Training

Since we focus on new and emerging areas in evaluation, available training on the topics we cover is (almost by definition) in short supply. This is an area in which we are aiming to make a significant contribution.

We are not in the business of delivering training, but we support pilot training projects and curriculum development, and we identify the knowledge and skills that evaluators, nonprofit practitioners, and funders need when evaluating the areas in which we focus.

21st Century Evaluation Skills Project
We are applying the concept of “21st Century Skills” to evaluation. In the education field, 21st Century Skills are the content knowledge, expertise, and literacies that students must have for success in the 21st century. They include knowledge in core subject areas (English, world languages, arts, math, etc.), as well as interdisciplinary themes woven into those areas (such as global awareness and financial literacy). On top of this core content, students must have skills that help them succeed, such as creativity and innovation, and critical thinking and problem solving.

We are applying this same concept to evaluation. The definition of evaluation is expanding as evaluators are being asked to evaluate complex strategies that go well beyond direct service programs. To successfully meet these needs, evaluators need broader know-how and skills. They still need core knowledge in areas like research methods, statistics, and evaluation theory. But they also need skills in strategic planning and thinking, facilitation, and communications. We are working with many organizations in the field to identify what today’s evaluators need to know and be able to do.

Advocacy Evaluation Webinars
We collaborate with others to organize cost-efficient webinars and trainings. Recently, we partnered with Independent Sector on a webinar series to help nonprofits learn about Building a Successful Advocacy Effort. The webinars focused on measuring the effectiveness of advocacy strategies, building internal capacity, adapting to changes in the political climate, creating effective coalitions, and using communications to enhance advocacy efforts. Webinars featured advocacy evaluation and practitioner experts.