Building Support for Evaluators through Local Affiliates of AEA

Abstract: In the face of unprecedented challenges in our rapidly evolving world, many are striving to connect and build community both personally and professionally. We are all navigating a new normal full of changes in how we work and gather. This roundtable will explore how evaluators are interested in gaining support, training, and engagement through local affiliates of AEA around the country. The Local Affiliate Collaborative (LAC) will host this informal discussion where we can learn how best to support each other in this new normal and build spaces to provide evaluators with the resources and professional development they desire. We have a unique opportunity to reshape, reconnect, and look forward to enriching our local affiliate communities with your input. A goal of this informal discussion is to listen, learn, and gather input for LAC’s strategic visioning work. So, attendee participation will be invaluable in influencing our vision and strategic planning for future affiliate directions that best support members. Relevance Statement For over 12 years AEA has supported an annual session supported by the Local Affiliate Collaborative (LAC). This year’s workshop submission will foster a dialogue among participants interested in learning, engagement, and inclusion in AEA’s affiliates and other evaluator learning communities. Affiliates often encounter challenges related to general member engagement and sustained recruitment of board members.

The session will also serve to promote the mission of the Local Affiliates Collaborative to support, sustain, and strengthen local AEA affiliates by fostering joint and coordinated action among and between affiliates and the AEA to a) share information and resources, b) promote professional development and leadership, and c) mentor and coach affiliates. Formed in 2004, the LAC meets monthly via conference call to share information and discuss issues of interest to AEA Affiliates, oversees the implementation of affiliate-related events at AEA annual conferences, and shares affiliate tools and resources.