1. Five Components of a Good Impact Story
Telling the Story
Five Components of a Good Impact Story

2. Write for a Broad Audience Use Key Words Illustrate Community Impact
Focus on the Basics
Write for a Broad Audience
Use Key Words
Illustrate Community Impact
Connect to the AmeriCorps*VISTA goals
Five Components to a Good Impact Story

3. Focus on the Basics Who is involved?
Include community partners and project beneficiaries
What has the project accomplished?
Make sure to be specific
Focus on which community needs are being met
When did the event take place or was the milestone met?
Include dates, if possible

4. Focus on the Basics (Con’t.)
Where did this all happen?
Include information about the city, town, or neighborhood
Why is this project of value?
This is your chance to make your case!
How is this project being implemented?
Connect the success of the project to the PACC*VISTA member

5. Write for a Broad Audience
Avoid jargon
Write-out acronyms
Don't assume the knowledge level of the reader

6. Use Key Words Know your audience Focus on goals and priorities
Look for clues in organizational information

7. Illustrate Community Impact
Include data and statistics
Provide names of and quotes by community partners
Focus on outcomes, not outputs
Focus on project beneficiaries

8. Connect to the AmeriCorps*VISTA Goals
Capacity-Building
Sustainability
Community Empowerment
Anti-Poverty Efforts

9. How have your been successful at telling the story?