Dear Evaluation Community,

As we begin 2026, I want to thank you for the energy and commitment you brought to our community last year. We ended 2025 on a high note with a wonderful Holiday Party—an evening that reminded me how strong and resilient our evaluation community is. In recognition of the challenges we collectively navigated, we presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to the entire Evaluation Community for the first time. It’s a meaningful tribute that honors both our shared efforts and our individual contributions to advancing the profession.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share updates on our programming, volunteer opportunities, and membership for the year.

Programming. Our 2026 programming is designed to deepen learning, create connections, and strengthen evaluation practice. Events planned for this year include:

• Data Foundation: Federal Evaluation Resources Simplified—Tour the Evidence Act Hub and Help Shape What’s Next
• Success Measures: A session examining the impact of evaluator‑led technical assistance on organizational evidence‑building
• AI in Evaluation User Group: Discussions and hands‑on demonstrations on how governments and organizations can responsibly leverage artificial intelligence to scale social impact and expand evaluation practice
• Networking events, including happy hours and community‑building gatherings
• The DC Emerging Evaluators Exchange this spring, offering a platform for students and professionals to share innovative ideas
• Collaborative events with AEA and regional partners, providing hybrid and in‑person programming with regional, national, and international significance

Volunteer Opportunities. Our great programming cannot happen without great volunteers. This year, we are expanding opportunities to engage directly with the WE Board through open volunteer positions supporting programming, membership, and community engagement. If you have time, interest, or expertise to share, please consider becoming actively involved with a WE committee to help support an event or initiative.

Membership. We are continuing our reduced $10 membership rate for evaluators who have been laid off, using the honor system for verification. We also welcome additional organizational members and sponsors to partner with us. Organizational memberships are $200 per year and include eight individual memberships with full access to all WE programming and benefits.

In closing, I look forward to continuing to grow this community and fostering meaningful engagement wherever possible.  Please connect with us through our LinkedIn page, via our website, or email me directly.  We have a year of meaningful learning, innovation, and collaboration ahead. I invite you to get involved. Together, we will continue strengthening evidence, impact, and the profession we share.

Sincerely,
Matt St. John
president@washingtonevaluators.org