Theory of Change
What are the name of the 6 categories for a Theory of Change?
Outcomes–Long Term, Intermediate, Term, Short Term
Outputs–Participants, Activities
Inputs
What are the four questions you should ask when forming a problem statement?
What is the problem? Who is being impacted? What is happening? Why is it important?
_______ is a comprehensive description and illustration
of how and why a desired change is
expected to happen in a particular context.
Theory of Change
A Theory of Change is a framework that explains _____ and ______ a specific action is expected to lead to a desired outcome.
How and Why.
A Theory of Change is read from left to right.
False
In what direction do you read a Theory of Change?
Right to Left
A student group wants to reduce littering in their school. They plan to host a cleanup event, create posters, and partner with teachers.
Name one input and activity in this scenario.
Input: Volunteers, poster materials, teacher partners, time.
Activity: Host a school cleanup event and create anti-littering posters.
Opens up a range of possible solutions
Ensures that your solutions are not based on incorrect assumptions
Problem Statement
A Theory of Change is read from ____ to _____
Right to Left
A Problem Statement should avoid assigning causes or prescribing solutions.
True
Why do we read a Theory of Change from right to left instead of left to right?
(Any acceptable answer)
Scenario B: A youth organization notices that students in their community lack access to mental health resources. Write a problem statement for this issue using the 4-question framework (What, Who, What is happening, Why it matters)
Students in [community] do not have access to adequate mental health resources. As a result, young people are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and declining academic performance, leaving them without the support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.
These are the people, time, money, expertise, and other resources your strategy requires.
Inputs
When building a Problem Statement, you should use _____ to back up your statement.
Hint: Numbers
Statistics
Once a Theory of Change is created, it should never be changed.
False.
A Theory of Change is Fluid!
What is another name for a Theory of Change?
Logic Model
A group of students notices that their school cafeteria does not offer healthy food options. Write a problem statement for this issue using the 4-question framework.
Students in [school] do not have access to healthy food options in their cafeteria. As a result, students are experiencing poor nutrition which negatively impacts their energy, focus, and overall health.
A vision of change that expands past one year–often said to be the first step in a Theory of Change
Long-Term Outcome
A Theory of Change is considered _____, meaning it can change depending on observed circumstances.
Fluid
Inputs are the specific activities you carry out in your Theory of Change.
False
What are the three time frames used to describe outcomes in a Theory of Change?
Short Term (0-6 months), Intermediate (6 months to a year), and Long Term (a year or more).
youth leader wants to reduce gun violence in their neighborhood. They plan to host a town hall, partner with local police, and create a safe space program. Name one short-term and one long-term outcome for this scenario.
Community members become more aware of gun violence resources. Long-Term: Gun violence decreases and young people feel safer in their neighborhood.
(Open to interpretation)
This is the term for the specific actions you take in your Theory of Change that directly lead to outcomes.
Activities
Ultimate; Final
A Theory of Change helps make change intentional, measurable, and grounded in reasoning rather than hope.
True