American Evaluation Association

Explore how evaluation can strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and respond to today’s global “polycrisis.” Hosted in collaboration with the African Evaluation Association, the International Task Force, and AEA’s Democracy, Rights, and Governance Topical Interest Group, this global roundtable brings together diverse perspectives to discuss evaluation’s role in navigating complex challenges and supporting more equitable decision-making.

🗓️ Thursday, June 4
⏰ 2:00 p.m. ET
🎤 Facilitator: Karen Jackson; Panelists: Denise Baer, Heather Britt, Irungu Haughton, Jerim Obure, Awuor Ponge, and Vicent Ssenyondo

Register now: https://smithbucklin.zoom.us/meeting/register/iNyUKKWxShaR40WM9gfvqA #/registration

AI is no longer a future consideration—it’s already shaping how policies are designed, programs are evaluated, and public value is delivered. Register for AEA's Summer Workshop in Washington, D.C. to learn practical frameworks for assessing AI tools based on real-world impact.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 24
⏰ 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET
🎤 Speaker: Kevin Hong

Claim your spot before the early bird discount ends Friday, June 4: https://www.eval.org/Education-Programs/Summer-2026-DC-Workshop

AEA and the family and friends of Dr. George Julnes are honored to continue his legacy of advancing evaluation for social betterment.

The George Julnes Endowed Social Betterment Conference Award supports emerging evaluators presenting at —recognizing work that aligns with Dr. Julnes' vision of evaluation as a tool for justice and meaningful change.

📢 Students and new evaluators (within 5 years) are encouraged to apply.
📅 Application Deadline: Thursday, June 4
🔗 Apply today: https://www.eval.org/About/George-Julnes-Endowed-Social-Betterment-Conference-Award

Join us Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m. ET, for our first "Last Friday" listening session, where we will share the goals of these conversations and set the tone for future dialogues.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the last year in the field and AEA, providing thoughts on the future of the profession and the organization. In preparation, we recommend reviewing RED Team and AEA activity in support of membership and advocacy for evaluation.

Members - Login to learn more and register: https://www.eval.org/About/Supporting-the-Evaluation-Community-Through-Uncertain-Times

AEA staff and Board of Directors are excited to introduce Last Fridays--monthly listening sessions serving as open forums to share concerns, raise ideas, ask questions, and get updates about AEA. Each session will take place on the final Friday of each month at 10 a.m. ET. Our first session will take place this Friday, May 29. Login to learn more: https://www.eval.org/About/Supporting-the-Evaluation-Community-Through-Uncertain-Times

Join us next week for a virtual coffee break conversation exploring best practices for applying participatory approaches in evaluation. Learn how to meaningfully engage stakeholders, leverage local knowledge, and foster ownership throughout the evaluation process—all while promoting equity and sustainability.

📅 Tuesday, May 26 | 2 p.m. ET
🎤 Presenter: Tiffany Smith, MS

Free for AEA members; register now: https://my.eval.org/account/login.aspx?RedirectUrl=https://www.pathlms.com/auth/impexium/callback?slug=aea

AI is no longer a future consideration—it’s already shaping how policies are designed, programs are evaluated, and public value is delivered. Register for AEA's Summer Workshop in Washington, D.C. to learn practical frameworks for assessing AI tools based on real-world impact.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 24
⏰ 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET
🎤 Speaker: Kevin Hong

Claim your spot with the early bird discount: https://www.eval.org/Education-Programs/Summer-2026-DC-Workshop

Explore how evaluation can strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and respond to today’s global “polycrisis.” Hosted in collaboration with the African Evaluation Association, the International Task Force, and AEA’s Democracy, Rights, and Governance Topical Interest Group, this global roundtable brings together diverse perspectives to discuss evaluation’s role in navigating complex challenges and supporting more equitable decision-making.

🗓️ Thursday, June 4
⏰ 2:00 p.m. ET
🎤 Facilitator: Karen Jackson; Panelists: Denise Baer, Heather Britt, Irungu Haughton, Jerim Obure, Awuor Ponge, Vicent Ssenyondo, and Nate Varnell

Register now: https://smithbucklin.zoom.us/meeting/register/iNyUKKWxShaR40WM9gfvqA #/registration

As the evaluation field faces mounting political pressures that threaten evidence-based practice and transparency, Tarek Azzam's AJE article, "The Role of Research on Evaluation in Sustaining Democratic Values," delivers a timely call to action as it outlines a three-part strategy for Research on Evaluation (ROE).

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, this message feels especially meaningful. For four decades, AEA has championed insight, accountability, and learning—values that are more critical now than ever.

Log in to read: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ev.70022?campaign=wolearlyview