We specialize in qualitative data collection, coding, and analysis and the use of data management software such as NVivo.
We are experts in qualitative methods including interviews, focus groups, case studies, participant observation, fieldwork and ethnography.
We provide long-term research immersion, participant observation and field methods.
We create interview, survey, focus group and other tools to collect data to answer research questions.
We are certified in human subjects protection and well-versed in obtaining institutional review board (IRB) approval for ethical compliance.
We work with research teams to compile and disseminate findings, including leading the peer-review publication process. We write and publish articles in refereed journals as part of research and evaluation partnerships.
We collaborate to transform research questions into proposals and protocols that can be used to secure funding and IRB compliance.
We provide training and support for data collection and other aspects of research. We also provide training for those seeking to learn qualitative and participatory research methods including focus groups, interviews and oral history collection.

Research

We design research protocols and collect and analyze qualitative data to answer pressing questions about health, community wellness, and social equity. To correct disparities, we need structural change.

Evaluation

We develop strategies to measure, understand, and enhance program impacts. We document outcomes to advance systems change. Our methods are strength-based and asset-led.

We prioritize anti-racist, gender-sensitive and culturally responsive approaches to ensure equity in evaluation processes.
We provide assessment at every stage of a program, from concept to post-project reflection. We develop and administer tools measure success towards intended goals and impacts before, during and after implementation.
We review relevant reports, data sets, publications, programs and participant input to contextualize program goals and understand “best practices” to achieve change.
We utilize methods that bring myriad voices, experiences, and expertise into decision and policy-making arenas.
We develop and administer tools to gather participant feedback including surveys, interviews and focus groups, and assist organizations to make sense of the data collected.
Technical assistance ranges from helping an organization develop data collection tools to training internal staff to track assessment metrics. We provide trainings and coaching to support evaluation efforts.
A Theory of Change is a tool that assists an organization to identify goals, articulate values, and plan action steps. The process of creating a theory of change encourages reflection and visioning to enhance impact.
We develop processes and tools to identify and prioritize community needs and align these with program strategies.

Engagement

We collaborate to expand the breadth, depth, and sustainability of community and audience engagement efforts. We work alongside residents and participants to uplift their expertise. Collective knowledge is key to sustainable and community-driven transformation.

We assist museums, libraries, and archives to reach new audiences, improve access to collections, and enhance community relationships.
We design and facilitate neighborhood and place-based asset mapping to document local assets, needs and histories— treasures, strengths and dreams for the future.
We partner with artist-led collectives and community-based organizations to curate festivals, exhibitions, fairs, parades and installations to celebrate cultural producers and create cross-sector relationship building.
We employ creative documentation strategies and art-based data collection methods such as walking tours, photo diaries, drawing, and community writing to capture multiple voices, experiences, and histories.
We create workshops and other interactive forums to share ideas and facilitate exchange. We lead reflection and learning sessions to build shared knowledge and strengthen collaboration.
We collaborate on myriad projects that employ placemaking or placekeeping frameworks. This asset-led and strength-based approach uses arts, culture, design, and research to support community-led development.
We work with curators, designers and creators to review and edit exhibition and other project materials. We create internal and public-facing materials to disseminate project impacts, such as StoryMaps, websites, essays and reports.
We prioritize community authorship through oral history collection, story booths, and peer interviewing.

Examples of our work