Creating Objectives

What are objectives? Specific, measurable results of the initiative. They explain how much of what will be accomplished by when.

Types of Objectives Behavioral objectives. Community-level outcome objectives. Process objectives.

Characteristics of Objectives: "SMART + C" Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timed Challenging

Why create objectives? Create specific, feasible ways to carry out your mission. To serve as a marker of successes. Prioritize your goals. Set guidelines. Reemphasize your mission. Serve as a completeness check.

When should you develop objectives? When your organization has developed or revamped its vision and mission statements. Your focus has changed or expanded. Your goals are long and/or complex.

How to create objectives Reaffirm your vision and mission statements. Determine the necessary changes. Collect baseline data. Decide what is realistic. Set objectives. Review your objectives. Use the objectives to guide your strategies.

Examples By the year 2012, the reported level of sexual abstinence and postponement of initial sexual intercourse among 12-17 year olds will be increased by 20%. By the year 2015, the estimated pregnancy rate among 12-17 year olds will be reduced by 25%.