Greater Boston Evaluation Network upcoming events

GIS for Program Evaluation, Part 2: Hands-On Mapping with QGIS (05/26/2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This workshop builds on Part 1 by moving from concepts into applied practice using QGIS, a free, open-source mapping platform. Participants will work directly with spatial data to understand how data structures shape what can be mapped, styled, and interpreted in evaluation work. Through a guided exercise, participants will load data, navigate the QGIS interface, and explore how fields and values in the attribute table inform visualization choices such as symbology, color, and labeling. The session emphasizes the connection between data structure and design decisions, showing how careful mapping can strengthen analysis and communication of program and policy outcomes.

Note: Participants are required to download and install QGIS prior to the session to fully engage in hands-on activities.

This is Part 2 in the GIS for Program Evaluation series, focused on applied use of QGIS for evaluation and policy analysis.

Presenter:

Sarah Kontos is a data analyst with a background in GIS mapping and transportation data. Her work positions storytelling at the core of effective and meaningful data analysis. She has experience in the nonprofit and tech industries. She holds a BA in History from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Urban Design from The New School. She is based in Brooklyn.

Please note: If you are a GBEN member, this event is free. GBEN members, make sure you are logged into the website before registering.

You'll receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after you register. If you don't receive the email, please check your Spam/Junk folder.

GBEN Emerging Evaluators Affinity Group (05/29/2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Please note: This event is open only to GBEN members. You must be logged into the website to register. Interested in becoming a member? Check out our Membership Page to learn more about the benefits.

Please join us for another GBEN Emerging/Early Career Evaluators Affinity Group meeting! This affinity group holds recurring meetings every month for emerging evaluators to connect with one another, share successes, problem solve, and discuss important issues such as career planning and skill building.

GBEN members who are interested should register for the next meeting on Zoom on Friday, May 29 from 11am-12pm EST and request access to the Google Group. A Zoom link will be sent in your registration confirmation.

Program Evaluation Basics for Non-Profits Workshop Series (06/04/2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Boston Area Research Initiative, with support from the Greater Boston Evaluation Network, is hosting a FREE 3-part training series: Program Evaluation for Non-Profits.

Sessions are held in person on Northeastern's campus on the following dates. You can register here for one or all three sessions, depending on your needs and availability (attendance at prior sessions is not required).

June 4 – 10:00–11:30 AM
June 11 – 10:00–11:30 AM
June 25 – 10:00–11:30 AM

This series is perfect for organizations and individual employees wishing to:

Become familiar with or get a refresher on the skills, vocabulary, and fundamentals of program evaluation;
Access an entry-level program evaluation toolkit; and
Learn more about program evaluation before potentially partnering with professional evaluators!