Evaluators must reconcile the competing expectations of various CCI stakeholders without letting them dilute or excessively complicate evaluations. These differing purposes cannot be accommodated unless researchers and evaluators clarify what CCIs are trying to accomplish and make evaluation more useful to multiple stakeholders. Evaluations must balance the compelling stories of unique, local experiences with a broader discussion of universal principles if they are going to produce information that people can use to take action and to inform policy making. This summary of the conference presents the discussion of these themes and other relevant issues. Section I, Strengthening Evaluations by Clarifying Goals and Outcomes , raises questions about the goals and expectations of CCIs and the meaning of community that are fundamental to clear, effective studies.
Appendices contain the conference agenda and a list of participants.