As you just learned in the previous video, articulation helps with intention. When we name our intention, we clarify our thinking and sharpen our focus. The first step in the intention phase of evaluation is to develop just a few (3 to 5) statements that communicate the difference you want to see in the lives of the people you serve as a result of the program you offer. Take some time to complete the following practice activity.
Take all that you are trying to accomplish through your program and capture it in a few statements. To do that well, the statements will be at a fairly high level, broad enough to represent the full breadth of your impact but specific enough not to be too vague. Avoid statements that are so general that any program from any organisation could make the same statement, for example, “people have better lives” or “people grow”.
The formula usually goes like this: As a result of (our program), (these people) experience (this change in their lives).
In an impact statement, we typically leave off the “as a result of our program” part, even though it helps to use it implicitly as you think or silently as you say these statements.
Here are some examples:
- People with addictions build systems of social support.
- Youth develop financial literacy.
- Church leaders become disciple-makers.
- Girls and young women pursue pathways of education.
In the first example, you can anticipate the preamble, “As a result of our program.” Even though this phrase is implicit, it’s important to consider. Your ideas of impact should be linked to what you are doing in your program. You care about more than you can affect. You will need to discipline your thinking to focus only on that which you can affect.
Then, you identify the people you serve. In this case, the program is designed for “people with addictions.”
Finally, you name the change that is intended through the program. Remember that it is the change in them, not what you are providing them. You might provide some support for them. That’s what you do. But your intent is that, as a result of your support, they build systems of social support on their own. That is the outcome, what they “come out” with.
Now it is your turn, take a few minutes to reflect and write down your impact statement: