In evaluation, we assess a program or service’s impact to understand whether anticipated outcomes were achieved based on the program’s activities and resources, and whether changes in a participants’ behavior, attitude, or actions can be attributed to the program or something else.
But what is impact, and who gets to define this for your work?
In the early years of my social work career, my goal was to be as efficient as possible in helping clients advocate for themselves.
Along the way, I thought about my ideal outcome for my clients: They would no longer be on my caseload.
My clients would know how to advocate for themselves, know exactly where to go and who to call. Their voices would be heard, and actions who be taken to get their ideal outcome. They wouldn’t feel intimidated by medical professionals, and can effectively communicate and collaborate with all of their service providers. They stay on top of their healthcare, and are proactive when things don’t feel right. They would also know that their diagnoses don’t define them, and they can still achieve their dreams in spite of.
Until that day comes, the role of social workers and service organizations like the one I worked for will exist.
Look at your organization’s mission and vision statements.
In order to define your impact, ask yourself:
What would it take for our organization to no longer exist?
Sure, it’s sad to think of your organization no longer existing.
However, your organization was started because something was missing. A need wasn’t being met.
To define your impact, think of the ideal outcome for the communities you serve.
An outcome is one where your community has what they need to take care of themselves, and even when you’re no longer there, they still know what to do due to what they’ve learned from your programs, and how this has impacted their behavior and actions.
They know how to take care of themselves because of how they’ve take what they’ve learned and applied it in their day-to-day.
They know how to take care of themselves due to how your staff engaged them, and how they connected with each other.
They’re better because of the work you’ve done.
From funder demands, community member input, and other stakeholder priorities, it’s understandable how organizations become engulfed in the external noise of what others want to see.
But hold onto the vision of what you want for your community when you no longer exist.
Even though you’re no longer there, your work lives on through the communities you served.
That is your impact.
Raise Your Voice: What would it take for your organization to no longer exist? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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