Impact is the difference we make in people’s lives as a result of programs we conduct. To be effective, they must ultimately change people’s attitudes or behavior, or benefit society in other ways. Measuring impact is part of evaluation, and it must be considered while a program is being developed, not after-the-fact. Most Extension staff are already experts in conducting outstanding programs but don’t always take the final steps to evaluate, summarize, and market the impacts of such outstanding programs. This article presents a process for developing and promoting Extension educational programs that yield impact.
