Los Angeles (August 4, 2009)

State of Measuring Impact
In recent years, we have seen the emergence of a variety of new approaches in the social sector. New types of funders and philanthropists have increased the pressure for accountability and evidence-based social impact. The growing demand for innovation in the social sector has uncovered a gap in the existing arsenal of measurement and evaluation tools. We have recognized the need for innovation in evaluation. While there is much discussion in the literature and at conferences, there is no one place where many different voices can join in one conversation. Innovation in Evaluation can become that central voice.

Conversation Themes
The blog will explore the following themes and invite conversation and debate.

• The challenge of evaluating new to the world offerings
• Examples of truly integrated qualitative and quantitative measures
• The value of active learning and responding to evaluations
• Innovative methodologies for conducting and reporting on impact

The Role of Facilitation
The facilitator will set the tone of the conversation by carving out the theme from the larger realm of measurement and evaluation and posing questions to the audience. IDEO will fulfill the role of facilitator by posting, inviting guest authors and regularly responding to comments. IDEO will pose one large question to the community each week. Key contributors from IDEO will include Jim Collins, Sally Madsen, Tatyana Mamut, Aaron Sklar, and Jocelyn Wyatt.

Guest Authors
Thought leaders will be specifically invited to make guest posts. The following are people who are currently in conversation with IDEO about this initiative and would likely serve as contributors include:
      David Bonbright, Keystone
      Martin Fisher, KickStart
      Mark Kramer, FSG
      Haven Ley, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
      Sara Olsen, SVPT
      Kevin Starr, Mulago Foundation
      Brian Trelstad, Acumen Fund

Timeline
The blog will be active for a period of 12 weeks. Each week IDEO will commit to posting at least one entry and respond to guest comments. Each week we will also feature one guest author.

About GOOD

GOOD Worldwide is the integrated media company for people who want to live well and do good. GOOD is an editorially-led, member-driven community that provides content and experiences that blend entertainment and relevance. Launched in September 2006, GOOD has received numerous awards and widespread praise for its groundbreaking aesthetic and unique voice that reflects the cultural shift among consumers who want to move the world forward and enjoy themselves while doing so. Since its inception, GOOD has achieved commercial success and catalyzed social impact. Through its innovative Choose GOOD campaign, the company has directed over $1,000,000 in subscription revenue to a diverse roster of leading nonprofit organizations around the world. See what's GOOD: www.good.is.

About IDEO

As the world's leading design firm, IDEO creates innovative products, services, spaces, and experiences for such companies as Procter & Gamble, Pepsi-Cola, and Samsung, and helps companies build cultures of innovation. IDEO's renowned multidisciplinary culture and process of innovation have given rise to the Apple mouse, the first laptop computer, the Polaroid I-Zone instant camera, the Palm V, the soft-handled Gripper toothbrush for Oral-B, and hundreds of other standard-setting designs. Since 1991, IDEO has topped Business Week's list of winners of the annual Industrial Design Excellence Awards, and in 2005, the magazine named IDEO one of the twenty most innovative companies in the world.

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