Evaluations That Work: What the Non-Profit Sector Can Learn from the Ontario Nonprofit Network and Vibrant Communities
12:00pm to 1:00pm Eastern Time
Evaluations “work” when they lead to insight and action. We all know that the process can be resource-intensive, so it is important for us to maximize the probability of getting it right! In this webinar, two leading learning institutes, the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and Tamarack's Vibrant Communities Canada, will unpack real-life stories from Cities Reducing Poverty members to identify cases where evaluation worked really well. Together we will identify how they achieved exceptional success, and top takeaway points for the non-profit sector.
Register for the Evaluations That Work webinar
Speakers
Andrew Taylor is committed to the notion that evaluation is only useful if it answers questions that matter and enables people to act in new ways. He is co-owner of Taylor Newberry Consulting, a Guelph-based firm that specializes in developing research and evaluation solutions for public sector organizations. He is also ONN's Resident Evaluation Expert. He has helped organizations across Canada develop impact strategies and measurement systems that are evidence-based, manageable, and meaningful.
Ben Liadsky joined the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) in 2015 as Evaluation Program Associate. He has more than five years of experience working in the nonprofit sector in a variety of capacities from project management to fundraising to communications. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies with specialization in Global Environmental Policy from the University of Northern British Columbia where his research focused on the role of local governments and transnational environmental networks in addressing climate change. When not reading away, he can be found on his bike- if you can catch him that is.
Adam Vasey received a B.A., LL.B., and M.S.W. from the University of Windsor, and an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. He has been the Director of Pathway to Potential, the local anti-poverty strategy, since 2009. In 2013 he was appointed to the provincial Minimum Wage Advisory Panel, and also received the “Distinguished Social Worker of the Year” award through the Ontario Association of Social Workers – Southwestern Branch. In 2014, Adam was awarded the Law Foundation of Ontario’s Community Leadership in Justice Fellowship. In 2015, Adam received the Odyssey Award through the University of Windsor’s Alumni Association. He is currently the President of the Ontario Association of Social Workers – Southwestern Branch and a board member of Unifor’s Windsor Essex Community Chapter.
Melanie Hientz is the lead evaluator with Living SJ – the strategy to end generational poverty in Saint John, New Brunswick. She has been involved in both the development and implementation of this Collective Impact initiative, working with a network of non-profits, businesses, government and educators. Melanie has also engaged with several Saint John non-profit organizations in coaching and evaluation capacities. She has a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management and an MA in Geography and Environmental Studies from Carleton University, in her hometown of Ottawa. Before moving to Saint John in 2013, she worked as a researcher for Carleton University and as lead researcher / special projects manager at Volunteer Canada.
Melanie volunteers with the Community Foundation in Saint John and the New Brunswick Association for Community Living. In her free time, she enjoys exploring New Brunswick’s many beautiful hiking trails.
Elena DiBattista has had an extensive career in the human services field, primarily in the areas of community development and engagement, and early child development. Over the past thirty years, she has held numerous positions in Toronto and Peel Region with children’s aid societies, school boards and the provincial government and community agencies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Psychology) from York University and a Child and Youth Worker diploma from George Brown College. Since joining Our Kids Network in 2010, Elena has been steadily guiding the transition towards a more strategic and structured partnership of organizations to meet the needs of children and youth in Halton. Her leadership in engaging key partners and community agencies to work together has contributed to stronger and more diverse partnerships and greatly increased resources.
1pm to 2 pm Eastern Time