Credentialed Evaluation: A Panel Discussion
2019-09-16 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
The Canadian Evaluation Society – Ontario Chapter is pleased to host a Membership Networking Event. You are invited to join Evaluators for complimentary appetizers and an opportunity to engage in good conversation with seasoned and emerging evaluators. This is an open event; you do not need to be a CES Member to attend!
This event has a special focus on the Credentialed Evaluator (CE) designation. It will include a panel discussion on the experience of applying for the CE designation, and the benefits of having the CE designation. The panel member will consist of the several Evaluators from various fields including the following:
Dr. Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, C.E., is an internal Evaluator with the Ministry of Education, infusing evaluative thinking in collaborative teams to build sector capacity for the use of evidence to inform decisions. She shares her Development Evaluation expertise widely leading interministerial collaborations, evaluation capacity building for governments both in Canada and internationally, through universities, civil societies and EvalPartners.
Yasser Ismail, MFA, C.E., is the Corporate Evaluation Consultant at the College of Nurses of Ontario. Over the last seven years, Yasser has worked as a full-time evaluation consultant within Ontario’s health system both as an external and internal evaluator. Yasser’s current focus is on using evaluative tools to facilitate evidence-informed program design and evaluation. Demonstrating evaluation value, evaluation capacity building and reflective practice are also areas of interest for Yasser.
Marika Warner, MSc., C.E., is the Director of Research and Evaluation at MLSE LaunchPad, a Sport For Development facility for youth facing barriers in downtown Toronto. Marika’s large portfolio includes program evaluation, longitudinal research and academic partnerships focusing on positive youth development and corporate social responsibility in professional sport. Marika holds a BScPT from the University of Alberta and an MSc from the University of Toronto. Prior to her current role, Marika worked as a clinician and clinical researcher at Toronto Rehab, Bloorview Research Institute, and Regent Park Community Health Centre. Marika is also a retired professional dancer and mother of one.
Dr. Cameron Norman, C.E., is a professional designer, psychologist, educator, and evaluator who works with human service organizations to organize and support innovation for wellbeing. Cameron has worked in evaluation as a practitioner, scholar, educator, and advocate for more than 20 years and was among the first cohort of professionals to receive the Credentialed Evaluator designation in Canada. He is the President of Cense Ltd. and serves on the faculty at OCAD University in the Design and Health program and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/credentialed-evaluation-a-panel-discussion-tickets-66764280761.

Eval Cafe: Agile Reporting of Survey Data
2019-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
From the event description:
Gustavo Miranda, Data Analysis, Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement, at the Etobicoke Children’s Centre will share the following with us:
Online survey services/software like RedCap, SurveyMonkey, and LimeSurvey are a cheap, quick, user friendly way to collect information from an organization’s staff, stakeholders and community partners. This is especially true for organizations with resources too limited to design their own databases and host their own servers.
Unlike the data collected in locally hosted relational databases, however, responses from online surveys can’t always be accessed in a format that lends itself to quick, agile, versatile reporting.
Two little known features available in Excel and the free Power BI Desktop software can mitigate these limitations.
This demo-heavy presentation/discussion will demonstrate how:
1) Power Query’s point-and-click interface as well as its data transformation language, M, can be used to combine several flat files of survey feedback and break them out into a relational table structure in an automated, replicable way ,
and, if we have time
2) how Power Pivot and it’s measurement language DAX can be used to connect those related tables and create quick, interactive reports that can be used to guide decision making and ensure quick responses to client feedback.
Examples of service improvement will be discussed.
This location has a security guard, so we need to supply everyone’s names ahead of time, so please RSVP by 12 PM on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. CES Ontario is a sponsor of Eval Cafe Toronto.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Toronto/events/265386723/.

October 2019 Essential Skills Series
2019-10-21 08:30 - 2019-10-24 16:30 | Ontario
Description

This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Participants will gain basic levels of knowledge, skill and appreciation with respect to the essential elements of evaluation, equipping them to enter and participate in the evaluation field and develop as evaluation professionals.
Course Competencies
Participants will be able to describe in basic terms:
• the uses and benefits of evaluation (1)
• common settings in which evaluation takes place (1)
• where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle (1)
• underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications (1)
• the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place (1)
• the range of terminology used in evaluation (1)
• causes of, and responses to, resistance (4)
• potential misuses of evaluation (4)
• cultural considerations in conducting evaluations (4)
• ethical considerations with respect to evaluation (6)
• evaluation standards (6)
• evaluation as a profession (9)
• the role of CES, including the CE system (9)
• special applications of evaluation (15)
• the relevance of, and processes associated with:
o identifying evaluation objectives (2)
o identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles (2)
o develop a program profile (3)
o creating evaluation questions (5) and indicators (7)
o common data collection methods (8, 10)
o creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods (11)
o collecting data, including performance monitoring (12)
o data management (12)
o assessing data quality (12)
o data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis (12)
o determining evaluation scale and budget (13)
o project management (13)
o synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations (14)
o evaluation reporting and dissemination (14)
Participants will also gain elementary experience in:
• creating logic models (3)
• developing indicators (7)
• question construction (5)
• creating an evaluation matrix (11)
• writing findings statements (12)
• creating a reporting plan (14)

About the Tickets

Please note that CES New Practitioner and CES Student tickets are available only to CES members with those membership categories. If you are unsure about your membership category, or would like more information about how to become a CES New Practitioner or CES Student member, please contact CES Ontario.

About the Facilitator
John Allen has worked in the area of Program Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Strategic Planning for more than 35 years, serving on governments at the national, provincial / state and municipal levels in Canada and the United States as well as the not-for-profit sector. Before becoming a consultant John was an Ontario public servant with the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. While with Treasury Board, John implemented Ontario’s first formal performance measurement and evaluation process, Managing By Results. That system remains the conceptual framework of Ontario’s results based management initiatives to this day.
John works on client projects on his own and in partnership with Power Analysis Inc. of London, Ontario. As well as undertaking project assignments in all his areas of speciality, John also provides training on those subjects. He is a vendor of record with the provinces of Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Federal government and Nunavut Territory. He is an instructor for the Canadian Evaluation Society, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association.
John is an instructor in public sector management topics with the University of Alberta’s School of Business, the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University and the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/october-2019-essential-skills-series-tickets-66100180419.

Evaluation for the Next Generation
2019-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
From the event description:
Hey fellow evaluation aficionados,
Patricia and Marshal from Dig Insights have come forward to host us for our next Evaluation Cafe and to share some of the innovative methods they are using.
Here’s their description about what they’ll share:
Dig Insights (https://www.diginsights.com/) is excited to host this months Evaluation Café! Come to their downtown office (372 Bay Street) to learn about how they are integrating new and innovative technology to bring evaluation into the next generation.
Started as a market research company in 2010, Dig Insights Evaluation Team leverages the best practices of market research to help their clients extract in-depth insights about their program and provide them the opportunity to track learning far outside of the traditional survey. This includes the integration of their in-house apps including Upsiide (https://upsiide.com/) and Dig PhotoVoice, and other mobile friendly data collection tools including mobile diaries, online discussion boards and video key informant interviews. Not only has Dig expanded the reach of data collection techniques, they actively work with their clients to apply the most applicable analytical and data visualization tools including network maps, sanky diagrams, interactive scorecards and geographical mapping. This allows Dig the ability to extract key findings as well as present the information in easily digestible tools that increases programs effectiveness in decision making and allows them to better demonstrate the reach of their program to key stakeholders and the general public.
Come to this session to learn more about how you can further the effectiveness of your evaluation approach and provide greater insights to your internal and external stakeholders.
Drinks and light snacks will be provided.
The presentation will be delivered by Patricia King, CE, Vice President of Evaluation ([masked]) and Marshal Rodrigues, Senior Research Manager ([masked])
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Toronto/events/266319080/.

Eval Cafe: Culturally Specific Assessment as a Means to Address Measurement Disjuncture
2020-01-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Ontario
David Sul is a psychometrician and evaluator who specializes in culturally specific assessment in support of indigenous cultural and linguistic revitalization initiatives. Sul is a proponent of the development of performance-based assessments using item response theory (IRT) from indigenous perspectives. His unique approach to critical measurement considers assessment development as a political act that can support indigenous autonomy and self-determination. Sul will describe his current research on the development of culturally specific assessments within indigenous communities in Ontario and Hawaiʻi.
After a presentation, there will be time for open discussion.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Toronto/events/267789578/?isFirstPublish=true.

January 2020 Essential Skills Series
2020-01-27 08:30 - 2020-01-30 16:00 | Ontario
This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Participants will gain basic levels of knowledge, skill and appreciation with respect to the essential elements of evaluation, equipping them to enter and participate in the evaluation field and develop as evaluation professionals.
Course Competencies
Participants will be able to describe in basic terms:
• the uses and benefits of evaluation (1)
• common settings in which evaluation takes place (1)
• where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle (1)
• underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications (1)
• the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place (1)
• the range of terminology used in evaluation (1)
• causes of, and responses to, resistance (4)
• potential misuses of evaluation (4)
• cultural considerations in conducting evaluations (4)
• ethical considerations with respect to evaluation (6)
• evaluation standards (6)
• evaluation as a profession (9)
• the role of CES, including the CE system (9)
• special applications of evaluation (15)
• the relevance of, and processes associated with:
o identifying evaluation objectives (2)
o identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles (2)
o develop a program profile (3)
o creating evaluation questions (5) and indicators (7)
o common data collection methods (8, 10)
o creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods (11)
o collecting data, including performance monitoring (12)
o data management (12)
o assessing data quality (12)
o data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis (12)
o determining evaluation scale and budget (13)
o project management (13)
o synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations (14)
o evaluation reporting and dissemination (14)
Participants will also gain elementary experience in:
• creating logic models (3)
• developing indicators (7)
• question construction (5)
• creating an evaluation matrix (11)
• writing findings statements (12)
• creating a reporting plan (14)

About the Tickets

Please note that CES New Practitioner, CES Student, and CES 60+ tickets are available only to CES members with those membership categories. If you are unsure about your membership category, or would like more information about how to become a member, please contact CES Ontario.

About the Facilitator
John Allen has worked in the area of Program Evaluation, Performance Measurement and Strategic Planning for more than 35 years, serving on governments at the national, provincial / state and municipal levels in Canada and the United States as well as the not-for-profit sector. Before becoming a consultant John was an Ontario public servant with the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. While with Treasury Board, John implemented Ontario’s first formal performance measurement and evaluation process, Managing By Results. That system remains the conceptual framework of Ontario’s results based management initiatives to this day.
John works on client projects on his own and in partnership with Power Analysis Inc. of London, Ontario. As well as undertaking project assignments in all his areas of speciality, John also provides training on those subjects. He is a vendor of record with the provinces of Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Federal government and Nunavut Territory. He is an instructor for the Canadian Evaluation Society, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario and the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association.
John is an instructor in public sector management topics with the University of Alberta’s School of Business, the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University and the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/january-2020-essential-skills-series-tickets-81346348117.

Developmental Evaluation: Social Innovation in Real Time
2020-01-29 08:30 - 2020-01-30 16:00 | Ontario
Developmental Evaluation in Action: Facilitating Social Innovation in Real-time consists of three parts:
Online webinar: TBA
In-person: Wednesday January 29, 2020 & Thursday January 30, 2020. Registration is 8:30 AM – 9 AM on January 29; instruction is 9 AM – 4 PM. Refreshments will be provided.
On-line group consultation (optional): TBA
Course outline:
This blended course provides participants with introductory knowledge in the fundamentals of Developmental Evaluation (DE) and its implementation, including the role and use of the Theory of Change/Action.
The course is focused on how developmental evaluators track, document, and help interpret the nature and implications of innovations and adaptations as they unfold, and help extract lessons and insights from both processes and outcomes to inform the ongoing adaptive innovative process. (Patton, McKegg, & Wehipeihana, 2015)
Situational analysis and case studies will be used to authenticate the information being presented in order to equip evaluators with the practical application of DE within the complex, dynamic environments they may experience in their work.
Throughout the course participants will be invited to apply their learning to the programs/ evaluation activities in which they are involved.
The course will consist of a webinar and a two-day in-person session. An optional one-hour group consultation is offered to those participants wishing to present and discuss questions or issues concerning implementation of DE they may have.
Please note that this course requires the use of Michael Quinn Patton’s book Developmental Evaluation Exemplars: Principles in Practice (2015). This book can be purchased directly from Guilford Press here.
Instructor Bios:
Megan Börner has worked in the public education sector for over 25 years. She is currently with the Ontario Ministry of Education, where she has created a model for embedding internal research and evaluation staff in policy/program teams to promote the understanding of evaluative thinking through everyday decisions and processes.
Dr. Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, C.E., is an internal evaluator with the Ministry of Education, infusing evaluative thinking in collaborative teams to build sector capacity for the use of evidence to inform decisions. She shares her DE expertise widely leading interministerial collaborations, evaluation capacity building for governments both in Canada and internationally, through universities, civil societies and EvalPartners.
Dr. Wendy Rowe is a professor at Royal Roads University, Victoria, Canada, teaching in the School of Leadership. She has 20 years professional experience in the evaluation field across Canada and United States, using models of collaboration and developmental evaluation to enhance organizational capacities, increase program efficiency and effectiveness, and create learning organizations.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/development-evaluation-social-innovation-in-real-time-tickets-71508171867.

Eval Cafe: Clean Language in the context of Clean Interviewing and Systemic Modelling
2020-01-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Ontario
From the event description:
For our next Eval Cafe Stephen Sillett, of Aiding Dramatic Change in Development (ADCID), is going to share his experiences using Clean Language: Helping to develop clients “stuff”, without accidentally introducing external metaphors in the questions we ask, and how this can open up additional options for engaging people in dialogue and exploration.
This includes using Clean language in open ended interviews. Helping to cleanly set intentions and develop client’s personal metaphors that unpack perceptions of words, idioms and ideas about situations. (Including revealing different peoples’ Ideas and perspectives on a theme, that had been thought to be identical, and the basis for group consensus). For example, a group may all agree that they want peaceful communities. and when we want peaceful communities, that is peaceful like what? Some may want everyone to be quiet and calm and relaxed, others may see peaceful as everyone being able to come together and happily integrate and share music and cultures.
We’ll practice asking a few basic clean questions on each other, and demonstration of an activity that uses clean language in conjunction with spatial activity.
Stephen will then share how ADCID is using the self-organising principles developed by David Grove are integrated with their own methods. In particular, clean language, and his emergent knowledge and clean space approaches. These approaches enable participants to develop their understanding of a concept within a metaphorical landscape, or psycho-active spatial environment.
Snacks will be provided courtesy of CES-ON.
Please note, this space is not accessible. Suggestions for no cost accessible spaces in pub/restaurant/cafe settings are appreciated.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Toronto/events/267879895/.

The Common Approach to Impact Measurement: Webinar for CES Members
2020-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
CES- Ontario is committed to helping our members be informed about innovations in the field of evaluation, which is why we are partnering with the Carleton Centre for Community Innovation (3ci) at Carleton University to help our members learn more about their Common Approach to Impact Measurement initiative and how it may help their practice.
CES members can registering for this one-hour free webinar on Wednesday March 11th at noon (ET).
The key elements that will be covered in this one hour webinar :

Common Foundations as a minimum standard of impact measurement in Canada.
Data Standard that enables external data sets to be linked and impact data to be rolled up.
Flexible Standard for indicators which allows organizations to use indicators that are meaningful to them.

During the webinar, presenter Dr. Kate Ruff will answer any questions you may have about the Common Approach and how it can benefit the work you are doing.
More on the Common Approach to Impact Measurement:
The Common Approach to Impact Measurement is a community of non profits, social enterprises, grant makers, investors and academics building a better way to measure social impact. Using this flexible standard will allow social enterprises to effectively tell its story, communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders and operate in a high impact manner.
If you have any questions about this webinar or about the Common Approach to Impact Measurement project, please reach out! info@commonapproach.org
Technical questions around registration can be directed to admin@evaluationontario.ca
This webinar is being offered to CES Ontario members as a membership perk! Members of other CES chapters are welcome to attend as well. If you are not a CES member and would like to become one, please contact the event organizer.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-common-approach-to-impact-measurement-webinar-for-ces-members-registration-96085188385.

Evaluation During Social Distancing
2020-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The COVID 19 crisis has required people and organizations to shift priorities and practice social distancing.
In response, Evaluation Cafe Toronto is shifting to online meetings during this crises to help people connect, share, and learn how to deal with the challenges this crises poses for our evaluation work. For instance, when is it still appropriate to ask for evaluation data? If in-person data collection is no longer an option, what is the best alternatives? What virtual tools can help? etc.
Join us on CES National’s Zoom Meeting platform to get help with your challenges and share tips to help others with their challenges.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
The Zoom link will be sent to those that RSVP the day before the meeting.
If there is demand for this first meeting, we will host another one on April 16th 12-1pm, and possibly another on April 30th 12-1pm depending on things develop.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/269667750/.

Evaluation During Social Distancing
2020-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Ontario
The COVID 19 crisis has required people and organizations to shift priorities and practice social distancing.
In response, Evaluation Cafe Toronto is shifting to online meetings during this crises to help people connect, share, and learn how to deal use evaluation to support the response to COVID 19. This will be our 2nd online meeting. Some of the topics previously suggested for discussion include:
— quick and simple evaluation methods
— evaluation/evaluators’ changing role and shifts in evaluation work
— evaluation design/redesign during crises/social distancing
— online tools/methods
Join us on CES National’s Zoom Meeting platform to get help with your challenges and share tips to help others with their challenges.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Rapid response and action is important during crises, so anyone is also welcome to join our Slack group for more real-time sharing and support. https://join.slack.com/t/evaluationduringcovid/shared_invite/zt-dcqj8qbq-vV2kcuROqt_zwkaXhN6lzA
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/269929886/.

Water Well Evaluation Cafe Virtual Spring Kickoff
2020-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
We’d like to welcome you to join the evaluation community in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. A Spring Kick Off Call is planned for Thursday April 23 at 1pm, and we would love to have your virtual participation.
The Water Well Evaluation Cafe is a group of passionate professionals working in evaluation and related fields. We’ll meet on a semi-regular basis for learning and networking events. We are looking to reanimate the Guelph Evaluation Group from a couple years back, and extend the community to those across Waterloo Region as well. At this early stage, your contributions and ideas are welcome!
Our main form of communication will be on the Evaluation Cafe Ontario Meetup, which is also being supported by the Canadian Evaluation Society: Ontario chapter. You may be interested in other meetings that will be happening in the province. For example, Toronto’s Evaluation Cafe are hosting an on-going series for evaluation during social distancing (next one is April 16th).
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Please RSVP on the event page in order to receive an email invitation from the event organizers.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/270032947/?rv=ea1_v2&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJGQyM2U0YTVmLTUzMjgtNDBiNC04OTNlLThlM2ExMjIyNGI0OQ.

Evaluation During Social Distancing
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
From the Eval Cafe website:
The COVID 19 crisis has required people and organizations to shift priorities and practice social distancing.
In response, Evaluation Cafe Ontario is shifting to online meetings during this crises to help people connect, share, and learn how to deal use evaluation to support the response to COVID 19.
Join us on CES National’s Zoom Meeting platform to get help with your challenges, share tips to help others with their challenges, or discuss sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Make sure you can receive organizer messages, and I will send the meeting password the day prior.
Rapid response and action is important during crises, so anyone is also welcome to join our Slack group for more real-time sharing and support. https://join.slack.com/t/evaluationduringcovid/shared_invite/zt-dcqj8qbq-vV2kcuROqt_zwkaXhN6lzA
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/270647982/?rv=co1&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDAzOTRjYjgyLTViOWUtNDk2NC1hYTMyLWUxOWJmNjcxYmQ2OQ.

Webinar: The Art and Science of Producing Effective Infographics
2020-05-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Ontario
This webinar focuses on infographics: artistic / graphic presentation of data to communicate insights.

About this Event

Data visualization as a hot topic in the evaluation world, especially in knowledge transfer activities. The 2-hour webinar will focus on a specific type of data visualization, infographics – artistic or graphic presentation of data to communicate insights. We will briefly orient infographics in the realm of data visualization, illustrating the different types of infographics. Then our focus will shift briefly to the science of why we use infographics in communicating to our various audiences (clients and funders). The bulk of the time will be focused on a step by step process to create infographics, and including relevant design elements of graphics, colour, and font, which provide the visual cues to our most important element: the data. We will then put these elements together with examples, and then look at some resources and tools for infographic production. The session will conclude with a short question and answer period.
Learning objectives:
By the end of the Workshop, the participant will be able to:
1. Compare the different types of infographics and situate them in the greater web of data visualization
2. Understand the basic tenets of design theory, how the brain processes information and how infographics are designed to appeal to information processing
3. Identify and appraise the design elements of effective infographics
4. Utilize a sequenced plan to create infographics
5. Locate and use various resources and tools for effective infographic production
In addition, this workshop aims to strengthen capacities in line with the following Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice:
2.8 Identify data sources
2.13 Assesses trustworthiness of data
2.16 Reports evaluation findings and results
3.5 Serves the information needs of intended users
4.6 Reports on progress and results
5.1 Uses written communication skills and technologies
Biography of presenter:
A. Sidiq (Sid) Ali, is an expert in education programs, focusing on assessment program development, management and evaluation. He has over 20 years’ experience as an evaluator. Sid combines his skills in psychometrics and evaluation to foster his professional interests in program evaluation capacity-building in the private sector, program development in licensure and certification contexts, as well as in effective data analytics and visualization. Since founding his consulting practice (www.rae-consult.com), he has worked with profession regulators and governing bodies in accounting and financial management, healthcare, law and international sanctions, as well as with the learning and development units of two of the big five Canadian banks. He began his better data visualization journey in 2008, focusing on effective presentation strategies for PowerPoint. He now blogs and speaks about data visualization, and has been an invited guest blogger on Stephanie Evergreen’s effective data visualization blog. He has produced infographics for official CES communications, has conducted a CES national webinar on infographics and has facilitated workshops on infographics for CES-ON and CES-MB. Sid is a Credentialed Evaluator, earned his M.Ed. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and was a two-term Director for CES-ON.

A note on refunds:
If, for any reason, you prefer not to go ahead with your participation in one of our professional development events, you can cancel at any time and receive a 100% refund. If you wish to cancel, please contact Kaitlyn by email at admin@evaluationontario.ca.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-art-and-science-of-producing-effective-infographics-tickets-102221735964.

Evaluation During Social Distancing
2020-06-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
From the event organizer:
The COVID 19 crisis has required people and organizations to shift priorities and practice social distancing.
In response, Evaluation Cafe Ontario is shifting to online meetings during this crises to help people connect, share, and learn how to use evaluation to support the response to COVID 19.
Join us on CES Ontario’s Zoom Meeting platform to get help with your challenges, share tips to help others with their challenges, or discuss sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Make sure you can receive organizer messages, and I will send the meeting password the day prior.
Rapid response and action is important during crises, so anyone is also welcome to join our Slack group for more real-time sharing and support. https://join.slack.com/t/evaluationduringcovid/shared_invite/zt-efzixjau-NfQJH0OkyWDQllteUWG0vQ
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/270931875/.

Evaluation Cafe Ontario Online
2020-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The COVID 19 crisis has required people and organizations to shift priorities and practice social distancing. Movements against systemic racism are leading us to question our practices and what we can do to work toward liberation for all.
In response, Evaluation Cafe Ontario is shifting to online meetings to help people connect, share, and learn how to use evaluation to support the response to COVID 19 and support anti-oppression action.
Join us on CES Ontario’s Zoom Meeting platform to get help with your challenges, share tips to help others with their challenges, or discuss sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation during these times can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Make sure you can receive organizer messages, and I will send the meeting password the day prior.
Rapid response and action is important during crises, so anyone is also welcome to join our Slack group for more real-time sharing and support. https://join.slack.com/t/evaluationduringcovid/shared_invite/zt-efzixjau-NfQJH0OkyWDQllteUWG0vQ
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/271190672/.

2020 CES Ontario Annual General Meeting + Learning Event
2020-06-23 09:30 - 12:00 | Online
Please join us for the 24th annual CES Ontario AGM and Learning Event! This event is open to all members of the Canadian Evaluation Society Ontario chapter, as well as interested members of the public.
Event Agenda:
9:30 AM-11:00 AM: AGM presentation: report back on 2019/20 activities and plans to address strategic plan and results of members survey
11:00-11:10 AM: 10-minute bio break
11:10AM-12:00PM: Learning Event: Re-imagining Evaluation Criteria: Learning Lessons from the Pandemic
We will distribute the Annual General Meeting package, including a full agenda, Annual Report, and audited financial statements, to all CES members and event attendees prior to the event.
About the Learning Event:
Re-imagining Evaluation Criteria: Learning Lessons from the Pandemic
Evaluators have long debated on the criteria that should be used to evaluate interventions. The criteria are linked to both the purpose of the evaluation and also to the type of intervention under consideration. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has argued for the following criteria in its recent updating. They include: (1) Relevance (Is the intervention doing the right thing?); (2) Coherence (How well does the intervention fit?) (3) Effectiveness (Is the intervention achieving its objectives?); (4) Efficiency (How well are resources being used?); (5) Impact (What difference does the intervention make?); (6) Sustainability (will the benefits last?)
In light of experiences that interventions have had with the recent pandemic, we will explore if these criteria are sufficient to understand the value added of interventions. We also will explore these criteria in light of the focus of the Sustainable Development Goals of “no one left behind.” The focus of this presentation will be on understanding how such criteria shape our imagination and measurement of how programs work, how programs can be designed to address inequities and the types of evaluation approaches that capture the value-added of interventions
About the Speaker:
Sanjeev Sridharan is Country Lead, Learning Systems and Systems Evaluation at the India Country Office of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Sanjeev was the Founding Director of the Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions at St. Michaels Hospital and Associate Professor at the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. Prior to his position at Toronto, he was the Head of the Evaluation Program and Senior Research Fellow at the Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change at the University of Edinburgh. He is a former associate editor of the American Journal of Evaluation and has been on the boards of the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, New Directions for Evaluation and the Journal of Evaluation and Program Planning.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2020-ces-ontario-agm-learning-event-tickets-107348797142.

July 2020 Essential Skills Series
2020-07-20 09:00 - 2020-09-27 17:00 | Online
The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator
Tina Sahay has worked in the area of Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement for more than 24 years, supporting governments at the national, provincial and municipal levels in Canada as well as the not-for-profit sector. Tina operates a consulting firm in Toronto and works on client projects in all areas of her specialty of community and public health. She works extensively with vulnerable populations including newcomers, youth and those at-risk for mental health and substance use disorders. Tina also provides training to professionals on various aspects of program evaluation. She is an instructor for the Canadian Evaluation Society and has designed and conducted training programs for Toronto Public Health, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, MOHLTC, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and York University.
Tina holds a Masters degree in Health Science from the University of Toronto and is a certified Quality Improvement Specialist. Tina is also a credentialed evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/july-2020-essential-skills-series-tickets-108789231520.

September Essential Skills Series
2020-09-21 09:00 - 2020-11-29 17:00 | Online
The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator
Paul Favaro Ph.D., CE is the Chief of Research, Program Evaluation, and Accountability for the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, Ontario. He teaches management sciences at York University in Toronto.
Dr. Favaro has authored or co-authored articles, chapters, and technical reports, and has conducted professional training workshops in the areas of program evaluation, performance measurement, and research methodology. He is on the editorial board of The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation. Throughout his career, he has worked as a research consultant to a wide variety of government ministries, educational organizations, charitable foundations, and community-based programs. He has held several executive positions on the board of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). In 2010, he was awarded a fellowship in the CES. He is a Credentialed Evaluator by the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/september-2020-essential-skills-series-tickets-111437496552.

The Art and Science of Producing Effective Infographics
2020-09-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Data visualization as a hot topic in the evaluation world, especially in knowledge transfer activities. The 2-hour webinar will focus on a specific type of data visualization, infographics – artistic or graphic presentation of data to communicate insights. We will briefly orient infographics in the realm of data visualization, illustrating the different types of infographics. Then our focus will shift briefly to the science of why we use infographics in communicating to our various audiences (clients and funders). The bulk of the time will be focused on a step by step process to create infographics, and including relevant design elements of graphics, colour, and font, which provide the visual cues to our most important element: the data. We will then put these elements together with examples, and then look at some resources and tools for infographic production. The session will conclude with a short question and answer period.
Learning objectives:
By the end of the Workshop, the participant will be able to:
1. Compare the different types of infographics and situate them in the greater web of data visualization
2. Understand the basic tenets of design theory, how the brain processes information and how infographics are designed to appeal to information processing
3. Identify and appraise the design elements of effective infographics
4. Utilize a sequenced plan to create infographics
5. Locate and use various resources and tools for effective infographic production
In addition, this workshop aims to strengthen capacities in line with the following Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice:
2.8 Identify data sources
2.13 Assesses trustworthiness of data
2.16 Reports evaluation findings and results
3.5 Serves the information needs of intended users
4.6 Reports on progress and results
5.1 Uses written communication skills and technologies
Biography of presenter:
A. Sidiq (Sid) Ali, is an expert in education programs, focusing on assessment program development, management and evaluation. He has over 20 years’ experience as an evaluator. Sid combines his skills in psychometrics and evaluation to foster his professional interests in program evaluation capacity-building in the private sector, program development in licensure and certification contexts, as well as in effective data analytics and visualization. Since founding his consulting practice (www.rae-consult.com), he has worked with profession regulators and governing bodies in accounting and financial management, healthcare, law and international sanctions, as well as with the learning and development units of two of the big five Canadian banks. He began his better data visualization journey in 2008, focusing on effective presentation strategies for PowerPoint. He now blogs and speaks about data visualization, and has been an invited guest blogger on Stephanie Evergreen’s effective data visualization blog. He has produced infographics for official CES communications, has conducted a CES national webinar on infographics and has facilitated workshops on infographics for CES-ON and CES-MB. Sid is a Credentialed Evaluator, earned his M.Ed. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and was a two-term Director for CES-ON.
A note on refunds:
If, for any reason, you prefer not to go ahead with your participation in one of our professional development events, you can cancel at any time and receive a 100% refund. If you wish to cancel, please contact Kaitlyn by email at admin@evaluationontario.ca.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-art-and-science-of-producing-effective-infographics-tickets-111429069346.

Eval Cafe: The Intersection of Race and Gender in Evaluation
2020-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
As a segue from Evaluation Café’s recent dialogue on anti-black racism in evaluation, this next session will examine the intersection of race and gender in evaluation, building on a group’s experience and expertise. As some projects, programs and organizations are lacking in sensitivity of race and gender, evaluation can be a catalyst for change, and the conditions for this will be discussed. Looking inward, if the evaluation process and systems are insensitive to race and gender, this adds another layer to the challenge and needs to be responded to.
Chairs of this event:
Abena Thomas – public health, evaluation and project management specialist, and instructor in international project management
Marcus Tan de Bibiana – peacebuilding and governance project management specialist, arts advisor and instructor in international project management
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/273460883/?rv=ea1_v2&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJGFkOWUwZDYyLThkYjAtNDM2Ni05MTQxLWI0MjgyZDg5MmZlNQ&utm_campaign=event-announce&utm_medium=email&utm_source=promo.

Strategic Project Management for Evaluators
2020-10-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Light-touch Project Management Tools for Evaluators
The sheer volume of guidance in the PMBOK® Guide and other project management resources can make it challenging for evaluators to know which project management tools to prioritize, and when and how to apply them. To paraphrase Tommy Lasorda, the effective management of an evaluation project is like ‘holding a dove – you need to hold it tightly enough that it doesn’t fly away, but not so tightly that you crush it.’ This online workshop provides theory and hands-on experience applying light-touch project management tools that have been tailored for evaluation projects.
By the end of the three-hour online workshop, participants will be able to:
· Describe how the project management mindset of “define then deliver” can be applied to evaluation projects.
· Construct a work breakdown structure (WBS) to articulate the scope of a project in terms of concrete deliverables.
· Describe how the deliverables in a WBS can be used as the foundation for schedule and budget development.
· Implement deliverable-based project monitoring and control using a simple tracking sheet.
This project management workshop aligns directly with CES competency 4.0: Management Practice. The workshop aims to support program evaluators with foundational skills and tools that help manage projects/evaluations such as work plans, coordinating accountabilities and resources (including budget) at outlined in the CES Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice. The workshop also supports CES competency 2.0: Technical Practice.
Participants should have a computer with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel (or equivalent) loaded.
About the Facilitator
Alison Paprica is Principal of the boutique consultancy, Research Project Management (RPM) founded in 2013. She is also assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Executive Advisor and Affiliate Scientist at ICES and a member of the Executive Committee for Health Data Research Network Canada. Her previous roles include inaugural Vice President, Health Strategy and Partnerships at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence; Director, Strategic Partnerships at ICES; Director of the Planning, Research & Analysis Branch at the Ontario health ministry and management positions in international pharmaceutical R&D. Alison holds an Honours Combined BSc in biochemistry and chemistry (McMaster), a PhD in organic chemistry (Western University). She is among the first 3% of people to obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) certification internationally, and has led the development and delivery project management for research courses and workshops for the University of Toronto, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Council (NSERC)-funded CREATE programs, and others.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/strategic-project-management-for-evaluators-tickets-113018856442.

October Essential Skills Series
2020-10-13 09:00 - 2020-12-20 17:00 | Online
The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Learning Objectives:

Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator
Dr. Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, C.E., is an internal evaluator with the Ministry of Education, infusing evaluative thinking in collaborative teams to build sector capacity for the use of evidence to inform decisions. She shares her DE expertise widely leading interministerial collaborations, evaluation capacity building for governments both in Canada and internationally, through universities, civil societies and EvalPartners.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/october-2020-essential-skills-series-tickets-111444226682.

Eval Cafe: Water Well Evaluation Cafe
2020-10-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
From the event description:
Your participation is welcome to the first of a fall series of the Water Well Evaluation Café. While we are practicing social distancing, this meeting will be virtual.
This month’s topic: community-based evaluation. We will explore principles of voice, participation, and respect. There will be three cases presented, followed by a Q&A discussion:
1) Community-led baseline and monitoring in Zambia
2) Culturally responsive evaluation with the Michigan Energy Assistance Program
3) TeleMedicine in Northern Ontario
We’ll connect on CES Ontario’s Zoom Meeting platform to build a network of evaluation professionals in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County areas, learn from each other, share tips to help others with their challenges, and discuss sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation in the region can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/273798787/.

Eval Cafe: Experiences with Inequitable Research – Lessons for Equitable Practice
2020-10-27 12:30 - 14:30 | Online
From the event description:
During this Evaluation Cafe session, Cameron Kroetsch, a member of the Board for Pride Hamilton and Chair of the City of Hamilton’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee, will describe his experience with third party research and reports on Hamilton Police’s handling of the 2019 Hamilton Pride events and on the City’s Hate Prevention and Mitigation Initiative. He will describe how systems of power and oppression shaped and reacted to the research and describe the effects it has had on him and others in the community. Then, Carolyn Camman, will facilitate small and large group discussions on lessons to be learn relating to equitable evaluation practice and on what power evaluators have to promote equity in our work.
Cameron Kroetsch (he/him) is a queer community builder, organizer, and labour relations professional living in the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas, also known as Hamilton, Ontario. He’s a founding member of the Pride Hamilton Board of Directors, Chair of the City of Hamilton’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee, and proudly serves on the Governing Council for the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion. He’s active on Twitter @CameronKroetsch where he advocates for better civic engagement, safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and access to affordable housing for all.
Carolyn Camman (they/them) is an evaluation consultant living on the ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil‑Waututh) in what is currently called Vancouver, BC, Canada. They specialize in evaluating in complexity and in service of justice, practicing developmental and equitable evaluation. Part of the joy they find in their work is co-hosting the podcast Eval Cafe (https://evalcafe.wordpress.com/) with friend and colleague Brian Hoessler, digging into all kinds of evaluation-related topics, from R Stats to how evaluation is like Star Trek. You can check them out on their website (http://www.camman-evaluation.com/) and on Twitter @c_camman.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/273824074/.

Webinar: Flying the plane while building it: Conducting an evaluation in the time of COVID-19
2020-11-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Ontario
Flying the plane while building it: Conducting an evaluation in the time of COVID-19
The Canadian Evaluation Society – Ontario Chapter (CES-ON) is pleased to invite you to our Fall Webinar: Flying the plane while building it: Conducting an evaluation in the time of COVID-19. The webinar and Q&A will be held online on November 4th 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Register online here!
What kind of evaluation is useful in a situation where social problems are escalating and intersecting in completely new ways, and the strategies we use to address them are morphing into new forms on a weekly basis? What methods make sense, and how should we make sense of the data that we are gathering?
This webinar will attempt to address these questions by sharing the story of three evaluators with different backgrounds who came together to evaluate Toronto’s Community Coordination Plan: a strategy for working with local agencies to meet the needs of vulnerable people during the pandemic. Presenters will share practical tips and lessons learned about evaluating in the time of COVID-19. Discussion will focus on how our experiences in this period might inform a more robust, responsive and useful approach to evaluation work in general.
About our Presenters:
Biljana Zuvela is a Manager of Research, Public Policy and Evaluation at United Way Greater Toronto.
Lora Remacka is a Policy Development Officer in Social Development, Finance and Administration at the City of Toronto.
Andrew Taylor is a Principal Consultant at Taylor Newberry Consulting Inc., an evaluation consulting firm.
When: November 4, 2020, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Q&A session starts at Noon)
Where: Zoom Webinar
How to register: Eventbrite registration
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/flying-the-plane-while-building-it-evaluation-in-the-time-of-covid-tickets-122813228673.

Eval Cafe: Water Well Evaluation Cafe: Community-Based Evaluation
2020-12-10 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Welcome to the second in a fall series of the Water Well Evaluation Café. While we are practicing social distancing, this meeting will be virtual.
Equity continues to be a theme with this month’s topic exploring community-based evaluation. We will explore principles of voice, participation, and respect.
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is one of the largest program’s implemented by United Way of Southeastern Michigan. This year’s evaluation was conducted during the height of the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and also during the height of the civil unrest caused by anti-black racism and police brutality. In the absence of opportunities for formal community-based participatory evaluation methods, other opportunities emerged–use of an Equity Lens to “nudge” the organization toward having a closer alignment with equitable evaluation practices. Results were positive!
Bring your own examples of enabling factors or challenges you have observed around conducting equitable evaluation!
We’ll connect on CES Ontario’s Zoom Meeting platform to build a network of evaluation professionals in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County areas, learn from each other, share tips to help others with their challenges, and discuss sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation in the region can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/274650842/?rv=ea1_v2&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDc0YjBkMzg2LTUwOGItNDUwNy1iYjZkLTJhZDRkOTc1NDMyYw&utm_campaign=event-announce&utm_medium=email&utm_source=promo.

Eval Cafe: Mobilizing Evidence in Complex Social Systems
2021-01-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Interested in systems change? Welcome to the winter series of the Water Well Evaluation Cafe. Our guest speaker will be Daniel Buckles, who will provide a road map to tools and concepts for engaging people and mobilizing evidence in complex social systems. The approach, detailed in various books and a website, combines rigor with participation and systems thinking with meaningful action to help evaluators deepen and broaden the analysis of interventions and new directions.
We are a network of evaluation professionals in the Waterloo Region and Wellington County areas (and beyond!), learning from each other, sharing tips to help others with their challenges, and discussing sector trends and developments.
Anyone interested in conducting evaluation can RVSP and join the conversation; you don’t have to be a CES member (https://evaluationcanada.ca).
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/275704158/?rv=ea1_v2&_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDNjYWNiMTA2LWNjMDItNGJjZS04N2ViLWI1ZjA2NmI0MGUyZA&utm_campaign=event-announce&utm_medium=email&utm_source=promo.

Eval Cafe: Canadian Evaluation Society Membership Benefits
2021-02-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
From the event description:
The Canadian Evaluation Society Ontario Chapter (CES Ontario) is one of the largest Provincial chapters of the Canadian Evaluation Society, the professional association of evaluators. As you may have heard, CES Ontario is a proud sponsor of Evaluation Cafe Ontario.
CES Membership has its benefits, including professional development and credentialing, networking, mentorship and job opportunities, and promotional rates. Did you know that you can even save on home and auto insurance, and printing costs? We can also answer your questions about CES Ontario’s trainings or membership events, or other aspects of CES membership.
On February 10th at Noon, join us to find out about CES-Ontario and the growing list of membership perks and benefits you can take advantage of!
With whatever time is left after Q & A, we’ll go into breakout groups for networking.
Presenters:
Maria Mardirosian (Membership Committee Co-Chair, CES-ON)
Rachel Laxer (Membership Committee Volunteer, CES-ON)
Kaitlyn Kochany (Administrative Coordinator, CES-ON)
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Ontario/events/275540939/?_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDZhY2RlNDgxLTI1ZDUtNDk2MC04NzdiLWNlOTRjNTUwOTFmMw.

Evaluation by Design
2021-03-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
What if we viewed evaluation as a service as well as a means of assessing value and supporting decision-making? A design-driven approach to evaluation is one that brings insights from service design into the practice of evaluation by integrating creativity, craft, and empathy with data-gathering, feedback, and sensemaking into the evaluator’s role. This approach, which brings together design thinking and evaluative thinking, explores ways to embed evaluation into a program’s development structure, particularly for those that are operating in domains of high complexity and need for innovation. Design-driven evaluation is an approach, drawing on utilization-focused, developmental, and participatory evaluation methods and techniques and brings them together with the creative problem orientation, interactivity, and end-user focus from the world of professional design.
This workshop will introduce evaluators to the fundamentals of a design-driven approach to evaluation. It will orient evaluators to the role that design can play in shaping both the evaluation and the program itself and is suited for those interested in expanding their practice, working more closely with innovative or complex programs and for those interested in developmental evaluation. The workshop will introduce design theory and methods, involve interactive activities aimed at illustrating design thinking in practice in ways that can be used both in-person and at distance, and how evaluators can play a pivotal role in supporting product, program, and service innovation in new ways.
About the Facilitator:
Cameron Norman is a Credentialed Evaluator and consultant who works with organizations seeking to innovate more effectively and use evaluation and service design methods to support that work. As the Principal and President of Cense Ltd., Cameron has worked with non-profits, social services, healthcare, and governments to design and implement innovation-focused programs that embed evaluation in their service offering to support their evolution and transformation. Cameron earned his PhD in Behavioural and Social Sciences from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto where he continues to serve as an Adjunct Faculty Member and a Master of Design degree in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University where he’s taught systems and service design methods.
In 2016, Cameron partnered with the American Evaluation Association to create and deliver the Design Loft Initiative, a ‘micro-conference’ within the annual AEA convention that provided workshops for evaluators on the methods of design. The Design Loft has been featured a regular feature of the in-person AEA Convention every year since. His latest initiative is the Cense Academy which seeks to train innovators in the fundamental methods and approaches to design, evaluation, systems thinking, and psychology.
Registration deadline: March 19, 2021
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/evaluation-by-design-tickets-138670718853.
