Step 3: Principles of Change (Final Step in the Intention Phase)
Why this step matters
- Clarifies not just what impact you seek, but why you believe your approach works.
- Makes your team’s focus and reasoning explicit.
Theory of Change
- Works as an if–then proposition:
- If we run these programs in this way, → Then people will experience these changes (impact statements).
- Embedded in this are assumptions about why the approach works → these are your principles of change.
How to identify principles
- For each impact statement, ask:
- Why do we do what we do in this way?
- What belief or assumption underlies this approach?
Examples of principles of change
- Addictions support: Change happens through saturation with caring relationships over time.
- Financial literacy: Skills grow through practice and habit, not just theory.
- Church leaders as disciple-makers: Growth requires mentoring and coaching relationships for accountability.
- Girls & young women in education: Progress comes when they have inspiring role models to open possibilities.
Outcome of this step
- Write down at least one assumption for each impact statement.
- Captures not only the impact achieved but also how it happens.
- Provides valuable insight for understanding and communicating impact.