The impact of Programming for Impact : a study on evaluation methods and the RSVP Program

The following study is based on the experience of the author with the outcome based evaluation method called Programming for Impact in the Boston Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Developed by the Corporation for National and Community Service to meet the requirements set forth in the Government and Performance and Results Act of 1993, Programming for Impact allows Senior Corps programs to effectively demonstrate results. Though implemented in 1996, as of 2002 no data or documented results of Programming for Impact existed. The purpose of this research was to identify the issues and concerns raised by implementing a results-based logic model like Programming for Impact in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The author identifies issues in communication, evaluation design, volunteer management, accountability and the role of volunteers in national service. Her conclusions are: 1) Though a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of PfI exists between project directors and Corporation leadership, it does not exist among Massachusetts RSVP directors; and 2) Although some RSVP volunteers’ impacts can be measured using Programming for Impact and performance measures, at this time RSVP project directors should not implement performance measures nor be held accountable for RSVP volunteers’ contribution to meeting critical community needs