Join an Issue-Area Network
Issue-Area Networks (IANs) respond to queries from community members leading evaluations as part of our community ownership approach. They are neither "representative" nor decision-making bodies.
Read on to learn more about IANs and how they support evaluation. If you already know about IANs and are here to express interest, jump to the intake form using the button below.
about issue-area networks
What are Issue-Area Networks?
Issue-Area Networks are comprised of advocates, service providers, program participants, and subject matter experts on a range of topics, such as access to justice, safe housing, women's rights, and more.
How do issue-area networks support Evaluations?
Each evaluation is led by a small group of Affected Community members (people who are impacted by a program, whether they actively participated or not).
IANs are intended to be one of the many touchpoints these groups can consult to validate the safety and feasibility of their decisions. This allows them to move forward with confidence.
What types of requests do members get?
IAN members may be asked to:
- Flag risks of potential choices (e.g., safety, unintended consequences)
- Review recommendations for relevance within wider ecosystems
- Review short communications samples (e.g., for cultural relevance)
illustrative example
For the evaluation of a program that distributes cash vouchers to individuals with low incomes, the group believes experience with housing insecurity can materially shape outcomes. They want to collect data from individuals experiencing homelessness. To validate the feasibility and safety of this decision, they send the following request via an online form to the Safe Housing Issue-Area Network:
"We’re considering interviewing individuals in shelters about access barriers to a program that distributes cash vouchers in your region. Can you answer any of the following questions?
- How useful is it to collect data from this group? (Single select, Likert scale)
- What are one or two risks we should anticipate to mitigate or avoid harm? (Short response)
- What are one or two things we can do to protect individuals' dignity? (Short response)"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there compensation?
We believe strongly in sharing and reciprocity, therefore we guarantee the following:
- Individual members receive honoraria for each request fulfilled.
- Organization members receive 10% discounts on Community-Owned Evaluation and Learning Partnership services.
- All members receive access to the final publications they contribute to.
The following are also possible, based on factors beyond our control:
- IAN members may, if desired, be named as contributors in final reports.
- When they are held, IAN members will be invited to attend Data Communication Events that share knowledge with Affected Communities and wider audiences.
Will my individual or organization name be shared?
Only if requested. Our default is privacy for all IAN members, as this is necessary for some issue-areas and regions. You will never be asked to share participant or client information.
What is the level of effort?
Members should expect no more than five, 10-20 minute, completely optional requests a year. Responses are typically requested within 48-72 hours. Unless you request otherwise, responses are collected via online forms.
What happens with my feedback?
Responses are anonymized, combined with all the others, and shared with the Affected Community members leading that evaluation and the program team. We will send a brief Influence Note detailing if/how your feedback affected final decisions.
Are members expected to represent others?
No. IANs are not spokespersons. They do not “represent” communities, subgroups, or sectors. We only ask people to offer feedback based on their individual or professional experiences. Similarly, you will never be asked to make endorsements.
Ready?
Complete the form below to express interest. We'll collect basic information like your region and which issue-areas are relevant to you. Afterward, a member of our team will contact you.
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