18: Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE) in politically challenging times.

As political landscapes continue to evolve, evaluators committed to culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) face increasing challenges in conducting equity-centered work. This roundtable discussion will explore strategies for navigating politically sensitive environments while maintaining the integrity and impact of CRE. Participants will engage in a dialogue on effective approaches to addressing resistance, fostering stakeholder buy-in, and balancing advocacy with evaluation rigor. Drawing from real-world experiences, we will discuss lessons learned and best practices for conducting evaluations that remain responsive to diverse communities, even in contentious political climates. This session is designed for evaluators seeking to refine their approach, share insights, and collaboratively strategize ways to sustain culturally responsive evaluation amid political challenges.

Victoria Scott – Associate Professor/Co-Coordinator of Community Concentration Psychological Science, College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte