Identifying principles of change

In this last step of the intention phase, we seek to take out impact framework further by clarifying the connection between what you do (outputs) and the difference you make by what you do (outcomes). There are reasons why you do the things you do in the way you do them. You believe that these kinds of activities, done in these kinds of ways, produce these kinds of changes in people. The assumptions you hold are your principles of change. Complete the activity below to complete this phase.

Guideline for writing your impact statement

An evaluation of impact should reveal some insights related to the mechanisms and levers of change. It should either confirm that your assumptions are true: what you think will cause change actually does. Or it will challenge your assumptions: what you think will cause the change actually does not. Now, to be clear, we are not going to attempt sophisticated casual inquiries of intervention and impact. But in our qualitative interviews, we will tune our ears to how people describe the reasons for the change they are experiencing. This will give us insight that will be helpful for our learning.

To identify your principles of change, think about these two questions: Why do you do the things you do in the way you do them? What about your program is responsible for the change you wish to see? There might be a few ideas (3 to 5) that, in your mind, explain the power of your approach. Here are a few examples: 

• Principle: Deeply personal and highly relational – The depth of relationships we foster in our program offers people the possibility of being honest and forthright with their struggles and provides the love and support for people to grow. 
• Principle: Consistency – The regular, ongoing nature of our intervention increases the likelihood that the impact will not be superficial or temporal but rather will be significant and durable. 
• Principle: Identification – Since our program is led by people who have similar experiences as those in the program, our program participants have examples and inspiration they can follow, amplifying the power of the time together in the program.

Now take some time and write out 3 to 5 of your own principles of change.

Your answers are only visible to you.