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Newsletter: September 2014
| Vol 14, Issue 9
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Message from the President: Exceptional Education Awaits at Evaluation 2014
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Dear AEA Colleagues,
Denver, here we come!
In just two weeks many of us will be gathering for Evaluation 2014, AEA's annual conference. In the August newsletter, I talked about the conference theme, Visionary Evaluation for a Sustainable, Equitable Future, and the presidential strand sessions tied to the theme.
This month, I'd like to highlight several other important aspects of the conference. First, in regard to the conference theme, I'd like to call your attention to the plenary sessions. In the opening plenary on Wednesday, October 15, the conference thematic program leaders, Matt Keene and Lovely Dhillon, will join me in delving into the conference theme and its significance for your time at the conference, and beyond. We have a very special 14-year-old guest from Boulder, Colorado -- Xiuhtezcatl Martinez -- to help reinforce the importance of a sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.
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Face of AEA - Meet Hans-Martin Boehmer
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Name: Hans-Martin Boehmer
Degrees: Ph.D. in economics, Georgetown University; BA in economics, University of Bonn
Years in Evaluation Field: 5
Joined AEA: 2009
Affiliation: Former senior manager, Independent Evaluation Group, The World Bank Group; as of spring 2015, visiting professor, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University; and adjunct professor, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University.
Why do you belong to AEA? I worked in the field of international development for 15 years prior to joining The World Bank Group's Independent Evaluation Group. Unfortunately, or perhaps this is inevitable in a large organization, being in an evaluation department does not always make one the most popular person around. It was good to join the American Evaluation Association, both to find more peers, but also to strengthen the professional foundations of my work. At the end of the day, when being persuasive with counterparts, particularly in independent evaluation functions as opposed to the self-evaluation area that also exists within The World Bank Group, one's professional credibility is perhaps the most important asset.
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AEA's more than 7,800 members worldwide represent a range of backgrounds, specialties, and interest areas. Each month, we profile a different member via a short question-and-answer exchange. If you would like to be featured in a future Face of AEA profile, send an email to eschmitt@eval.org.
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Diversity - Diversity in Action: Making the Most of Your Evaluation 2014 Diversity Experience
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From Zachary Grays, AEA Headquarters
Given that there is just under a month left until Evaluation 2014, and over 700 educational sessions to choose from, I am certain many of you have been carefully building your agenda (using the nifty agenda builder tool, of course) to ensure you attend all of the must-see presenters and presentations. I implore you all to take the time to check out the wonderful sessions that highlight AEA's diversity initiatives. The following are just a few exciting items you should consider adding to your agenda for Evaluation 2014.
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Policy Watch - Evaluation Policy Sessions to Attend at Denver Conference
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From Cheryl Oros, Consultant to the Evaluation Policy Task Force (EPTF)
The annual AEA conference, Evaluation 2014, will be held in Denver, Colorado, on October 15-18, 2014. There are several interesting sessions on evaluation policy, with opportunities for members to interact with presenters and provide input. Here are just a few of these sessions:
Evaluation Policy Task Force (EPTF) Update. Session #1205; October 16, 2014; 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.; Granite C. The AEA Board of Directors established the EPTF to enhance AEA's ability to identify and influence policies that have a broad effect on evaluation practice and to establish a framework and procedures toward this objective. Hear an update on the work and accomplishments of the EPTF, learn of recent broad events affecting its work, and provide your input on the EPTF's plans.
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Potent Presentations Initiative - Audience Engagement Strategies
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From Stephanie Evergreen, Potent Presentations Initiative Coordinator
AEA rock star Sheila Robinson has pulled together more than 20 strategies for engaging audiences during your conference presentation. From the easy (eye contact!) to the more involved (get up and move!), you can browse her collection and select the right engagement strategies for your presentation. Yes, yours! Even if you are delivering a 15-minute paper session, you should plan on including some audience engagement.
The following are a few strategies that are easy to implement and are especially appropriate for paper presentations, think tanks, and workshops.
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Book Profile - "Community Psychology: Foundations for Practice"
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Victoria C. Scott and Susan M. Wolfe are co-editors of "Community Psychology: Foundations for Practice," a new book to be published by Sage Publications in December 2014.
From the Publisher's Site:
Drawing upon the wisdom of experts in the field, this reader-friendly volume explores both foundational competencies and the technical how-to skills needed for engaging in community psychology practice. Each chapter explores a core competency and its application in preventing or amending community problems and issues. With case examples throughout, this text offers a practical introduction to community outreach and intervention in community psychology.
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Meet John Gargani: Incoming President-Elect
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John Gargani is the president and founder of Gargani + Company, Inc., a program design and evaluation firm located in Berkeley, California.
When he is not helping nonprofit organizations, foundations, corporations, and government agencies achieve their social missions, he is writing about evaluation, sharing his thoughts at EvalBlog.com, teaching graduate classes on social entrepreneurship and program design, speaking at conferences around the world, and conducting workshops to train the next generation of evaluators.
Over the past 20 years, his work has taken him to diverse settings, including public housing projects, museums, countries adopting free market economies, and 19th-century sailing ships. He has designed innovative social enterprises, directed large-scale randomized trials, and created novel technologies that measure how people think.
Some people think he is funny, but there is no accounting for taste. What is funny is that he holds three graduate degrees: a Ph.D. in education from the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied measurement and evaluation; an M.S. in statistics from New York University's Stern School of Business; and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business.
In his ballot statement, Gargani stated:
"I am excited to undertake this role because the future of evaluation has never looked brighter. At the same time, the environment in which evaluations are conducted is complex and rapidly changing. The association and its members must keep pace with the explosive growth of Web-based technologies, communications, government regulations, nonprofit organizations, global philanthropy, and other evaluation associations around the world. To be effective, AEA must continuously develop and evolve. Over the past three years, as I have served as an elected member of the board, the association has positioned itself strategically in this complex environment. I believe the association has never been in a better position to make evaluation a stronger force for social good"
We welcome John Gargani and thank you all who participated in this year's election process.
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AEA's International Partnership Protocol Program
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Over the past few years, AEA has been investigating how to reach out to the international community in a meaningful way. After several research projects and listening posts, the International Working Group was formed. This group, chaired by Hubert Paulmer, has created a strategy document and is launching a new program that is intended to engage international Voluntary Organizations for Professional Evaluators (VOPEs) in meaningful and unique ways, depending on the needs of the VOPE. The International Partnership Protocol Program has been designed to allow VOPEs to identify the best ways that AEA can assist them developmentally while also giving AEA the opportunity to learn more about the application, practice, and use of evaluation within a region or organization. The objective of any partnership established through this protocol will be to fortify the field of evaluation by strengthening the professional organizations and practitioners of evaluation.
For the purposes of this protocol, partnership is defined as a temporary arrangement between two organizations to facilitate closer engagement to further the development of the field of evaluation through international VOPEs. It also prioritizes those organizations in developing countries. They will be organized for specific purposes and objectives to be achieved within a specific timeframe, which reflects the priorities and areas of work outlined in the partnership agreement document and the corresponding annexes.
The Partnership Program has three application submission deadlines throughout the year: October 31, January 31, and July 31. There are limited funds for this project, and awards are capped at $5,000 for any partnership. The funds do not involve outright grants or support for internal infrastructure items.
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Register Today for AEA's Evaluation 2014, Oct. 15-18, in Denver
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Evaluation 2014, the 28th Annual Conference of the American Evaluation Association, is approaching fast! Register today to join us for exceptional education in Denver, Colorado.
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver and the Colorado Convention Center on October 15 - 18, 2014, with professional development workshops October 13 - 15 and the afternoon of October 18, 2014. Registration for Evaluation 2014 will also be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver, in the Mineral Foyer.
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You're Invited: Friday AEA Awards Luncheon Honors Four
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AEA offers awards in six distinct areas. In any given year there may be no winner or multiple winners for a particular award. Each proposal is judged on its individual merit.
Below are the winners of AEA's 2014 awards:
Bianca Montrosse-Moorhead, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut
2014 Marcia Guttentag Promising New Evaluator Award
Veronica M. Olazabal, Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, Nuru International
2014 Alva and Gunnar Myrdal Evaluation Practice Award
Bob Williams, Evaluation Consultant
2014 Paul F. Lazarsfeld Evaluation Theory Award
David Fetterman, Ph.D., President & CEO of Fetterman & Associates
2014 AEA Evaluation Advocacy and Use Award
Join us for the presentation of this year's AEA awards, scheduled for Friday, October 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. MT in Centennial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency. This forum provides a relaxing venue in which to socialize, network, and to hear from the best of the best in our field.
This is a ticketed event. You can purchase tickets ($45) online or at registration. Click here to buy your ticket today! See you there!
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You're Invited: Poster Exhibit & Meet the Authors Reception
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Join us for AEA's annual Poster Exhibition and Meet the Authors Event during the opening reception of Evaluation 2014 on Wednesday, October 15, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency.
On display will be more than 200 posters for your viewing pleasure. The top picks will win free tickets to Friday's Awards Luncheon! You will also have an opportunity to meet and greet some of the top evaluation authors in the field. Authors will have copies of their publications and will offer an evening of discussion and enlightenment.
Come and enjoy the posters, relax, and socialize. You never know who you might meet and what you might learn in an evening of low-key fun and camaraderie.
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You're Invited: Silent Auction Friday Night to Benefit International Presenters
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One of the highlights of every AEA conference is Friday night's silent auction, which is coordinated by AEA's International and Cross-Cultural Evaluation Topical Interest Group. The proceeds benefit AEA's International Travel Awards and are used to offset travel expenses for presenters who reside in developing countries or countries in transition and to encourage their participation internationally. Contributions from last year's silent auction helped raise more than $9,200, a record-setting amount, to support this important cause, offering the opportunity for five international evaluators to join us at Evaluation 2014. Thank you to all who contributed!
What are some of the highlights of the night? The evening is well-known for serving host to a vast array of handcrafted clothing, jewelry, and accessories from across the globe. In addition to the delectable regional delights, including coffees, chocolates, and other treats, the event offers an opportunity to bid and win one-on-one time with several well-known evaluators, as well as opportunities to attend sessions at The Evaluator's Institute (TEI) and sessions sponsored by the Claremont Evaluation Centre, regular contributions to the auction.
Fancy a good read? You can bid on a range of books signed by your favorite "evaluation gurus." Come prepared to either bid for yourself, or on behalf of the organization you work for, so that your colleagues may also benefit from the collection of books on showcase. All the goodies from around the world make unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family!
Feeling inspired? Drop by on Friday, October 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. before you head out for the night. The silent auction is a great opportunity to socialize, network, and wind down from Evaluation 2014 with your colleagues while supporting a great cause. See you at Evaluation 2014!
If you would like to donate something, please feel free to bring it along and drop it at the AEA conference registration desk. If you have any queries, please email Hubert Paulmer, silent auction coordinator, at hubertpaulmer@gmail.com.
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Building Your Conference Agenda
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Evaluation 2014 is two weeks away, and we know you all are eager to partake in the vast variety of sessions, workshops, and business meetings in the Mile High City! With over 700 sessions to attend, places to go, and people to see, an agenda you can take on the go is incredibly useful.Build your personal conference agenda for Evaluation 2014 using the handy agenda builder by logging in at www.eval.org and clicking here*! Simply click "My Agenda" and begin building the map to your Evaluation 2014 experience.
Please note that the agenda builder does NOT sync with the forthcoming conference mobile app. You must add your agenda separately to the mobile app for Evaluation 2014. If you have any questions about building your agenda, contact the AEA staff at info@eval.org.
*If you are not logged in, simply click the above link and click "View Your Registration Details" to log in and complete your agenda.
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eLearning Update - Discover eStudy Courses
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Our eStudy program is made up of in-depth virtual professional development courses. Below are upcoming eStudy offerings:
Authentic Instrument Development: Concrete Strategies for Collaborative and Participatory Design - Susan Kistler
October 27 & 29
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Read more and register
This eStudy will illuminate strategies for feasible, inclusive instrument development. We'll cover approaches to increasing the range of voices heard, finding common ground, improving the reliability and validity of the instrument, resolving conflicts among stakeholder groups, and attending to time and budget constraints while remaining committed to collaborative and participatory processes. You'll get to try out a number of strategies during the session as we leverage online technologies as one avenue to participatory processes. You'll leave the eStudy with concrete tools that you can apply to your evaluation practice, as well as a set of resources for further exploration.
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New Jobs & RFPs from AEA's Career Center
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- Program Evaluation Specialist at Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)
- Research Associate II at Vital Research (Los Angeles, California)
- HealthCorps Active Alliance Research Assistant at HealthCorps (Los Angeles, California)
- Program Evaluation Manager at Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co. Schools (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
- External Evaluator - Veteran Leader Corps Program at Points of Light (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Senior Research Associate at Lifelong Learning Group (Columbus, Ohio)
- Director, Research Monitoring and Evaluation at Women for Women International (Washington, D.C.)
- Evaluation Support Specialist at Montgomery County Public Schools (Rockville, Maryland)
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| About Us | |
AEA is an international professional association of evaluators devoted to the application and exploration of evaluation in all its forms.
The association's mission is to:
- Improve evaluation practices and methods.
- Increase evaluation use.
- Promote evaluation as a profession.
- Support the contribution of evaluation to the generation of theory and knowledge about effective human action.
phone: 1-202-367-1166 or 1-888-232-2275 (U.S. and Canada only)
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| Welcome, New AEA Members! | |
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| Important Note |
To ensure this newsletter reaches you every month, add info@eval.org to your email contacts!
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