ABOUT US
End Grain Research and Evaluation was created to support efforts to optimize equity in evaluation practice. Dr. Lynn VanderWielen has dedicated her training and career to the intersection of public health, research and evaluation, and equity. She obtained her MPH degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to creating End Grain Research and Evaluation, Lynn led research and evaluation efforts in nonprofit and academic sectors.
​
Lynn’s interest in equity and social justice stem from her lived-experience and training and inform her approach to collaboration, research, and evaluation. While she brings expertise in evaluation methods and design, she thrives in collaborative environments and values the expertise that all individuals bring to the table. She consistently aims to create the psychological safety a well-functioning team needs as a foundation for critical inquiry, authentic conversation, and maximization of strengths, with ongoing attention to power, privilege, and bias.
​
Lynn would be honored to partner in your research and evaluation efforts and share in the journey of inquiry and creation.
​
For more information - contact Lynn@endgrainevaluation.com
End Grain Research and Evaluation also supports a Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) Fellow. More to come!
​
​
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Equity
-
Equitable evaluation practice values all voices, aims to be multi-culturally valid, proposes culturally responsive methods, critically examines data collection and analysis, and ensures findings are actionable and co-created with key stakeholders.
-
All research and evaluation efforts should aim to support and achieve equity and justice. From conceptualization and design, to implementation and dissemination, evaluation efforts should be in service to equity.
-
It is critical to embrace an authentic examination of the historical, structural, and systematic context driving inequity among the focus population. This information should be incorporated into all aspects of proposals, frameworks, analytic plans, and dissemination strategies.
Collaboration and Partnership
-
Ideal partnering organizations share value in equity, justice, and community.
-
Collaborative efforts are purpose-driven, inclusive of key members and stakeholders, and designed to strengthen the trajectory towards equity.
-
Communication is transparent, timely, and responsive.
-
Partners share a commitment to a safe space for open and constructive conversations.
Innovation and Logic
-
Evaluation efforts are guided by logical, analytical, and systemic thinking. The historical and community context should consistently serve as a guide to the selection of methods, approaches, and principles.
-
Selected and created tools rely on validated instruments and theories when possible.
-
Evaluation decisions, approaches, and findings should be documented such that efforts are transparent and easily replicated.
-
Evaluation is an evolving field; therefore, new and innovative approaches should be embraced when appropriate.
Enjoyment and Inspiration
-
The work should serve to inspire the team to dream big and envision a world where all individuals, families, and communities are able to thrive.
-
Evaluation products are actionable and dedicated to communicating findings in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
-
Structures, processes, and environments are set up and maintained such that compassion and mindfulness can emerge and flourish.
OUR VALUES & BELIEFS
-
All work should aspire to achieve equity and social justice.
-
Research and evaluation contribute to achieving equity and social justice.
-
Cultural humility is strength to be embraced.
-
Community possesses the wisdom, knowledge, and perspectives needed to optimize programing and policy.
-
Authentic collaboration will optimize success.
-
Critical systems-level thinking is necessary for achieving social justice.
-
Evaluation efforts should be enjoyable for all partners.
-
Leveraging data can change lives.