aes24 International Evaluation Conference

Authors: Skye Trudgett (she/her) - Kowa, AU, Katie Stubley (she/her) - Griffith University, AU, Terri Reid (she/her), Chloe Wegener(she/her), Banok Rind (she/her), Sophie Spry (she/her), Niamh Kealy (she/her)- Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice, AU

Measurement and data does not need to be all about numbers—it is about our heart and spirits, it is about voice, story, emotion—it is about truth. Numbers can tell us all sorts of lies, Wiyi Yani U Thangani is and always has been about—your voice—what you are saying about your lives, how you see your future and what matters to you.' June Oscar AO, Chair of Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute.
Quantitative data often dominate measurement and evaluation, yet true understanding requires tapping into the heart and spirit of communities. As June Oscar AO poignantly reminds us, it is the voice, story, emotion, and truth that bring depth to data. This session at the AES conference offers a hands-on experience that transcends traditional data collection, engaging participants in co-creating collaborative Impact Yarns through deep listening, yarning, and creative expression.
Join us in a dynamic workshop where sculpture and artwork become powerful tools for storytelling and knowledge sharing. Participants will learn to capture the nuanced experiences of First Nations communities, reflecting on how these creative practices can reveal the interconnectedness of our lives and contribute to systemic change. By integrating Indigenous methodologies, we will collectively explore the rich, qualitative data that emerges from individuals' lived realities and aspirations.
As we craft and shape our narratives, we will reflect on how these stories can inform and transform policies and initiatives. This immersive session is not just about creating art; it is about embodying the principles of gender justice and equality, respecting cultural heritage, and acknowledging the diverse ways communities envision their future.
Experience the power of collaborative creation, where every word spoken, and every form sculpted enriches our collective understanding of impact. This workshop is an invitation to step away from the spreadsheet and into a space where every voice contributes to a tapestry of change. Come, let us shape a more empathetic and embracing approach to measurement—one that values the stories and truths of all peoples. truths of all peoples.