Building a “learning organization” is difficult. Many nonprofit organizations struggle with evaluation, implementation of evidence-based practices, and adapting to change.
On February 15, 2018, local CEO’s and their Board Chairs participated in a workshop co-facilitated by Evaluation Center Director Nancy Mueller and Barry Rosenberg, Brown School professor of practice. The workshop was hosted by the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
During the three-hour session, attendees explored the role of the governing board in defining a vision and supporting organizational learning. Participants were introduced to The Performance Imperative: A Framework for Social Sector Excellence. The PI is a tool to help drive high performance—the ability to deliver meaningful, measurable and sustainable results for the people or communities being served by organizations. Each organization conducted an initial assessment and identified action steps to take back their organization. Nancy is a LEAP of Reason Ambassador who works to support social service organizations to achieve even greater social impact through high performance.
Participants also discussed the challenges of becoming a learning organization, the role of evidence-based practice and quality improvement, and strategies for using data to define vision, mission, strategy and policy.