You're leading social programs in your community. How do you measure their long-term impact effectively?

To measure long-term impact effectively in my social programs, I focus on clear outcome mapping, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, data collection from various sources, impact assessments using baseline and participatory methods, stakeholder engagement, and continuous adaptation based on findings.

I think a lot of companies end up defining the success of their social impact based on “input metrics” like dollars spent. While a high dollar amount can be valuable and impressive, it doesn't really say much about the effect it has. “Output metrics” are far more important, and valuable to your stakeholders and constituents. For my environmental education program, we focus on specific output metrics like “number of K-12 teachers and students provided for in the past year” or “number of Teacher Resource Kits distributed in one year”. A specific measurable data point over a specific time frame gives a more accurate measure of “impact” than merely stating a dollar amount spent.

To effectively measure the impact of programs, you should use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods: For Quantitative: -Track metrics like the number of participants, frequency of activities, funds raised, and resources distributed. -Use surveys and pre/post assessments to gather data on changes in behavior, knowledge, or conditions. -Analyze trends over time to identify long-term patterns and improvements. For Qualitative: -Collect testimonials and conduct interviews to understand personal stories and experiences. -Hold focus groups to gather in-depth feedback and insights. -Document case studies that highlight significant changes and personal transformations.

For my environmental education program, we focus on quantitative metrics such as “number of K-12 teachers impacted” or “number of resources distributed to US teachers”. But the qualitative metrics are equally important. Distributing 100,000 resources isn't very impressive if they're low quality. So we're also working with our distribution partners to gather feedback and testimonials from our teacher user base to make sure the program is everything they need.

Data collection is an extractive activity - before collecting data for social impact programs, it's crucial for organizations and teams to get clear on WHY they need this particular data. Some questions to consider include: -what are these data for? learning? fundraising? case-making? -what specific questions about our program(s) are we hoping to answer? (more specific than "is the program working?") -how might we design our data collection practices with mutual benefit in mind? -are we sure we *need* these particular data? (test your assumptions about why these data will answer your questions about your program) -how might collecting and using these data cause harm? These questions can help us align our data practices with our values.

Our program is all about providing free climate education units and lesson plans for K-12 teachers and students. We're measuring our impact by tracking video hours watched across several platforms, as well as Teacher Resource Kits downloaded. In addition, we're working with our distribution network to gather feedback from teachers so we can continually improve the resources they need.

In addition to the data we collect ourselves, we're also constantly analyzing trends in education at large. Over and over, we've seen that the common thread in climate education is that teachers desperately WANT to teach kids about climate change, but lack the resources, knowledge, and support to do so. States are contemplating mandates for climate education across all grades (already implemented in NJ), but teachers themselves are adrift in a sea of disinformation, unsure of what's myth and what's fact. So the first thing we sought to address was to provide resources for the teachers themselves, so they can gain the education and confidence to teach this subject to their students.

Any social impact program needs to engage all the stakeholders of your brand. Otherwise, it will appear as though you're simply trying to green wash your reputation. A social impact partnership or program needs to be an extension of the brand's vision and mission, so naturally that will include the people around you. Your employees will be able to take pride in the right program, which will help in hiring and retaining talent. Your community will see the benefit of your work, which will bolster your Social License to Operate.