#01

Behind every number,
a story

#02

Sometimes
it's a story of struggle

#03

Sometimes,
of
change

#04

Data humanism
is
the strategy

#05

Transforming
lives, the
possibility

We center the voices that animate your data by maintaining a constant connection to the human experiences that underlie it, while deploying equitable data strategies. 

We specialize in collecting, rigorously analyzing, humbly interpreting, and communicating data provided by folks who have been historically treated as outliers – marginalized and silenced.

We have extensive experience with continuous quality improvement and change frameworks to drive       life-affirming change for hard-to-reach and historically marginalized groups.

We humanize data rather than datifying humans – through context, data-infused appreciative inquiry (the other AI), participatory processes, and anti-oppression frameworks.

We foster impact by revealing pathways to change that are rooted in human experience, harnessing data that is localized, contextualized, and driven by    compassion. 

The forest + the trees

Our priority is to humanize your data so that it evokes meaning, provokes action, and creates impact

Small data, big impact

We are data whisperers, coaxing stories of consequence from data by localizing it, listening to it, steeping it in context

The forest + the trees

We have strategies, tools, trainings and methods for devising data strategy, building analytic capacity, achieving data maturity, and transforming systems.

Data strategy is not top of mind when lives are at stake.  Yet data leadership flows from an articulated data strategy, and measurable positive change flows from data leadership.  

We can guide you through the process of developing your data strategy with a focus on getting your data to work for you. Or we can partner with you to provide on-demand data leadership through interim or small engagements, especially suited for small-to-medium organizations who want to leverage data expertise in order to reach their data-driven goals.

Measuring systems change can require deep exploration during the planning stage, flexible adaptation of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools during the formative stage, and the use of robust but engaging tools during monitoring and assessment.  

Whether drafting a theory of change to guide the development of  proper measures, designing a systems map to anticipate intended effects and impacts, or devising a system improvement plan that relies on rapid cycle evaluation – our trainings and technical assistance will provide the tools that are necessary to launch your effort and implement your plan.

Data storytelling engages your stakeholders and makes an impact.  It demonstrates where you’ve been, describes where you are at, and reveals pathways that will get you to where we want to go.  It provides localized, contextualized information that helps transform data into insight, insight into action. Fortunately it’s achievable using low-cost/no-cost tools coupled with staff training and mentoring.  

We are experts at telling data stories. We can get your data talking by building out your data pipeline and upskilling your data team.

Some scenarios:  A stakeholder group wants insight into a specific subpopulation in order to design tailored interventions.  A planning project cries out for a survey of those who are impacted, from program staff to persons with lived experience.  An equity analysis requires census tract data to determine whether disparities exist at a contextual level. A funder is requesting a Social Return On Investment calculation for a grant proposal.  All of these are examples of when you might want to conduct a robust analysis but don’t have the time or capacity to do so.  Analytics On Demand provides a solution: You gain expert data prep, analytics and reporting while preventing staff burnout and staying within budget. 

See the Forest

And the Trees

Creating change in complex systems is difficult and slow.  Maddening and inspiring. Humbling and filled with hope.  

Effective data strategy helps chart the way.

Culture Catalysts

Data humanism calls on us to appraise our data strategy, assess our data maturity, and build our data capacity to assure this one thing: that our data drives positive change — for our stakeholders, for our community, and for folks who live and love there. Our catalyst kits accelerate human-centered data journeys and strengthen the capacity to analyze, visualize, and harness data to impact change. 

Choose a catalyst that fills a current data practices gap or one that powers you through to your next milestone. Customize its components, determine the timeline, and decide upon your preferred level of participation. 

Then, together, we get to work. 

Learn More

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Data Maturity Assessment

The customized assessment evaluates data capacity across three spheres: purpose, practices, and people.  It can include additional diagnostics that together provide a holistic view of where you are at and what steps can be taken to get you to where you want to go: 
  • A customized Data Practices Audit
  • A localized Stakeholder Data Use Survey
  • The Data Literacy Quiz

Lean Analytics

Waypoint's ad hoc lean analytics framework is currently utilized by the HUDs SNAPS Office to train human/ homeless services professionals across the country in efficient, achievable ad hoc analytics and data communication strategies.

 
  • The lean analytics framework efficiently drives ad hoc analytics from stakeholder needs for information to actionable insights
  • Consists of a validated 5 step process that transforms quantitative data into strategic data communications and action steps
  • Includes a data analysis plan template, a sample workbook with visualizations and a data brief template

Centering Community Voice

Elevate the voices of those who are most impacted by first, gathering qualitative data and then, integrating it with quantitative data to provide context, insight, and meaning.
  • Launch community voice surveys to gather perceptions, opinions, and attitudes of the folks who impacted using no cost/low cost tools and templates
  • Conduct ongoing polls through kiosks, text messages, and/or exit interviews
  • Dive deeper through focus groups using semi-structured dialogue guides and grounded theory analysis strategies

Data Equity

Best practices are emerging on how to incorporate equity into all of our operations including our data collection, analysis, reporting and communication strategies. The Data for Equity catalyst kit provides an opportunity to align the totality of your data efforts with equitable practices.
  • Assess how current data practices meet data equity best practices (or not) using customized criteria
  •  Determine whether current analytics and data communication strategies are accessbile and equitable
  • Implement strategies that center equity in data collection, analytics, monitoring and evaluation, and communication
  • Calculate and apply equity gap scores to measure disparities and track efforts to close disparity gaps over time

System Improvement and KPIs

Data-driven system change happens when we've assessed our baseline, devised targets, set benchmarks, continously measure our progress, and course-correct when our outcomes fall short of our expectations. This catalyst kit creates the foundation needed to launch a successful system improvement plan.
  • We use design thinking to ideate, co-create, prototype and iterate a final set of community Key Progress Indicators.

  • We establish a robust framework for continuously monitoring, evaluating, and learning from system activities.

  • We develop, refine and test the analytic and reporting process and tools required to measure and assess the KPIs.