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SURVEYS
Measuring conditions for change
what are the factors that contribute to
an economy for everyone?
The seven factors measured in the surveys below are grounded in DRIVE’s Theory of Change, a values-based framework developed by DRIVE’s Racial Equity Committee. These factors represent the foundational conditions that research shows are essential for creating an economy that works for everyone. They serve as the base-level changes that must be in place for longer-term outcomes, like inclusive economic growth, to take root.
Community Engagement
Programs that genuinely involve community members achieve stronger community and individual outcomes. Within DRIVE, meaningful engagement ensures that historically disadvantaged groups co-create solutions, build skills, and actively shape policies, resources, and programs.
Cultural Competence
Evidence shows that culturally aware practices boost participation, satisfaction, and trust in service providers. DRIVE emphasizes cultural competence across partners to ensure that programs are inclusive, accessible, and support authentic relationships – maximizing program impact.
Partnerships
Research shows that diverse, authentic partnerships clarify problems and create more effective solutions. Within DRIVE, partnerships unite institutions, grassroots groups, and others around shared goals that no single group can achieve alone – building trust, shifting power, and driving solutions to complex challenges.
Racial Equity
A study of 25 collective impact initiatives across the US found that those committed to equity had greater success at community-wide change. DRIVE’s initiatives foster racial equity by expanding educational opportunities, access to capital and good jobs, and civic engagement – fueling prosperity for people of all backgrounds.
Organizational Capacity
Well-resourced organizations – with the right staff, tools, technology – are more likely to achieve their goals. This survey helps DRIVE and partner organizations assess readiness, identify growth opportunities, and build the capacity needed to create an economy that works for all.
Self Efficacy
When people believe in their ability to make a difference, they’re more likely to take action, and that helps build an economy where everyone can thrive. The Self-Efficacy Survey offers validated tools to measure how DRIVE initiatives increase confidence in civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.
Use the surveys in your organization
Organizations across sectors use the DRIVE Surveys to evaluate efforts to foster racial equity, community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and other conditions needed for lasting change. You’re welcome to use them too! Feel free to reach out with questions, feedback, or suggestions for improvement.
Shifting mental models and racial beliefs: what strategies work?
Research shows certain experiences can help us shift racial beliefs, attitudes, and mental models – shaping how we act and engage in daily life. Strategies with the strongest evidence include intergroup contact (like cross-class friendships), intentional conversations, and reflection. The RETA survey provides research-backed guidance on implementing these strategies in your organization.
Why is shifting mental models important? Shifting mental models is a key condition for lasting systems change, ensuring that changes in policies, practices and power dynamics endure beyond political cycles or leadership changes.
How can I assess whether my training shifted mental models?
The RETA survey guide offers a selection of validated tools to assess the outcomes of racial equity trainings.
How are DRIVE’s initiatives promoting the conditions for change?
DRIVE initiative leaders complete the Conditions for Change surveys every other year. Since organizations vary in size and capacity, we don’t compare scores across initiatives. Instead, the surveys serve as conversation starters. In facilitated workshops, initiative leaders discuss findings, identify areas for growth and opportunities for CVCF support, and celebrate successes. Explore the links to see how DRIVE Initiatives are putting the Conditions for Change into action.
EXPLORE SURVEY RESULTS:
Community Engagement, Cultural Competency and Partnerships
EXPLORE SURVEY RESULTS: