Demystifying Data, Empowering Program Staff
The Central Texas nonprofit sector offers abundant resources for professional development, networking, and continuing education. As I continue to evolve in my professional journey, and transition from client-facing social work to systems-level macro social work, I continue to seek out more tools and opportunities to deepen my systems-level knowledge. While I’m grateful for the individual leaders who have guided me through this transition, It has become clear to me that the sector could greatly benefit from a more intentional focus on supporting the professional growth of client-facing staff.
As a senior consultant with the Good Measure team, I am thankful to have the space and resources to advocate for more data and evaluation capacity building opportunities for program staff. Reflecting on my 6+ years as a direct-service caseworker, I recognize the need for professional development opportunities that don’t conflict with my time with clients, and that provide relevant and accessible tools that I could easily digest. Too often, I recall being in spaces where conversations and resources were filtered through inaccessible language and assumptions. Though I was gathering data during client meetings, entering it into systems through meeting notes, and analyzing it to assess client needs and plan next steps. I did not recognize that I was already building skills in data and evaluation work.
I’m thrilled to collaborate with Central Texas nonprofit staff to expand opportunities for program staff to deepen their understanding of organizational data systems. They can confidently articulate the data and evaluation work they’re already doing, and take ownership of the meaningful impact they’re driving.
Demystifying Data began as an idea to provide data and evaluation strategic support to nonprofit program staff in a hands-on, relevant way, increasing data strategy knowledge and building cross-organizational relationships within the sector. When I began developing this program, I recognized that my background in direct service work would be essential to shaping the workshop. However, I also wanted to incorporate diverse experiences and perspectives to ensure that the content and format are inclusive and aligned with the current needs of the nonprofit sector. The curriculum and strategy of this program is informed and co-created by the planning committee:
Karen Gonzales, Director of Community and Learning, Hello Just
Ami Kane, Executive Director, Girls Empowerment Network
Dominique Graves, Senior Program Director, CIS Central Texas
Ian Hunter-Crawford, Senior Director of Impact and Operations, Urban Roots
I am thankful to co-lead Demystifying Data with Amanda Miller, a nonprofit operations and strategy specialist turned data consultant, who grew her skill set through experiential learning. An inaugural participant in Good Measure’s Data Leader’s Academy in 2018, Amanda is excited to be part of this program that makes data and evaluation work more accessible to program staff. Having started her career in the direct service space in out of school time programs, Amanda understands the value of building administrative skill sets connected to client-facing work. When she transitioned to operational work after her AmeriCorps term of service, Amanda quickly learned that her time in direct service work fueled her passion for inclusive systems development and decision-making at the organizational level. After 10+ years as a nonprofit leader in data management and operations, Amanda continues to support the sector by facilitating spaces centered on individual learning, relationship building, and honing leadership skills.
She cannot wait for Demystifying Data to launch; “This is the course I wish I had 10 years ago when I realized my operations role looked very different from my work with students! I had to learn all these skills on my own, including how to analyze data and talk about impact. I am so glad that I can provide space where folks can get what they need to do their jobs well and make connections along the way.”
Investing in the growth of program staff data and evaluation skill sets furthers the organization's impact and better serves the sector as a whole. Are you interested in being a part of this new free workshop? Register here to sign up.