Logic model vs theory of change

Building a Better World: The Power of Theory and Logic

When you’re setting out to change the world whether through a new community program or a large-scale initiative it’s easy to get lost in the details or overwhelmed by the big picture. But to truly succeed, you need to master both. That’s the secret behind two of the most powerful tools in social change: the Theory of Change and the Logic Model. They are not interchangeable; they are two sides of the same coin, each essential for turning your vision into a reality.

Think of it this way:

The Theory of Change: Your Strategic Blueprint

Your Theory of Change is the “why” behind your work. It’s the grand vision that connects your actions to the long-term impact you hope to achieve. This is where you map out the big picture, articulating the fundamental assumptions about how and why change is expected to happen. It’s your strategic blueprint, a high-level roadmap that explains the chain of events leading to your desired outcomes. It answers the question: Why will it work?

For example, a Theory of Change might state: “If we provide job training for single mothers (our action), they will gain new skills and confidence (our assumption), which will lead to better employment opportunities and increased income (our outcome), ultimately reducing poverty in their community (our long-term goal).”

The Logic Model: Your Operational Roadmap

Once you have your “why,” you need to figure out the “what.” That’s where the Logic Model comes in. It’s your detailed, operational roadmap. This tool breaks down your project into a series of actionable steps, focusing on the specific resources, activities, and outputs required to achieve your goals. It answers the question: What will we do?

A Logic Model takes the Theory of Change and makes it concrete. It details the inputs (what you need, like funding and staff), the activities (what you will do, like running training sessions), the outputs (what you produce, like the number of people trained), and the outcomes (the short- and long-term results of your work).

Together, these two tools ensure your program is not only visionary but also grounded in practical, actionable steps. One provides the strategic foundation, the other provides the operational details. By using both, you can navigate the complex world of social change with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

source:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/daniel-sugama-stephanus-a1778b4a_theory-of-change-ugcPost-7371367662809169920-y-_L?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAtGGkQBsxwMBmX3lEJO8btihnfBCaHqTz4