Common Good Vermont, a statewide network of non-profits, consultants, and other organizations working to increase effectiveness, recently released their advice on implementing RBA. The complete article has been re-posted below, but you can also view the original posting by clicking here.
Results-Based Accountability(TM) is sweeping the state of Vermont, the public and private sectors are embracing this framework of accountability wholeheartedly. Implementing RBA means intentional systems change, at all levels of the organization, it’s not just a new way of reporting what you are doing but will change how you think about: What Do We Do? How Well Do We Do It? and Is Anyone Better Off?
1) Read “Trying Hard is Not Good Enough”
This is the holy book of Results-Based Accountability(TM) and the author, Mark Friedman, is the father. With under 200 pages, this book gives simple descriptions, useful tools, and real examples of how to implement this framework in any organization, big or small, public or private.The book only costs $16.95, if you really don’t want to read, you can watch the Workshop Video at DVD which is available to buy for $79.95.
2) Get the Tools for Performance Management
Benchmarks for a Better Vermont is rolling out a 4-part training in Bennington County in October. This 4-part series will focus on the tools
needed to effectively implement performance management in to your mission-driven organization. The training will be held at the G-NAT Public Action Studios in Sunderland, Vermont on October 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 9:00am to 12:00pm. For more information, visitwww.bbvt.marlboro.edu.
3) Get your team together and sign-up for Next Step in RBA: Implementing Data Management.
This custom-made training is designed to take Vermont nonprofits that are using Results-Based Accountability(TM) and help them take the next step of creating a data management system. Teams will learn to craft a realistic plan for regular data analysis, simple processes for data collection, easy-to-use ways to manage their data, effective ways to present their data and finally the methods to use to make strategic decisions and report your results. Training will take place on two days, where teams will come, with a computer and work with their data and tools to craft a custom-fit data management plan. Participants will have access to an online platform to ask questions, get support from the trainers and learn from other nonprofit leaders in the course.
When: October 21 and November 12
Where: Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Online
Cost: $265/person (Recommend 2-3 people per organization)
Apply Today!
4) Think “Turn the Curve” All the Time!
Clear Impact offers a wide-range of tools to help you “turn the curve” including 
the Implementation Guide for Results-Based Accountability(TM) and the Turn the Curve Thinking, organized by question. In addition, this site provides success stories and workshop materials. This online guide has everything from descriptions of how to get started to using performance measures to improve performance. This valuable resource is not only a guide but also offers success stories, and workshop materials to help you bring this to your co-workers!
5) Look at a LIVE RBA Scorecard from Vermont!
Success stories give real-life examples of how it could work for your organization and not to mention a little hope that all the hard work is worth it! The Lamoille Family Center is a real-life success story, right here in Vermont, that are using and sharing their performance measures online through their data portal.
For more resources, check out the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont RBA Toolbox.
