Active Positionality: Choice Points, Tensions, and Opportunities

Positionality encompasses multi-dimensional aspects of social identities that intersect across contexts. Positionality is dynamic, shaping, and nuancing how and to what extent identities are expressed in different contexts from the perspective of the evaluator and interest holders. In this manuscript, we discuss the intersectional qualities of positionality grounded in lived experiences with culturally responsive evaluation to demonstrate active positionality. We reflect on the unique benefits and burdens associated with active positionality that dictate how much and which aspects of our identities are expressed in projects impacting communities we identify with. We close with a call to action, providing evaluators with practical strategies to expand shared accountability for positionality to the collective, consider the role of healing and well-being, and expand their orientation on positionality to include decision points that drive vulnerability, authenticity, and risks with disproportionate impacts on evaluators with marginalized identities.