To effectively measure the true impact of community outreach, it is essential to begin with a clear vision of the desired outcomes. A comprehensive approach involves assessing the diversity within the community and developing both quantitative and qualitative impact indicators accordingly. The outreach plan should be strategically designed in collaboration with key community stakeholders, ensuring that the initiative is well-informed and culturally relevant. By engaging Key People of Influence (KPI) within the community, the outreach efforts can be more effectively executed, and the impact can be accurately measured and evaluated at the conclusion of the initiative.

Before any other interaction, be 100% transparent to participants about the ‘why’ you are contacting the community & ensure the lens you are doing the work is filtered with a history of marginalization, cultural sensitivity and recognizing community members have Ph Ds in their specific community knowledge. Then start your scheduled duties…

A truly impactful outreach initiative must be rooted in equity, dismantled barriers, inclusion, and ensuring that the most marginalized voices are not just recipients but active architects of change. This requires authentic participatory model where community members co-design and lead initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.

Best way to get a true impact and opinions and comments from the community is talking to them person to person and then follow up with an email or social media… remember the loudest person isn’t always representative… it those who speak in churches and community groups that speak real change and support

Real impact is noticeable from simple observations that array from small outcomes like the excitement of communities to the idea of change, to statistical growth of key indicators over time. It grows deeper as you realize social and behavioural change over time. Impact and growth can be recorded in reports, statistics and observation for quantitative and qualitative change respectively.