Canadian Evaluation Society - Ontario Chapter

Eval Cafe: OTF’s Evaluation and Measurement Hub Discussion
2018-07-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto)
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) had launched an online shared learning environment, the Knowledge Centre, to help connect Ontario’s nonprofit sector. This site includes a discussion forum, and a resource library that will grow with the sector’s engagement.
The discussion forums are centered around OTF’s six Action Areas, and two other topics currently, evaluation and measurement, and open data. OTF’s hope is that this site will be a space that can help make connections across the nonprofit sector and where people can share stories, challenges opportunities, and important resources.
As mentioned above, one of the discussion forums focuses on evaluation and measurement (Measurement Hub). Come join Stacey McDonald, the Measurement Hub’s moderator on Tuesday, July 24th to help us discuss how this space can be useful to people doing evaluative work in the nonprofit sector. OTF wants to hear from you about what types of discussions or resources would be most helpful and how such as space could help you in your work.
To help individuals with kids and/or other evening engagements attend our events, we are testing out a 5pm start time. The discussion will get started around 5:30pm, followed by time for open networking.
Light snacks will be provided courtesy of CES-ON.
Tickets: https://www.meetup.com/Evaluation-Cafe-Toronto/events/252675605/.

July 2018 Essential Skills Series
2018-07-09 08:30 - 2018-07-12 16:30
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.
Breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks and included in the registration fee.
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 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/july-2018-essential-skills-series-tickets-46511284504.

2018 CES Ontario AGM + Member Consultation
2018-06-19 08:30 - 12:00
Please join us for the 22nd annual CES Ontario AGM + Member Consultation! This event is open to all members of the Canadian Evaluation Society – Ontario chapter, as well as interested members of the public.
Event Agenda:
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Registration, Breakfast & Networking
9:00 – 10:00 AM: AGM
10:00 – 10:30 AM: Break & Networking Event
10:30 – 11:55 AM: CES Ontario Integrated Strategic-Operational Plan Member Consultation
11:55 – 12:00 PM: Closing Statements
Member Consultation:
Sonja Nerad from SN Management will be facilitating a session at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The purpose of this 90-minute session is to provide members of CES-ON with an opportunity to engage in the current strategic and operational planning and inform the Board of Directors decision making process as it looks to establish its three-year priorities. In advance of the session we will share a “Backgrounder” that will set out the key issues that are facing our organization and provide the evolving context for our strategic planning. SN Management will ask members to critically reflect on the key issues and help to shape the emerging strategic plan by assessing a series of opportunities and options for strengthening the Chapter’s relevance and sustainability over the coming three to five years.
About the Consultants:
Sonja Nerad, founder and owner of SN Management is excited to be supporting the CES-ON to develop an integrated strategic and operational plan. SN Management is a fully incorporated management consulting firm established in 2011 specializing in planning, operations improvement and innovation. We use a strengths based approach grounded in principles of respect and trust to help organizations achieve tangible and practical results while building capacity for continuous learning, innovation and sustainability.
The SN Management Team includes Sonja Nerad, associate Fredrick Kreutlein and Leigh Himel, CEO, Gravity Partners, a brand strategy, marketing and communications planning firm. Together, we offer CES-on our expertise in:

Strategic and business planning
Integrated brand assessment, planning and marketing
Stakeholder engagement, consultation and change management
Organization/system review, design, development and capacity building
Full cycle program planning, evaluation, performance measurement and reporting
Partnership development, front/back office and corporate integration
Leadership coaching, mentoring and interim management.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2018-ces-ontario-agm-member-consultation-tickets-46382059990.
