community need? How is this program addressing these needs in a culturally competent manner? How is the community being affected or changed as a result of the implementation of this program or set of programs? [read more]