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Session Title: Building Networks on Sturdy Ground Through Evaluation Support
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Panel Session 713 to be held in Avila B on Friday, Nov 4, 2:50 PM to 4:20 PM
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Sponsored by the Non-profit and Foundations Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Nancy MacPherson, The Rockefeller Foundation, nmacpherson@rockfound.org
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| Abstract:
Building networks for social change isn't an option anymore. In a complex issue and policy environment, networks are necessary to bridge expertise, resources, ideas, energy and extend learning and replication. Foundations increasingly see the value of developing and/or supporting networks, but face a difficult task in transcending power differentials and the lure of funding to create genuine and sustainable networks. Evaluation and related principles are a unique way for foundations to navigate network development. This session will highlight recent efforts by the Rockefeller Foundation to build and sustain networks addressing topics such as transportation, climate adaptation in the US, and climate resilience in South-East Asia. In each of these cases, Rockefeller used an evaluator to work along-side the network throughout its development to not only keep tabs on progress, but to inform network development. This approach increased engagement of network participants and laid the groundwork for sound and evaluable networks.
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The Role of Evaluation in The Rockefeller Foundation's Vision for and Development of Networks
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| Nancy MacPherson, The Rockefeller Foundation, nmacpherson@rockfound.org
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Ms. MacPherson will discuss the Foundation's evaluation strategy with regard to networks and why it chose to utilize the approach of both evaluators and evaluators as substance experts for process development. She will articulate how the process was viewed by senior staff, program officers and from her perspective overseeing evaluation.
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Using Evaluation Principles in Network Development: Evaluator's Perspective
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| Jared Raynor, TCC Group, jraynor@tccgrp.com
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Mr. Raynor, one of the evaluators contracted to help with network development, will discuss his experience using evaluation to do program development. He will share lessons learned from the experience, including how to gather and share information with diverse stakeholders, how to manage varying stakeholder expectations and ongoing learnings about developing and evaluating networks. He will be building on his previous work around assessing network capacity, network member capacity and network outcomes.
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Using Evaluation Principles in Network Development: Network Perspective
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| Steve Adams, The Resource Innovation Group, steve@trig-cli.org
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Mr. Adams will present on his experience building the CPLAN network with the input/assistance of an evaluator. CPLAN is a start-up network aimed to bridge disciplines within the climate adaptation field in the United States. He will describe where the evaluator provided the most value-added to the process and where he might have impeded progress or raised uncomfortable questions. Further, he will share any recommendations for how other networks can best work with evaluators and vice-versa.
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Using Evaluation Principles in Network Development: Network Perspective
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| Stefan Nachuk, The Rockefeller Foundation, snachuk@rockfound.org
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Mr. Nachuk will also present on his experience building the ACCCRN network with the input/assistance of an evaluator. The Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) is an emerging network of cities in South-East Asia aiming to facilitate relationships, information sharing and collective action across national boundaries, languages and political interests. He will describe where the evaluator provided the most value-added to the process and where he might have impeded progress or raised uncomfortable questions. Further, he will share any recommendations for how other networks can best work with evaluators and vice-versa.
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