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DEI Working Group Week: Passing Generational Wisdom: Using Narrative and Oral History to Honor Legacies (Part I) by Nisaa Kirtman and Ayesha Boyce

Our names are Nisaa Kirtman and Ayesha Boyce. We are both Black women, mothers, daughters, mentors/mentees, researchers/evaluators. A unifying truth to our many selves and identities teaches us that we are social creatures, at our best when we can learn from (and lean on) others. The past few years have painfully taught us the power …

DEI Working Group Week: Passing Generational Wisdom: Using Narrative and Oral History to Honor Legacies (Part I) by Nisaa Kirtman and Ayesha Boyce Read More »

DEI Working Group Week: AEA’s DEI Metrics Sub Group: Recommended Indicators and Measures of DEI by Ayesha Boyce, Dylan Felt, Nisaa Kirtman and Stephen Maack

We are Ayesha Boyce, Dylan Felt, Nisaa Kirtman and Stephen Maack. Starting in January of 2022, the DEI Metrics and Assessments subgroup was tasked with recommending indicators and measures of diversity, equity and inclusion relevant to the governance of the Association to be used in future evaluation of board performance. The open-ended nature of this …

DEI Working Group Week: AEA’s DEI Metrics Sub Group: Recommended Indicators and Measures of DEI by Ayesha Boyce, Dylan Felt, Nisaa Kirtman and Stephen Maack Read More »

DEI Working Group Week: Adapting Tools for Use in DEI Initiatives of Member-led Organizations: Lessons Learned Adapting the Water of Systems Change Framework to Self Assess AEA’s Programs, Policies, and Practices by Diana Lemos

Hi, I’m Diana Lemos, PhD, MPH, and I have been a DEI workgroup member since its inception. Today, I will offer some reflections on the tool development process.  To systematically examine AEA’s programs, policies, and practices through a lens of DEI, sub-group #4 of the working group has been developing an assessment tool. The five …

DEI Working Group Week: Adapting Tools for Use in DEI Initiatives of Member-led Organizations: Lessons Learned Adapting the Water of Systems Change Framework to Self Assess AEA’s Programs, Policies, and Practices by Diana Lemos Read More »

DEI Working Group Week: AEA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group Week: A Re-Introduction by Nisaa Kirtman, Vidhya Shanker and Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro

Hello! We are Nisaa Kirtman, Vidhya Shanker, and Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro – Co-Chairs of AEA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group. This Summer marks two years of our group working collectively, intentionally, and systematically to critically examine and build capacity for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of AEA’s policies, programming, and practices. This week …

DEI Working Group Week: AEA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group Week: A Re-Introduction by Nisaa Kirtman, Vidhya Shanker and Elizabeth Taylor-Schiro Read More »

Tips and Tools for Engaging with Data in Online Convenings by Mindy Hightower King

Hello! My name is Mindy Hightower King. I am the founder of Limelight Analytics LLC, a measurement and evaluation firm located in Bloomington, Indiana, that conducts research and evaluation on behalf of non-profit organizations, government agencies, and foundations.

Many of our clients are readily embracing opportunities to return to in-person meetings and conferences (we embrace this, too!). We also find there are still some very compelling reasons to engage, learn, and share ideas in online forums. If you find yourself sharing data in online meetings or convenings, and you are interested in creative ways to engage your audience, then this blog post is for you!

Stand Up and Be Counted by Kyle Hannon

When I attend a community impact meeting, sometimes, I remember to sign in.

I’m Kyle Hannon with Filibuster Press, a community development and book publishing consultancy. When I’m involved with a community meeting, we have a sign-in sheet to keep a record of who is there. From across the room, I will see people who walk into the meeting, usually after the meeting has started, and walk right past the sign-in sheet. How could they do that? Don’t they know it is important for record keeping (grant reporting) that we know how many people were at the meeting?

Inspiration from Walt Disney World for More Magical Evaluations by Jennifer Borland

Hello, my name is Jennifer Borland. I am the Director of Research Programs at Rockman et al Cooperative, a research and evaluation firm that specializes in the evaluation of educational programs and media in formal and informal settings. I’ve been working in the field of evaluation for more than 25 years but a constant over that entire period has been my continued interest in finding creative new strategies and inspirations. 

Exploring the Narrative Policy Framework for Evaluation by Jacqueline Singh

Hello, I’m Jacqueline Singh, MPP, PhD (she/her), an evaluator and program design advisor based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout my career, I’ve held roles as an internal and external evaluator, and higher education researcher. I’ve taken on program design responsibilities within non-profit organizations, government agencies, and higher education institutions. Regardless of the setting, I’ve held a strong interest in policy and focused on the context and design of programs that align with specific policies to facilitate the fidelity of their implementation.

Developing a Theory of Change with Arts and Culture Professionals by Karen Breece

Hope you’re having a good week! I am Karen Breece, an internal evaluator for Conner Prairie Museum in Fishers, Indiana. Have you ever wondered about developing a theory of change for your organization, or even a department within your organization? I did.

I was working with a department that was starting a lot of new programming. They had a need for a cohesive vision to express with they were wanting to do with the rest of the organization, with each other, and with funders. The beauty of a Theory of Change is that it succinctly connects programming with intended impact, and I felt this was the perfect opportunity to try creating one.