Nothing about me without me: The central role of program beneficiaries in developing theories of change.

This paper discusses the central importance of involving program recipients in the initial development of the theory of change. Through an example of a drop-in located in the inner-city of Toronto, we describe how, first, theories of change based on funder and even staff perspectives may have program goals that do not connect with the lives and values of clients. Second, engagement with clients should surface heterogeneities in their expectations; many theories of change, even when they are developed with clients, assume there is a 'homogenous' clientele. Third, programs that address the needs of marginalized individuals need to pay attention to the dynamics of marginalization. These points have consequences for the development of the initial theories of change.