Evaluation Committee

Monthy Meeting Schedule
The Evaluation Committee is a participatory committee that collects, analyzes and reports data to guide coalition programing. They meet the last Friday of the month from noon-1pm at 800 6th Ave. For more information about this committee, please contact Josh Turner at 443-8096.

The Evaluation Committee is the continuous improvement engine of the Coalition, keeping its finger on the pulse of the community and providing feedback and recommendations to the board and membership based upon accurate, up-to-date information relative to the Youth Connections mission. We seek and welcome participation from a wide range of community organizations that are involved in the safe and healthy development of youth, such as the Helena School District, Carroll College, local law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, medical and mental health providers, and prevention specialists as well as individual parents, students, and interested community members.

The committee:

Identifies and prioritizes information needs
We work with the Coalition board of directors to identify and prioritize information needs, including youth behavior, perception, and beliefs; law enforcement activity; medical/psychological intervention and treatment; progress and fidelity in implementing planned strategies and activities; and other data as required by grant funders.

Gathers and shares information
The Evaluation Committee is a two-way conduit for data. Members meet monthly to share information and experiences that provide a community snapshot that is more comprehensive than any one agency’s viewpoint. Members interact with a wide range of organizations and individuals to gather quarterly and annual data. We monitor grant compliance throughout the year and request clarifications of deviation from plans. At the end of each program year we interview a cross-section of community members regarding Coalition effectiveness. We also facilitate an annual self assessment during a Coalition meeting and conduct a yearly member satisfaction survey. While we seek out specific information, the committee also attracts people who have additional valuable information to contribute to our community snapshot.

Analyzes and synthesizes information
The committee uses counts, cross tabulations, charts, and graphs to help analyze data and synthesizes information through thorough and ongoing discussion to help ensure accurate context and interpretation.We focus on data, but we also investigate and communicate the human story behind the data.

Reports progress, successes, and challenges
The Evaluation Committee prepares quarterly reports to the board and membership of significant indicators of youth behavior, highlighting trends, successes, and concerns. We report the results of the Member Satisfaction Survey to help the board and staff respond to member priorities. And, we prepare a comprehensive annual evaluation report that plays a vital role in reflecting back to the Coalition the impact of its work and reminding members of reasons to celebrate.

Raises issues, identifies opportunities, and recommends actions
We close the feedback loop and ensure continuous improvement by elevating issues and emerging opportunities and recommending specific actions to the Coalition board.

Click here for committee member description

2009-2010 Evaluation Report:  Download