Theories of Change for Everyday Use!
(Thanks to Sean’s brilliance)
Leah: I could use: some live music, a good cuddle, and a nice read on structural violence and war economies.
Sean: Can you do all those things at the same time?
Leah: You're such an aid worker. Always multi-tasking.
Sean: Well, those are three broad results What's the objective? And what are your assumptions?
Leah: Oh no, you're right!! Who would fund that?! Maybe the EU? What about "happiness writ large"? No no, that’s not it, that's too broad of a goal.
Sean: Probably, they're big on PDA, which is what cuddling at live music would be I guess.
Leah: How about "decreased anxiety"? That might be hard to measure.
Sean: You need to do a SWOT analysis.
Leah: Good call.
Sean: You can't just assume that you need live music.
Leah: Geez you're right What was I thinking?
Sean: I don't know, but it's good that you have an expert around.
Leah: Yes it's true.
Sean: That'll be $1,000 please.
Leah: Oh um, one sec, let me just see if I can get a loan to pay you.
Sean: Ok.
Leah: Ok, I think I'm set. The interest rate is only 45%. I will send it to you via my mobile banking phone. beep boop boop.
Sean: Put it on your credit card.
Leah: Um ok. Sean, I'm hungry. But I spent all my money on consultants.
And I forgot to add food to my theory of change.
Sean: Hmmmm. Can you get some more money?
Leah: Oooh yes, I bet I can. I will call China.
Sean: Typical. I wish I could give you more advice, but it's not free.
Leah: But I really want some more advice. Now I'm hungry and angry. Maybe I'll start a war, to generate income.
Sean: No no no no.
Leah: Arrggh but I'm aanngryyyyy.
Sean: Have an election. Ok, fiiiiiiiine. I'll put on a workshop and give you food
Leah: Yaaay! I'm also thirsty.
Sean: There will be several coffee and tea breaks.
Leah: Oh good. And our poll workers are hungry too. And t-shirts? T-shirts make me happy and less likely to fight.
Sean: Sorry, I have to go on vacation. Your questions will have to wait.
Leah: Nooooooo, when will you be back?
Sean: Well, I'll be back in ten days, but I won't be able to catch up with you for at least another week after that because I'll have a lot of work piling up, and then I have to plan my next vacation. So, really, in about 17 days we'll have a five hour window to further discuss this workshop you want. I can give you free food, but the workshop you want is something you want and need to plan. Sorry-o
Leah: Oh. I'm hungry.
And scene.
