The Impact Narrative Tool helps you create compelling stories with which you can share the contribution of research and policy to social change through. Each module includes one or more questions that help you develop and share your story. You may record your answers in this workbook. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

Would you like to know which modules of the tool are most relevant to you? Taking this quiz will help you find out. You may also take the quiz to test your knowledge after having completed one or more modules.

City of Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam and National Center for Youth Health have developed the Impact Narrative Tool with support from Healthy Start.

Module 1 explains what impact is, who and what can experience impact, and the different forms of impact (see video). You can test your knowledge on impact via the quiz.

You can download the transcript here.

After having viewed the video, try to answer the following question:

What sustainable change that positively affects people’s lives are you working towards?

Record your answer in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

Module 2 covers the basics of an impact narrative, which is a powerful tool you can use to effectively share your efforts for a particular cause with others. You can learn more about the elements and benefits of the impact narrative in the video. You will learn why and when to use it as well. 

You can download the transcript here.

Now that you have watched the video,

What is your role in generating the sustainable change that positively affects people’s lives that are you working towards?

Record your answer in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

Module 3 zooms into the five elements that are essential for crafting a good impact narrative. After watching the video, you should be able to recognize these – use the quiz to check your understanding. 

You can download the transcript here.

As the video explained, an impact narrative consists of five elements that efficiently structure your story. Try to answer the following five questions:

What is the societal problem that you are working on?

Who are the people and organizations most closely associated to this societal problem?

What are your efforts to solve the problem?

What sustainable change that positively affects people’s lives are you working towards?

What is the evidence of the resolution of the problem?

And optionally answer three additional questions that you will find in the workbook.

Record your answers in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

Module 4 provides technical assistance for gathering input for your impact narrative.

You can download an interview protocol to help you ask the right questions to gather relevant information and references about your work from partners and stakeholders. 

We also recommend considering other data sources. Think of (progress) reports, websites, surveys and questionnaires, focus group discussions and even field observations.

After you have completed gathering information, review the answers that you provided to the questions that are part of module 3. If you have not completed module 3 (yet), review the draft impact narrative that you are working on.

Do you wish or need to revise your answers to the questions that are part of module 3?

Alternatively, do you wish to revise your draft impact narrative?

Record your answer in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

 

Module 5 introduces you to the art of effectively distributing your impact narrative. You will discover the importance of knowing your goal and audience and understanding how different channels can be used to work best based on the needs of your narrative. The quiz question will provide feedback on your understanding of this module.

You can download the transcript here.

The video talks about the importance of having a clear goal, target audience(s) and forms and channels in mind. What are your answers to the questions below?

What is the goal of sharing your impact narrative?

Who are your target audiences?

What forms and channels do your target audiences prefer?

Record your answers in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.

 

Information gathering

• Always remember to ask permission from people whose perspectives and experiences you are sharing. Provide them the opportunity to read the story for dissemination. You want people’s voices and experiences to be heard properly and ethically!

Content

• Be open about any assumptions in your claims.
• Mention other people and organizations whom you have worked with. Impact is rarely the result of the efforts of one person or organization!
• Consider whether there are additional expectations regarding the content your impact story. A funder may ask for additional elements (e.g., revenue generated).

Form

• Use clear and concise language and visuals. Avoid jargon and complicated tables and charts as much as possible.
• There are no set criteria regarding story length. Your story should give the full picture without evoking boredom or confusion.
• Check for additional expectations regarding the format of your impact story. For example, a funder may set word or page limits.

Share

• Don’t wait to share until the end result is achieved! Share any findings along the way. Remember that an impact narrative is a dynamic tool. The narrative will change depending on where you are in the process.

Now that you have read the tips and tricks above, is there anything you need to keep in mind when developing and/or sharing your story?

Regarding gathering information for my impact narrative, I need to keep in mind that…

When developing the content of my impact narrative, I do not want to forget to…

In deciding on the form of my impact narrative, I should be mindful of…

When sharing my story, it is important to…

Record your answers in the workbook, which you can download here if you have not done so yet. The workbook includes examples and tips as well.