2017 LEAN impact assessment: Evaluation & strategic conclusions

Abstract

This is the third post in the LEAN Impact Assessment series. Quantitative Findings Qualitative Findings Evaluation & Strategic Conclusions Methodology In the previous Quantitative and Qualitative reports we aimed to describe our findings with minimal commentary in order to allow the data to ‘speak for itself’ and allow readers to draw their own impressions without being influenced by our own interpretations and conclusions. In this report we aim to offer more interpretation and analysis of the implications of our findings for LEAN strategy and for EA local groups. The LEAN Impact Assessment has aimed to provide insight both into the status and value of EA local groups as a whole, and the efficacy of efforts (by LEAN and others) to support these groups. These topics occupy the first two sections of this report, respectively, and in the final section we outline LEAN’s strategic plans formed in the light of these findings. Our findings represent only a first step in researching EA Local Groups and we plan to conduct further, more specific, research into local groups and LEAN’s services in the future. Executive Summary Group Size and Activity EA Survey Data Age of Groups Impact Is it all the largest groups? Further Evidence of Group Impact Value of existing programme services and resources Alternative Analytic Strategies Evaluations of Group Support and Services Technical support Personal Support and Expertise Group Communication Group Calls EA Group Newsletter EA Mentoring Programme Strategic Summary Acknowledgments EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * EA groups report producing significant impact e.g. counterfactual pledges and donations influenced * Most members report that groups are a large or very large factor in their engagement with EA * Organisers express a strong demand for personal support and feedback, written guides and research on group impact GROUP SIZE AND ACTIVITY The LEAN Imp