Before you can communicate your impact results, you need to define what impact means for your non-profit and your volunteer role. Impact indicators are measurable and specific outcomes that reflect the change or value that your work creates. For example, if you are a volunteer tutor, your impact indicators could be the number of students you helped, the improvement in their grades, or the feedback from their teachers. To define your impact indicators, you can use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Once you have your impact indicators, you need to collect and analyze your impact data. This means gathering evidence and information that shows how you achieved your indicators. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, testimonials, case studies, or photos to document your impact. You can also use tools like spreadsheets, charts, graphs, or dashboards to organize and visualize your data. To analyze your impact data, you need to compare your results with your baseline, goals, or benchmarks, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of your work.
Depending on who you are communicating with, you need to tailor your impact report to suit their needs and interests. For example, donors and funders might want to see how you used their resources efficiently and effectively, partners might want to see how you collaborated and aligned with their objectives, and beneficiaries might want to see how you addressed their problems and improved their situations. To tailor your impact report, you need to consider the following questions: Who is your audience? What is their purpose? What is their preferred format and channel? What are their key messages and calls to action?
One of the best ways to communicate and report your impact results is to use stories and visuals to engage your audience. Stories and visuals can help you convey the human and emotional aspects of your impact, as well as the facts and figures. For example, you can use stories and visuals to showcase the success stories of your beneficiaries, the challenges and solutions of your work, or the testimonials and feedback from your stakeholders. You can also use stories and visuals to highlight the unique and distinctive features of your non-profit and your volunteer role.
Finally, you should seek feedback and improvement for your impact reporting. This means asking for input and suggestions from your stakeholders on how you can improve your communication and reporting skills, as well as your impact results. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or online platforms to collect feedback from your stakeholders. You can also use feedback to identify the gaps, needs, and opportunities for your work, and to plan and implement actions to enhance your impact.