Elfenworks Foundation Initiative
Studying Effectiveness and Fostering Best Practices
While we would like to believe that all of the NGOs we support are highly effective, some are likely more effective than others, and the best are always striving for improvement. On this page, we intend to call attention to what works well (best practices), and disseminate the results of our our own studies, as we obtain them.
Streamlining and Non-Duplication of Efforts
We are interested in supporting a partner to look into the streamlining of the many, (all noble and worthy) grass-roots efforts which have sprung up in response to the problems faced by our nation.
Measuring Our Own Efforts
Our Films' Effectiveness - Recently, a researcher from U.C. Irvine analyzed the differing levels and aspects of effectiveness of films at the Artivist Film Festival. Our film, Faces of Poverty, was one of those films. We're happy to be able to share the study findings, which were very positive:
Faces of Poverty made people madder (3.76 vs 2.91) and sadder (4.59 vs 3.19) than many of the other films at the festival. By comparison, our film was more likely to be recommended to others (4.56 vs 3.76) and was more likely to result in a yes answer to 'will you change your behavior' (3.54 vs 2.81). Our film's quality ratings were higher than average in every area, from direction and camera work to acting and score, to film and set quality. We enjoyed learning about a few of the results which weren't statistically significant but still of interest: Faces of Poverty was seen as both more optimistic and more pessimistic, less entertaining and more enjoyable, less new and unique but with more artistic value, than other films. People were inspired, thought it had a clear vision from the filmmaker. The researcher also asked 'how do you plan to change your behavior as a result of this film.' Our viewers listed: get involved, help out homeless, donate clothes/food to homeless people/shelters, by not ignoring the homeless, will start volunteering again, volunteer-do something-anything, I will be volunteering this winter for homeless-seriously. Our thanks to Rebekah Dibble of U.C. Irvine for sharing her findings. A complete report is available here.
The Effectiveness of our Partnership Initiatives - We are looking forward to the results of our public-private partnership between the De Marillac Academy (in the San Francisco tenderloin) and Boma systems to supply teachers and administrators with innovative ways of contacting each other, contacting parents, and summoning help in case of a school-wide emergency. We are also studying the effectiveness of this initiative as a pilot program. With only twelve administrators, it is difficult to say much of any statistical significance, but when the second phase is completed and students are protected as well, we will know more.
Other Resources
Our links page is the primary location for resources, but three in particular may be of special interest to you:
Best Practices in Effective Philanthropy - If you are interested in philanthropy's evolving role in our nation, we suggest you visit the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society. Among the questions they are addressing: how nonprofits can effectively collaborate with other elements of civil society to effectively advance the public good, how successful are (compared to government or private industry) at solving problems, and what relationships exist among these philanthropic groups which help them to realize their collective objectives.
Best Practices in Teaching - If you are interested in Teaching Leadership, we suggest Saint Mary's College, whose Kalmanovitz School of Education is a leader in teaching leadership and best practices in California. Their 2008 Distinguished Speaker Series features topics ranging from special populations, bringing out the best in students, and strategies for success in English learners.
Health Care - The February 2008 issue of Scientific American examined the issue in an article entitled 'Pay for What Works,' recommending revitalizing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which lost much funding and power in the mid 1990s1. Many doctors, patients, and even insurers would argue that our current for-profit medical system is splintering and in need of overall repair. Our for-profit system has resulted in some marvelous advances, and people come from around the world to our high-tech facilities. At the same time we have higher infant mortality rates and shorter life spans than many other developed nations. For some, the care is excellent; for others, it is a nightmare. One problem with our system is the financial disincentives to taking a long-term view when looking at the costs and benefits in decision making. For example, if an operation would allow someone to be a productive member of society, it would still be costly now, so there would be an incentive towards denying the care. How can we ensure that the long-term view is taken? And how can we make smarter decisions as a society, in light of an economic downturn and scarce resources, so that all Americans have access to care? The problem we face far exceed the capabilities of any single agency, but fostering best practices would certainly be a good beginning.
See also our related initiative on mitigating unintended consequences.
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1Scientific American, February 2008, p.32
