Topic

Key Points Raised

Decision/Action

Comments on Evaluation Plan

How realistic are the activities in the evaluation plan? We need to be more clear in the next version of the evaluation plan about what areas of activity need work.

We could make tiered priorities

We need to make the evaluation plan represent a sustainable body of work for a largely volunteer group.  For example, how can we simplify member survey and interviews?

Communication tracking is beyond the scope of what the evaluation committee can do.

At December meeting we will develop goals to accomplish in 2008.

Process for updating evaluation plan

Best to have one person take the lead.

We will use Cheri’s revised plan that includes edits and Lisa will update specific sections based on comments.

Julia will add information related to database, where appropriate. David also will add content to specific sections.

Modified table for evaluation questions and methods (handout)

Eileen simplified the table.  The group thought the new table was an improvement over previous version.

Eileen will finish revisions on the table of evaluation questions. Lisa will include the table once the evaluation plan is updated.

Status/Progress updates

Recruitment of new members for 2008 (Lisa)

2008 new members include Mary Pat Jewison from Olmsted County, Ciara Stigen from CLUES, and Catherine Marshall, FDL/Widookage Comp Cancer Program.  We are still seeking additional members.

How many members is optimal for this committee?

Can evaluation committee put an ad in the Working Together newsletter advertising for new members?

Update member survey and interview questions (Julia)

In preparation for their presentation, Lisa, Priscilla and Julia are talking about the member survey and interviews and can update those sections in the eval plan.

Modifications to these instruments will be drafted in early 2008.

Evaluation Training (Lisa)

Two suggestions for possible trainings for Alliance committee and task force members:  meeting facilitation training and Using What Works

Lisa, Julia and Priscilla will work on planning and implementing these activities.

Database (Julia)

Julia and Liz have documented ways the current Access database could be improved, and created a list of functions an improved database would be able to perform.  Julia working to find out how much it might cost to design a new database that might have all of the functionality needed to address all of the tracking questions in the evaluation plan. 

Julia will follow-up within the University about cost of possible improvements and look for funding

American Evaluation Association presentation (Lisa, Julia, Priscilla)

Lisa, Julia and Priscilla will make a presentation in November and report back to the group.

Presentation is on Nov. 8 from 11:15-12:45 EST.

Evaluation committee goals for 2008

We didn’t have time to discuss this at this meeting, but Julia, Lisa and Priscilla will be spending time together at the AEA conference and can bring back suggestions 

Julia will email group in November and this will be an agenda item for Dec.

2008 Meetings

The group agreed that it might be most practical to work in small groups based on each goal for 2008.  The committee might meet as a whole 2-3 times a year, with small groups meeting more frequently as needed and increased number of meetings by conference call.

Liz will work with co-chairs to schedule  2-3 face-to-face meetings in 2008