Why?
Defining a clear set of outcomes will allow you to measure the effectiveness of your programs and assess how well you are working towards your vision.
What’s the Result?
Identifies short term, intermediate and long-term outcomes for each of your program activities and shows how these outcomes connect to the long-term vision.
Materials: Pen and paper
Time: 15 minutes
Part I: Completing the ‘So-that’ chain
Step 1: Each partner completes the ‘So-that’ Chain using the template below:
We run ESL programs as part of this partnership
“So-That”
Our students have improved English skills (Short-term outcome)
“So-That”
They have increased confidence in English (Short-term outcome)
“So-That”
Their ability to get jobs increases (Intermediate-term outcome)
“So-That”
They have increased incomes (Intermediate-term outcome)
“So-That”
Immigrant families become self-sufficient (Long term impact/ Vision)
Blank template
We do xxx program activities as part of this partnership
“So-That”
Outcome X happens (Short-term outcome)
“So-That”
Outcome X happens (Short-term outcome)
“So-That”
Outcome Y happens (Intermediate-term outcome)
“So-That”
Outcome Z happens (Intermediate-term outcome)
“So-That”
Our long-term vision is achieved (Long term impact/ Vision)
Step 2: Discuss your ‘so-that’ chain with your partner.
Naming common goals within a partnership as they pertain to vision and outcomes is a process that builds a solid foundation for working together. Think of goals as your “how,” of achieving your vision and your outcomes. Good goals need good measurements, to understand the impact that the partnership is having. Whatever approach you use, the key to good goal planning is making sure that they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound). Craft your SMART goals so that they reflect specific actions that are observable and measurable, a stretch and yet attainable, and with a deadline or are time-bound.