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THEORY OF CHANGE

No Evaluation

Below Target

Approaching Target

Above Target

Challenge

Access
Outcome

Guided
Phase

Guided
Interventions

Equity
Preconditions

Equity
Outcome

Self-Guided
Phase

Self-Guided
Interventions

Cohesion
Preconditions

Cohesion
Outcome

Mission
Outcome

Vision

Rally Portland
Seasonal afterschool program for youth 6th - 12th grade

Events
Member attends social events

Farm Team
Seasonal afterschool program for youth in 3rd - 5th grade 

Guided
Opportunities

Member learns pathways for personal + civic growth

Fitness
Member comes to use the gym, studio, or outdoor areas

SG. Opportunities
Member pursues their next education  or career milestone

Challenge
The lack of inclusive community centers has contributed to the opportunity, well-being, and integration gaps in America

Access
PCS enrolls members that reflect the city's demographics

Guided Phase
Member participates in guided programs

Camp
Fish Hawk

Summer Day Camp for youth in 3rd - 8th grade

Vision
The PCS membership has enough social + human capital to overcome ever-changing societal challenges and prosper

Mission
An accessible community center that holistically supports + unites its members

Squash
Member comes to play squash

Equity
Member has the knowledge, support, and skills to thrive at PCS

SG.
Integration

Member forms multicultural + generational relationships

Self-Guided
Member navigates community offerings independently

Cohesion
Member feels a sense of belonging and empowerment in the community 

Guided
Integration

Member learns  to form multicultural + generational relationships

Family Squash 
+ Clinics

Weekly events that bring families together for squash and food

Guided
Well-Being

Member learns skills that support lifelong health and well-being

SG.
Well-Being

Member cares for their own health and wellbeing

Leadership
Members volunteer and work at PCS to grow and give back

Read the Theory of Change from left to right and click on text for more information. Look below to learn more about the academic frameworks that help explain the change process envisioned by PCS.

Advisor +
Mentors

Members can have a staff advisor or community mentor

Cafe/Study
Member comes to eat in the cafe or study in the classrooms/
library

Human Capital Academic Frameworks:

Human Capital refers to the knowledge, experiences, and skills possessed by an individual or population, viewed in terms of their value or cost to an organization or country. The following two theories explain how human capital is cultivated at every stage of PCS’ Theory of Change:

Self-Determination Theory is a macrotheory of human motivation, development, and wellness, with the core belief that individuals have three basic needs they are trying to satisfy: competence, autonomy, and relatedness (Ryan & Deci, 2000). The degree to which PCS can help members fulfill these basic needs will determine the type of motivation they have and the extent to which they are/feel self-determined. Striving to meet these basic needs enhances members’ human capital, as does the end result.

Systems Theory of Development through Sport describes the complex interactions and conditions through which sport can facilitate positive developmental outcomes at the individual and societal levels (Whitley, Massey, & Wilkison, 2018). The degree to which PCS can help members integrate movement into their daily lives, while also cultivating a developmentally-focused environment that helps members pursue both talent development and personal development, will influence the knowledge, experiences, and skills they accrue.

Social Capital Academic Frameworks:

Social Capital refers to the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. These theories explain how social capital is developed throughout PCS’ Theory of Change:

Communicate Bond Belong Theory explains how interpersonal communication is driven by an innate need to belong, and yet limits on individuals’ time and social energy require strategic investment in the most promising interactions and relationships (Hall & Davis, 2017). The degree to which PCS can help members have meaningful conversations and connections with one another will determine members’ sense of belonging and long-term engagement in PCS.

Social Capital Theory describes the connections among individuals, along with the norms and trust that arise through these relationships (Putnam, 2000). The degree to which PCS can help members build relationships across lines of difference, with shared norms and trust, will determine the benefits accrued - by both individuals and broader society - through action and cooperation.

 

THEORY OF CHANGE EXPERIENCES

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Askar Azeez

Askar continues to participate in guided programs since 2017. He started coming to PCS independently in 2021. His entire family participates in the community.

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Roberto Meza

Roberto started playing in adult leagues and enrolled his son into the youth programs. Now the two battle all the time on court and attend lots of social events together. Roberto also volunteers around the facility.

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Sunday Ntoto

Sunday started in the after-school program during high school and discovered her passion for volunteering. She used PCS to find a job as a summer camp counselor and now attends Simmons College in Boston studying Psychology.

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