Writing Effective Success Stories

1. Writing Effective Success Stories SWGNFL

2. Definition of success The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines success as an “outcome” or “result” – “a degree or measure of succeeding” or a “favorable or desired outcome.”

3. What is a success story? A success story is the successful – favorable or desired result or outcome of a program. In other words, you want to paint a picture as to how intervention makes a difference in the lives of the people it serves.

4. What is a success story? So, consider these factors when you write a success story: * Pretend the reader knows nothing whatsoever about your program. Don’t assume anything! * Remember… You are telling a short story about what you want to achieve in a program.

5. What is a success story? * Tells the reader why and how your program was implemented. * Tells the results or the impact of the program * Tells the measurable results or how program success was achieved * Defines the public valueof a program

6. A good success story: • Describes results that are valued by humanitarian entities • Contains compelling, significant facts • Catches your attention • Tells who benefits

7. Why write success stories? ◊ To show accountability for public funds ◊ To verify that we are using resources to make a positive difference in people’s lives ◊ To share successes so individuals in and out of the project can learn from our results

8. Why write success stories? ◊ To show that numbers alone don’t tell the whole story of the intervention ◊ To reflect and learn from our work ◊ To practice good scholarship

9. A good success story: • Answers: “So what?” • Spells out Extension’s role in achieving results • Is easy to read and understand • Identifies key partners and funders

10. Structure of success stories * Situation/Background * Response/Program Activities * Results/Impact * Evaluation/Evidence

11. Other Helpful Tips

12. Helpful Tips • Use pictures • Proofread • Use active vs. passive voice • Be clear & concise • Avoid jargon/acronyms

13. Helpful Tips • Choose simple words • Use direct narration where necessary

14. Helpful Tips Formatting features: • Times New Roman, 12 point • Single space within paragraphs, double space between paragraphs • Left justify headers and text • Bold headers • 1.5-inch margins • Short paragraphs and active tense • Names, not “this agent” • Avoid bullets, special fonts or features since they may not transfer to the web.

15. SS Modular Outfit

16. Questions?

17. References • Alabama Cooperative Extension System. (2005). A success story for ETP11g. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://www.aces.edu/counties/Franklin/pages/Success.templ. • Alabama Cooperative Extension System. (2005). A success story for PPA 14. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from http://www.aces.edu/counties/Franklin/pages/Success.templ. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 2007). HIV surveillance report: Cases of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and dependent areas, 2005 (Vol. 17). Retrieved February 15, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/reports/2005report/pdf/2005SurveillanceReport.pdf. • Iowa State University Extension. (September 8, 2006). Success story guidelines for field specialists and ceeds. Retrieved October 12, 2007, from http://www.extension.iastate.edu/planofwork/success.html. • University of Florida Extension. (May 2001). The fast and easy way to write effective success stories. • Purdue Extension. (2007). Success story guidelines. Publication 11-2003. Retrieved October 12, 2007, from http://www.uwex.edu/ces/prs/docs/successstory.doc.