On the 9th of May 2015, SIMNA Victoria presented a session on “Proof’s in the pudding” discussing why impact measurement matters and how to do it right. At the session Katya Andreyeva (Chair, SIMNA VIC) and Marcelo Zerwes (SIMNA VIC Committee) introduced the audience to the world of impact measurement. The session covered such topics as:
• Why measure?
• How to get started?
• How to use impact measurement to prove and improve your impact?
• What are the key measurement and evaluation tools?
• What are the new trends in the field of social impact measurement?

Here is what the President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI), Suzi Chen, wrote about the event:

“Most people can relate to the term “social impact”, but when it comes to measuring social impact, all of a sudden, the topic becomes a foreign subject. It was with the intention to demystify “social impact measurement” that Junior Chamber International (JCI) Australia hosted an introductory social impact measurement session, which was delivered by SIMNA. Taking place in Melbourne, the session was attended by both JCI and SIMNA members.

When asked about the key learning of the session, finding that golden thread was on the top of the list for the attendees. Using the golden thread approach, Katya and Marcelo demonstrated how one can map out and prioritise the relationship between program activities and the impact that we hope to achieve. Attendees also learned that social impact measurement is an iterative process, which often requires us to start small and gradually build it into a comprehensive and sustainable evaluative program. Although sometimes perceived as a slow and elaborated process, integrating social impact measurement as part of program/project planning will ensure that transparency and efficiency are promoted and outcome-driven strategies are adopted to achieve greater and sustainable outcomes.”

To learn about social impact measurement and build networks with likeminded impact measurement practitioners, make sure to join us at our next event which will be held in Melbourne 29th July (3-5pm).  You will find more information and booking details here.  

– The SIMNA Victoria team