Metrics Mania?

Metrics Mania?

Click to Download:

 - Transcript with background essay "Reflections on the 'Evaluation Revolution'" by Gary Walker (PDF format, 37 pages, 244 KB)

 - Transcript without background essay (PDF format, 31 pages, 226 KB)

Blog Discussion  

Click here to read panelist ALBERT RUESGA's blog on the discussion. 

In addition to the feedback Ruesga received on his blog directly, fellow bloggers posted feedback on Tactical Philanthropy, Gift Hub, and Uncivil Society.

Event Description    

In the early 1970s GARY WALKER established a jobs program for ex-convicts and recovering drug addicts. Within a few years it was expanded to nine other locations and evaluated as a national demonstration. The evaluation showed that the program did not substantially change the lives of those who participated. This was only the beginning. As the "Evaluation Revolution" unfolded over the next thirty years, the overwhelming majority of social programs with impact studies would be shown to have similar results: no substantial change in the lives of participants. In an essay prepared for this discussion (click here to read or download), WALKER, former president of Public/Private Ventures, describes "a sophisticated and maturing field of evaluation thrust upon an ever-immature field of demonstration social programs."

Revolution" unfolded over the next thirty years, the overwhelming majority of social programs with impact studies would be shown to have similar results: no substantial change in the lives of participants. In an essay prepared for this discussion (click here to read or download), WALKER, former president of Public/Private Ventures, describes "a sophisticated and maturing field of evaluation thrust upon an ever-immature field of demonstration social programs."

    Walker, Enright, Schambra, Ruesga, Rolston

                          Gary Walker

Why is it that philanthropy has learned so much about metrics and yet has so little by way of measurable success to show for it? On Thursday, March 20, Hudson Institute's Bradley Center hosted WALKER and other experts who have grappled with measurement, including KATHLEEN ENRIGHT of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, The Meyer Foundation's ALBERT RUESGA, and HOWARD ROLSTON of Abt Associates and the Brookings Institution. The Bradley Center's WILLIAM SCHAMBRA moderated the discussion.

Program and Panel

11:45 a.m.
Registration, lunch buffet

12:00 p.m.
Welcome by Hudson Institute's WILLIAM SCHAMBRA

12:10
Panel discussion
GARY WALKER, formerly of Public/Private Ventures
KATHLEEN ENRIGHT, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
ALBERT RUESGA, The Meyer Foundation
HOWARD ROLSTON, Abt Associates and the Brookings Institution

1:10
Question-and-answer session

2:00
Adjournment