What do you do if policy changes are hindering your organization's social impact mission?

1 Assess the impact

The first step is to understand how the policy change affects your organization and your beneficiaries. You need to gather relevant information, analyze the risks and opportunities, and communicate with your team and partners. You may need to adjust your budget, your timeline, your activities, or your outcomes. You may also need to update your theory of change, your logic model, or your impact measurement framework. The key is to be proactive, realistic, and transparent.

2 Engage with stakeholders

The second step is to engage with your stakeholders, including your donors, your beneficiaries, your staff, your board, and your allies. You need to inform them about the policy change, how it impacts your organization and your mission, and what actions you are taking or planning to take. You also need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions. You may need to negotiate, collaborate, or advocate with them to secure their support, alignment, and cooperation.

3 Adapt and innovate

The third step is to adapt and innovate your strategies, tactics, and solutions to respond to the policy change. You need to be flexible, creative, and resilient. You may need to pivot your focus, diversify your funding sources, leverage your networks, or experiment with new approaches. You may also need to seek new opportunities, partnerships, or markets that emerge from the policy change. The key is to be agile, resourceful, and visionary.

4 Monitor and evaluate

The fourth step is to monitor and evaluate your performance, your impact, and your learning in light of the policy change. You need to collect data, measure results, and report progress. You also need to reflect on your successes, challenges, and lessons learned. You may need to revise your indicators, targets, or methods. You may also need to share your findings, stories, or best practices with your stakeholders and peers. The key is to be accountable, evidence-based, and adaptive.

5 Influence and advocate

The fifth step is to influence and advocate for positive policy changes that support your organization and your mission. You need to identify your policy goals, your target audiences, and your key messages. You also need to build relationships, coalitions, and campaigns with other actors who share your vision and values. You may need to use various tools, such as research, media, events, or petitions. You may also need to overcome various barriers, such as resistance, apathy, or misinformation. The key is to be strategic, persuasive, and collaborative.

6 Celebrate and appreciate

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and appreciate your achievements, your impact, and your team in spite of the policy changes. You need to recognize your efforts, your results, and your contributions. You also need to acknowledge your partners, your supporters, and your beneficiaries. You may need to organize events, awards, or testimonials. You may also need to express gratitude, feedback, or recognition. The key is to be positive, proud, and humble.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?