Measure you success - AOD and Young Adults

Some example ‘measures of success’ and tools to measure them are provided, a useful starting point for measuring the success of your program.

Measuring success

Engage with (xx) community organisations over the first three months of your activity to assist in establishing access to young adults to participate in your awareness raising activity/upskilling activity/participation and social connection activity.
Work with (xx) community organisations to deliver awareness raising activities/upskilling activity/participation and social connection activity targeting young adults.
(xx) young adults participating in (xx) awareness raising activities/upskilling activity/participation and social connection activity targeting young adults.
Post-awareness raising activity/upskilling activity/ participation and social connection activity on alcohol, other drugs and young people: (survey completed by target audience or participants pre/ post activity/training).

As a result of the awareness raising activity or completing the upskilling activity/participation and social connection activity:

(xx percent) young adults will be aware of the NHMRC Drinking Guidelines
(xx) young adults will demonstrate an increased awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs
(xx) young adults will report an increase participation in community activities or increase in feelings of social connection within (insert name) community.

Short-term impacts of awareness raising activity/ upskilling activity/participation and social connection activity on young adults (one month after):

as a result of completing the awareness raising activity, (xx) participants will continue to demonstrate an increase in knowledge of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs
as a result of completing the upskilling/ participation and/or social connection activity, (xx number) participants report ongoing engagement in the participation activity and stronger feelings of social connection within (xx name) community.

Longer-term impacts of alcohol and younger people training or information session (six months after completing the activity):

as a result of completing the awareness raising activity, (xx number) participants will further develop their knowledge of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs
as a result of completing the upskilling/ participation and/or social connection activity, (xx number) participants report further engagement in the participation activities and stronger feelings of social connection within (xx name) community.

Feedback sheets or questionnaires (both pre- and post- is preferable)
Interviews
Surveys
Verbal feedback from participants, facilitators
Notes taken by a dedicated note taker
Document analysis (e.g. tracking and monitoring the number of resources distributed)
Focus groups (e.g. with healthcare and service providers)
Partnerships analysis
Local population health data (e.g. community survey data).

Other things you can do to support young people in your community:

Work with your community partners to further connect and strengthen your community: see Strong and Connected Communities toolkit
Work with your community partners to deliver a volunteering or mentoring activity: see Involving Volunteers toolkit or Mentoring toolkit
Participate in a community liquor licensing activity: see Community Participation in Liquor Licensing toolkit.