American Evaluation Association (AEA)

AEA membership rates increase today, March 6. Use our discount codes to renew or rejoin tonight for 26% off current rates:

Lapsed: WELCOMEBACK26 | Current: AEAMEM26 | New: NEWAEAMEM26.

https://www.eval.org/Publications/Newsletters/Newsletter-Archive/Article/aea-newsletter-february-2026#MemRate

Town Halls Virtual Town Hall meetings are member-exclusive opportunities to hear directly from the AEA President about important issues impacting the association and the strategic direction of AEA to identify the best way to serve the evaluation community. You must be signed in to view upcoming and past town h…

Catch up on all things AEA by viewing recent Town Hall and AEA's Annual Business Meeting recordings. Our most recent town hall focused on the upcoming American Journal of Evaluation (AJE) Call for Editors. Log in to view: https://www.eval.org/Education-Programs/Town-Halls

#AEA #Eval #Evaluation

Letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy on Restructuring of OPRE at Administration for Children and Families Read the sign-on letter calling for Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to halt the restructuring of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation at the Administration for Children and Families.

Last week, AEA joined 130+ orgs and 650+ individuals urging HHS Secretary Kennedy to pause the rapid restructuring of OPRE at ACF. Thank you to everyone who spoke up for strong, independent federal evaluation. Learn more: https://ow.ly/2AP750YpaXR

AEA membership rates increase on Friday, March 6. Use our discount codes to renew or rejoin for 26% off current rates:

Lapsed: WELCOMEBACK26 | Current: AEAMEM26 | New: NEWAEAMEM26. Info: https://www.eval.org/Publications/Newsletters/Newsletter-Archive/Article/aea-newsletter-february-2026#MemRate

Want fresh, creative ways to visualize data and share meaningful results? Join us for a hands-on virtual workshop series designed to help you turn information into compelling stories you can use right away: https://www.eval.org/Education-Programs/Digital-Knowledge-Hub/2026-Spring-Virtual-Workshops

HHS has announced plans to restructure and effectively dismantle OPRE at ACF.

Sign this letter to share concerns with HHS Secretary Kennedy (due Feb. 23, 10 a.m. ET): https://datafoundation.org/news/advocacy/809/809-Sign-On-Letter-Preserve-Federal-Research-Evaluation-on-Children-and-Families

AEA membership rates will increase on March 6. Renew or rejoin by using our discount codes to save 26%.

WELCOMEBACK26: Rejoining Members
NEWAEAMEM26: NEW Members
AEAMEM26: Current Members

https://www.eval.org/Publications/Newsletters/Newsletter-Archive/Article/aea-newsletter-february-2026#MemRate

What does it mean to “think like an evaluator”? Drawing on 15 years of research and hands-on experience, this interactive workshop will help you demystify evaluative thinking and apply it to your own context: https://www.eval.org/Education-Programs/Digital-Knowledge-Hub/2026-Spring-Virtual-Workshops

Evaluation 2025 Evaluation 2025 is the annual conference of the American Evaluation Association (AEA). We look forward to discussing the evolving role of evaluation in today’s world.

AEA is updating the structure of the annual conference to improve clarity, quality, and equity. The updates are informed by post-conference evaluation feedback, member input, and financial considerations at AEA’s current scale. Learn More: https://www.evaluationconference.org/About/Evaluation-2026

Ready to guide the editorial direction of AJE? AEA is seeking a visionary leader (or leadership team) to steward high-quality scholarship and advance the field.

Deadline: March 31
Term: Starts Jan. 2027

Details: https://www.eval.org/Publications/Publications/American-Journal-of-Evaluation

From shifting FY 2026 appropriations to new federal evidence-planning requirements, this edition of Policy Watch breaks down the latest developments shaping government evaluation. Read more: https://www.eval.org/Publications/Newsletters/Newsletter-Archive/Article/aea-newsletter-february-2026#Policy

Beginning in 2026, the American Journal of Evaluation (AJE) will be delivered exclusively in a digital format for AEA members. Members will continue to receive full access to the journal online, supporting a more flexible and timely content production schedule.

#AEA #Evaluation #Eval

Evaluation planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us to learn a simple, interactive 3-step process—align documents, gather insights, and facilitate consensus around the questions that matter most.

👤 Chari Smith
📅 Feb. 12 | Noon ET
🔗 https://www.pathlms.com/aea/courses/116117

In honor of Black History Month, AEA reaffirms its commitment to Access, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as core values. View our statements:
https://www.eval.org/Community/Volunteer/Statement-on-Cultural-Competence-in-Evaluation and https://www.eval.org/About/About-AEA/AEA-Commitment-to-DEIB

New this spring, grow your skills with AEA’s Spring Workshop Series. Join us for 3- to 6-hour sessions meant to deepen your knowledge of timely evaluation topics and learn directly from professionals with real-world expertise.

Explore: https://www.eval.org/Events/2026-Spring-Virtual-PD-Workshops

AEA is seeking individuals who can help shape the future of evaluation!
This year, AEA will elect:
- Three Board Members-at-Large
- One President-Elect

Take the next steps: https://www.eval.org/About/Leadership/Call-for-Nominations

Interested in AJE editorial leadership? Join our virtual Town Hall tomorrow to hear an overview of the editorial transition process and outline the expectations and responsibilities of the role.

📅Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. ET
https://smithbucklin.zoom.us/meeting/register/f5c-m6xKRhKnjLrafUct3w#/registration

We're proud to introduce Guili Zhang, as the 2026 AEA President! Please join us in welcoming Guili and the 2026 AEA Board of Directors. We're eager to see the impact they'll make on AEA and the evaluation field. Meet the board: https://www.eval.org/About/Leadership

#AEA #Evaluation #Eval

Interested in AJE editorial leadership? Join our virtual Town Hall to hear an overview of the editorial transition process and outline the expectations and responsibilities of the role.

📅Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. ET
🔗 https://smithbucklin.zoom.us/meeting/register/f5c-m6xKRhKnjLrafUct3w#/registration

Evaluation planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join us to learn a simple, interactive 3-step process—align documents, gather insights, and facilitate consensus around the questions that matter most.

👤 Chari Smith
📅 Feb. 5 and 12 | Noon ET
🔗 https://www.pathlms.com/aea/courses/116117

Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the enduring work toward justice, equity, and unity. Like Dr. King, AEA believes in a world where every voice matters. Read AEA’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: https://www.eval.org/About/About-AEA/AEA-Commitment-to-DEIB

We're deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Thomas “Tom” Schwandt, a longtime AEA member, board member, and influential contributor to evaluation theory. We extend our condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of learning from and working alongside him.

Setting goals for the year ahead? Make one an investment in your evaluation journey. AEA membership supports your growth with learning, connection, and savings that can pay for the membership itself. Put your 2026 goals into motion with AEA: https://www.eval.org/Join-Renew

#AEA #Evaluation #Eval

Relive the magic of the Evaluation 2025 Demo Theaters! Recorded live at #Eval25 in Kansas City, "The Evaluation Couch Live Podcast at AEA: Making the Case for Evaluation" is now available to listen to on demand: https://www.evaluationconference.org/Exhibitors-Sponsors/Demo-Theaters

#AEA #Evaluation

Interested in AJE editorial leadership? Join us to hear an overview of the editorial transition process and outline role expectations. Plus, ask questions about the future direction of AJE!

📅Jan. 29 | 2 p.m. ET
🔗https://smithbucklin.zoom.us/meeting/register/f5c-m6xKRhKnjLrafUct3w#/registration

To start 2026 off on the right foot, we're offering two eStudies featuring insights on recognizing burnout while using the Compassion Fatigue Model and creating an interactive 3-step process to create realistic and impactful evaluation plans. Register: https://www.pathlms.com/aea

AEA is seeking individuals to help shape the future of evaluation—advancing equity, promoting evidence-informed decision-making, and supporting our diverse community.

AEA will elect:
- Three Board Members-at-Large
- One President-Elect

https://www.eval.org/About/Leadership/Call-for-Nominations

AEA365 – A Tip-a-Day by and for Evaluators NPF TIG Week: Achieving unity: Building and using shared measures across funders and non-profits by Allison Meserve, Rochelle Zorzi & Liz Martin Leave a Comment / Nonprofits and Foundations Evaluation / December 3, 2020 November 21, 2020 Hi! We are Allison Meserve (Prosper Canada), Rochelle Zorzi an…

The new year is officially underway and so is a new season of learning. Start strong by exploring recent blog posts on #AEA365 and take a few ideas with you into the year ahead. See what's new to learn: https://aea365.org/blog/

#AEA #Evaluation #Eval

Happy holidays from AEA! Please be advised that our office will be closed Wednesday, December 24, through Thursday, January 1. We wish you joy, peace, and a wonderful holiday season!

#AEA #Evaluation #Eval

AEA is offering members free access to the "Introduction to Independent Consulting" eStudy recording. This eStudy will share the simple but essential design and start-up skills needed for success.

For complimentary access to this recording, please email info@eval.org.