| Session Title: How to Infuse Learning in Non-profits: Developing a Framework for Learning Based on Three Non-profit Case Illustrations |
| Think Tank Session 369 to be held in Capistrano A on Thursday, Nov 3, 1:35 PM to 2:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Organizational Learning and Evaluation Capacity Building |
| Presenter(s): |
| Joelle Cook, Organizational Research Services, jcook@organizationalresearch.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Astrid Hendricks, Hendricks Consulting, ahendricks2@gmail.com |
| Cameron Clark, Organizational Research Services, cclark@organizationalresearch.com |
| Abstract: Evaluators talk about "learning" in many ways (e.g., learning organizations, organizational learning, strategic learning). To date, most of the relevant literature and work around organizational learning has focused on foundations and for-profit companies. The goal of this think tank is to discuss and develop frameworks for learning through evaluation in a nonprofit setting. Session facilitators will share an overview of relevant literature and frameworks and present three case examples of advocacy organizations who have successfully used evaluation to support learning in different ways: 1) for operations, 2) to measure the effectiveness of programs and tactics, and 3) to define strategy (ORS, 2010). Following this presentation, session facilitators will lead participants in an exercise to further define a useful, unified framework for learning in these different areas and to gather input on other learning models and practices that would benefit nonprofits who wish to develop this capacity. |