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How might we collaboratively uncover and visualize the broader impact of a social change program beyond direct deliverables?
Participatory Mapping Workshop
Evaluating the influence of a complex social program - spanning socio-ecological justice, democracy, and digital rights - required going beyond typical indicators. The Heinrich Böll Foundation sought not just accountability reporting, but a deep, user-centered learning experience. We introduced Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) to capture not just what changed - but how, for whom, and what new ripples emerged in Brazilian society through their initiatives.
Each REM session was a co-creation moment - not only with program members, but including beneficiaries in the discussion, at the same table. This way, the mapping allowed to document tangible and intangible transformations that traditional evaluations often miss.
1. How have funded projects influenced behaviors, relationships, and perceptions among participants and beyond?
2. What unexpected effects or indirect transformations are participants experiencing?
3. How do partner organizations and target groups perceive the broader societal impact of initiatives?
The participatory sessions revealed hidden layers of impact:
* Reach of knowledge products: widespread application of the Foundation's atlas within educational contexts, extending their reach beyond the originally intended audiences
* Social amplification: Environmental justice messaging spread into new youth-led networks.
* Role of the foundation: impact beyond financing - the Heinrich Boell Stiftung was perceived as active political collaborator and trustworthy content producer
Unexpectedly, many participants highlighted transformations outside the original program goals, such as mental health support networks and new interdisciplinary collaborations
The evaluation introduced human-centered design principles into program and partnership development, highlighting the value of grounding strategy in real stakeholder needs and lived experiences. The work supported a shift from data-driven reporting to story-driven communication, making the impact of progressive agendas in Brazil more visible, accessible, and translatable to global audiences.
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