We developed a do-it-yourself impact program that enables remembrance and commemoration organizations to start learning about their impact independently. Using engaging, physical materials, we help them have difficult conversations, clarify their impact ambitions, and take concrete steps—in a way that suits their unique organization.
The topic of impact (measurement) has been present in the remembrance and commemoration sector for some time (think of organizations such as the National Children’s Remembrance, the Indisch Remembrance Centre, and the War Graves Foundation). In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OC&W), a coalition of organizations in the remembrance field had been working on developing an impact training for their sector. However, they were looking for a way to make their knowledge and expertise available to the broader field in a scalable way. The question was: how do we help remembrance organizations get started with examining their impact so that we, as a field, remain relevant and continue to do meaningful work? The goal was to both inspire organizations and give them a practical way forward. Many of these organizations are small, have limited time, and operate in a sensitive context. Impact measurement is often perceived as complex, unnecessary, or even threatening. Still, it's an important conversation: are your activities truly contributing to your mission? The challenge was to develop an approach that builds trust while providing concrete support.
We spoke with various organizations in the field and learned just how diverse their methods and contexts can be. At the same time, we identified shared needs: impact relates to an organization’s reason for existence, and discussing it requires care. Existing tools and workshops often proved too abstract, too academic, or ill-suited to practical realities. We discovered that people want a shared vision of their intended impact, but that conversations around this can be delicate. The fear that measurement might “yield nothing” is discouraging. By building trust upfront, allowing space for differences, and offering practical tools, we were able to lower these barriers. We also found that many organizations are curious but face “impact fatigue.” Getting started, then, must be simple and inspiring, with relatable examples and a clear sense of urgency.
We created an inspiring and inviting do-it-yourself impact program. Organizations can use it independently and at their own pace. The program (toekomstvolverleden.nl) offers clear steps and appealing physical and digital materials to support conversations about impact, sharpen goals, and translate them into concrete activities. The focus is on getting started quickly so that organizations can begin learning right away. The approach is flexible, allowing each organization to apply it in their own way and within their own context.
The program consists of five steps. It begins with an activating introduction: we show why impact measurement matters and what it can deliver. Then, team members individually reflect on what impact means to them, using a reflection booklet filled with inspiring questions and examples.
This is followed by a joint impact session, where the team uses interactive methods to discuss the organization’s impact ambition. Think of game-like elements, in-depth cards, and facilitator videos that help clarify the "why." In a follow-up session, this ambition is applied to a specific activity, using a specially designed impact map. This physical format makes it easy to integrate impact thinking into future projects.
We smartly leveraged knowledge and materials already available in the sector. For example, we transformed an existing story bank (containing inspiring stories from organizations about their experiences with impact) into an accessible and attractive website. This makes it easier to share stories and inspire others to take action. We also collaborated with experts who had previously developed materials to translate impact goals into research themes. We integrated this content into the program so that organizations have direct tools to begin their research: which questions to ask, when to ask them, and how to process the results.
In the measurement phase, the team gathers data and monitors the chosen activity. Finally, there is a reflection moment where the results are discussed: are we making the impact we want to make, and what can we learn from it? The program encourages linking the results to strategy and communication, both internally and externally.
We created 50 toolkits and a strong online home for the impact program and story bank at toekomstvolverleden.nl. The program is designed to be actually used—to become a permanent part of organizational practice. Not a report that sits in a drawer, but a practical, tangible tool. In May, the program officially launched with a joint kickoff event, attended by around 15 organizations from the sector. We remain involved in the implementation and are already seeing the program foster more direction, action, and concrete improvements. This way, we help organizations develop an impact mindset in just a few simple steps—keeping their mission relevant and meaningful.
