What is a Logic Model?

A logic model is “a systematic and visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan to do, and the changes or results you hope to achieve.” The process of developing a logic model can help program staff and other stakeholders clarify goals and outcomes and identify where program activities are serving those goals well, and where they are not. In addition, once resources, activities, goals, and outcomes have been mapped out, a logic model can be expanded to include evaluation questions and strategies.

In its most robust form, the process of developing a logic model engages representatives from all the stakeholder groups, often including program staff, participants, board members, community members, and strategic partners, which can engender a shared sense of purpose and ownership.

Youth Media Programs’ Experiences with Logic Model Development

Back in 2003, EDC worked with Time Warner youth media grantees, Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), Educational Video Center (EVC), Global Action Project (GAP), Reel Grrls, Spy Hop Productions, and Video Machete, to capture shared experiences for developing logic models. They found that logic models:

• Provided a framework for thinking about their work systematically
• Helped stakeholders define common language around goals, outcomes, and evaluation
• Helped them articulate common values and assumptions, and identify those areas where stakeholders’ values and assumptions diverged
• Helped program staff feel more connected with other stakeholders, such as participants and board members, and helped them develop a shared sense of ownership and commitment
• Is a process rather than a product, and needs to be revisited regarding implementation of the elements in the model

The grantees also mentioned a number of activities and strategies that grew out of their logic model work:

Informing the design and implementation of program activities and resources

• BAVC designed portfolio workshops
• Reel Grrls revised some of their data collection tools

Ongoing implementation and revision of the logic model

• Video Machete begins every programming year discussing their accomplishments and adding new learning goals to the logic model for the coming year
• GAP uses the logic model in strategic planning and staff meetings

Developing a logic model that speaks to all the stakeholders involved in the program, including youth

• Video Machete formed a community council that includes universities, community activists, youth, and teachers. The community council is kept informed of the program through the logic model, and uses it in decision-making processes.
• Spy Hop asks youth for feedback on their goals and program experiences, and new insights
• Reel Grrls involved participants and board members in the process

Sample Logic Models from Time Warner Youth Media Programs

BAVC :: Reel Grrls (Program & Organization) :: Spy Hop :: Youth Radio (Media & Broadcast)