29 - Flocking Together: Navigating complexity in evaluating federally funded projects

Abstract Information: Join us for a Birds of a Feather session at Evaluation 2024, where we'll delve into the myriad experiences of evaluators supporting programming funded through federal grant programs from the US government. While not exactly like birds, evaluators often come from diverse backgrounds but do not often get to share our unique insights, and wisdom beyond the teams we work on as evaluators for projects funded through these channels. Evaluation is a field that welcomes individuals from various professional backgrounds. We each bring our own set of skills and experiences to the table. Whether you're a seasoned evaluator or just beginning your journey, this session is designed to facilitate meaningful discussions and networking opportunities and allow you to share your best ideas to the complex problems that we all face. Many of us working with states, universities, or other centers funded by the U.S. government, have navigated unconventional routes into evaluation, bypassing traditional paths of formal training and mentorship. Yet, along the way, we've acquired invaluable knowledge and perspectives that contribute to the richness of our field. Some are former educators stepping into a new role and hoping to help colleagues still in the classroom, who must learn an entirely new skill set to do so. Others come from survey research, others are adept at statistics, and a myriad of other experiences too vast to encompass in 500 words or less. Together our experiences offer a mosaic of insights waiting to be shared. In this informal gathering, we will pose questions about using our voice as evaluators to help programs grow, providing the positive outcomes they originally intended for the populations that they sought to serve while still meeting government oversight requirements, and ultimately closing gaps for diverse parts of our communities. As a result, the conversation will likely explore the nuances of topics like improving survey methodologies, mastering qualitative coding techniques, and navigating the complexities of data analysis. Whether you're seeking guidance on setting up your first focus group, how to create and manage a participant list, or sampling frame, or you are grappling with the concept of fidelity in evaluation, this session offers a space for collaborative learning and exchange. Newcomers to the field will build networks in which they may find mentorship and support from seasoned evaluators, while experienced professionals will gain fresh perspectives from those just starting out. Through peer-to-peer learning and discussion, we'll explore how to uplift diverse voices, empower young evaluators, and prioritize inclusive practices in our work. So, come join us as we gather to celebrate the diversity of paths that have brought us to evaluation and thank the federal government for making our work in many ways more similar than it is different. Together, let's build networks, share insights, and chart a course toward a stronger, more inclusive future for our field.