CREE Learning Series

Creating a Shared Understanding of CREE

Culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) is not just one method of evaluation, it is an approach that should be infused into all evaluation methodologies. CREE advances equity by informing strategy, program improvement, decision-making, policy formation, and change.

About the Series

Expanding the Bench® (ETB) works to support Evaluators and Funders of Evaluation to ensure that power is distributed equitably to lead change toward justice. Our work lifts up the strengths and careers of racially and ethnically diverse Evaluators who have been historically and/or are presently underrepresented or marginalized in the U.S. In doing so we reach many audiences, and it’s vital that we create a shared understanding around CREE. That’s why, with help from content experts and learning guides, we developed the CREE Learning Series.

This three-part video teaching tool is broken down into four short videos per part that showcase learnings, offer new ideas, and provide fresh perspectives on approaching CREE-focused work. We invite you to join live virtual discussions to further broaden your knowledge around each part of the Series.

Participation in the CREE Learning Series, including access to pre-recorded videos and live discussions, is free for Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network Members, community members of the Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Program (Scholars/Alumni and Cohort 3 Mentors), and direct Funders of ETB. For all other participants, ticket price is determined based on a sliding scale ranging from $200-$500. A limited number of all-expense-paid scholarships are available. Contact team@expandingthebench.org for more information.

Explore the CREE Learning Series! Here’s how it works:

This self-paced, three-part learning series provides a hybrid approach to learners through a series of short informational videos, followed by live discussions with a diverse audience of Evaluators, Funders, evaluation partners, and others interested and invested in CREE.

1. Watch the Videos

The Series is offered in three parts, with each part containing four videos (about 10 minutes in length, each). Topics include:

People walking around in a room with a dark purple overlay

- 1.1 – Introducing Learners to CREE By Rachele Espiritu, PhD and Elizabeth Waetzig, JD – Change Matrix
- 1.2 – Exploring How Culture Influences Evaluation By Tamara Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH – Simmons University
- 1.3 – Addressing Why Equity in Evaluation Matters By Tamara Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH – Simmons University
- 1.4 – Defining CREE Frameworks and Principles in All Phases of Evaluation By Sharonlyn Harrison, PhD – Public Research and Evaluation Services
- 2.1 – Bringing to Light Differences Between a CREE Evaluation and a Non-CREE Evaluation By Donna M. Mertens, PhD – Gallaudet University
- 2.2 – Exploring the Different Methodologies Used in CREE Practice By Donna M. Mertens, PhD – Gallaudet University
- 2.3 – Developing a Shared Approach to the Practice of CREE By Michael P. Arnold, PhD – Informing Change
- 2.4 – Addressing Challenges and Opportunities Involved in Applying CREE By Michael P. Arnold, PhD – Informing Change
- 3.1 – CREE: Improving Evaluation and Data Quality By Arthur Hernandez – University of the Incarnate Word
- 3.2 – CREE Within Evaluation Organizations By Carlos Romero – Apex Evaluation
- 3.3 – CREE Within Funder Organizations By Jackie Williams Kaye – Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
- 3.4 – Building External CREE Support By Jackie Williams Kaye – Wellspring Philanthropic Fund

2. Submit a Question or Reflection

After you finish viewing videos from any part of the Series, you are invited to share questions and reflections to raise in the corresponding live discussion. Send any questions or reflections to team@expandingthebench.org no later than 48 hours before upcoming live discussions.

3. Join Us for a Live Discussion

ETB will host three virtually facilitated live discussions that correspond with the Part I, II, and III video content. During these sessions, participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences to learn from one another and to gain a better understanding of CREE.

PART I: Wednesday September 21, 2022

2:30-5:00pm EDT/1:30-4:00pm CDT/12:30-3:00pm MDT/11:30am-2:30pm PDT/10:30am-1:00pm AKDT/8:30am-11:00am HST

PART II: Wednesday September 28, 2022

2:30-5:00pm EDT/1:30-4:00pm CDT/12:30-3:00pm MDT/11:30am-2:30pm PDT/10:30am-1:00pm AKDT/8:30am-11:00am HST

PART III: Wednesday October 5, 2022

2:30-5:00pm EDT/1:30-4:00pm CDT/12:30-3:00pm MDT/11:30am-2:30pm PDT/10:30am-1:00pm AKDT/8:30am-11:00am HST

Registered for the Series?

Once registration for the 2022 CREE Learning Series closes, participants will receive a password to access the video content and workbook online.

Access the Series and Workbook