So-That Chain

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:

  • Write the name of your program/activity at the top of your page
  • Then work down the chain and identify a short-term outcome that will lead to intermediate outcomes that will eventually lead to your long-term vision.
  • Example of a “so-that” chain for an ESL program

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)

  • Complete your own “so-that” chain using the blank template below. Remember your outcomes describe a changed status. For example, instead of framing the outcome “Equip students with tools to achieve their goals” which is what your program is doing, frame the outcome as the changed status of your participants “Students are equipped with tools to achieve their goals”.

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.

Common Goals

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.