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Redesign or repeat, expand, and sustain
As we’ve discussed, evaluation will help you to understand the impact of your project. The data should also guide you as you consider whether to redesign your initiative, or whether it is ready to be repeated or expanded.
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If your initiative was successfulIf your evaluation has shown you that your project was successful, you should consider repeating its success, or even expanding it. For example, you can consider:
Your success shouldn’t dissuade you from making changes to your program, either. You can always think about how to make programs even better! |
If your initiative had mixed resultsIf your program wasn’t a complete success, that doesn’t mean you need to abandon it completely. Some questions to consider include:
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If you didn’t achieve what you wanted toIf your initiative was not successful, consider whether changes are likely to make it successful. For example, your program may not have attracted any participants, or your participants might have provided negative feedback about the program’s design. Or perhaps you didn’t have the outcomes you desired. Could you work with community organisations and service providers to attract more participants? Could you undertake more community consultation to better understand and respond to community needs? Could you reach desired outcomes by engaging with participants in a different way? If not, there’s no need to despair: you can draw a line under this initiative and design something new. |
Think sustainability
Whether you have decided to redesign, repeat or expand your initiative, it is important to make your initiative sustainable. Consider ongoing funding and staffing needs, and how the initiative can be embedded into your venue’s operations. Revisit ideas of collaborating with other organisations to support ongoing success.
Case studies
In 2018, the Brunswick Baths team decided to trial ‘Queer friendly, inclusive training’. The team wanted to provide a safe and supportive environment, recognising that exercising in a public space can be daunting, particularly for some people from the LGBTIQA+ community.
The venue ran a short pilot program of functional strength training sessions for the LGBTIQ+ community and allies. A further six-week program was held in the first half of 2019.
The Brunswick team received positive feedback, and based on the success of the trial programs, decided to launch a regular Q-Fit program in the second half of 2019. This expanded program involved small group training, once a week, in a private training space. There was no expectation of previous experience by participants, and a ‘Come as you are’ dress code was aimed at encouraging participation.
North Melbourne Community Centre’s (NMCC) Y Streetball program began as a short trial developed by two volunteers. The free drop-in basketball program, implemented through a partnership with YMCA Victoria and the City of Melbourne, was created to provide people experiencing homelessness with exercise and social interaction. Its success led to a permanent spot on NMCC’s Tuesday timetable, and to new activities.
The initiative began with a focus on providing sport and social opportunities to adults experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. Participants could play basketball, socialise, and had an opportunity to have a meal and a shower.
Participation has grown, and increased numbers have led to the fun of round-robin competitions. Publicity about the program has also led to the program gaining additional resources, including donations of money and sports shoes.
More than four years after it began, the Tuesday evening session welcomes adults of all abilities and backgrounds, and spectators are welcome. No experience or sports clothes are needed, and the team recently gave a number of regular participants Y Streetball t-shirts to wear when playing.
The program has also created a community outside the walls of NMCC, with participants meeting for barbecues and staying in touch during lockdown.
The success of the program inspired the team to introduce Y Streetball Kids sessions, and a Y Streetball All Abilities game.
There are also hopes to expand the program to other locations, with a Y Streetball All Abilities trial planned for Carlton Baths. The YMCA Open Doors program has funded audible basketballs, wheelchair balls and soft foam balls to help with this expansion.
