Goals

What are the goals, priority population, and desired outcomes?

Think of your logic model as your road map, identifying and linking the pathways between your goals and program activities. The BDI (Behavior-Determinant-Intervention) logic model is commonly used in the adolescent sexual and reproductive health field to link activities with goals. (See also: Framework)

BDI Logic Model (Behavior-Determinant-Intervention)

Crafting a specific (and realistic) goal will help you plan for and predict your outcomes. Use needs assessment data to decide on goals and select behaviors linked to them. Build these goals and behaviors into a logic model.

SMART Objectives

With goals established and behaviors selected, choose determinants (or risk and protective factors) that your priority population experience related to the issue you’re focusing on. These are usually knowledge, skills, attitudes, or access-based issues affecting a person’s behavior (e.g., skills to negotiate not having sex). Include these determinants in your logic model.

Finally, make SMART (i.e., Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-oriented) outcome statements that will guide your evaluation and future planning.

NOTE: The “intervention” part of the logic model is left blank at this time. You will fill it in soon as you learn more about what program and activities will best meet your population’s needs.  

What if I’m already running a program?

If you are looking to improve or expand an existing program go ahead and build a logic model based on what you’re already doing, linking your programming to your goals. Your logic model will help you refine the execution and evaluation of your programming.

 Benefits to Establishing Goals and Objectives

Here, you put your assessment data to work by documenting what you hope will program will accomplish. The logic model you build will continue to be your “road map” as your select activities and plan to evaluate your work. Doing this early in your process will keep your team focused.

Logic models are also a powerful tool for communicating your vision, your plans, and your program to all levels of staff, stakeholders, funders, and decision-makers.

 How to Establish Goals and Objectives

1. Identify a health goal that describes what you want to accomplish long term (e.g., “Reduce incidences of HIV among 15-19 year olds in Fayetteville.”).
2. Select key behaviors and risk or protective factors (i.e., determinants) you would like to influence among the priority population. Remember to consult your needs assessment data.
3. Begin a logic model that connects the health goal, behaviors, and risk and protective factors.
4. Write SMART outcome statements about how the program will change participants’ behavior.

 What’s Next?

Evidence & Innovation

 What If I’m Not Ready for This Step?

Assess