Once you have identified potential resources and possible activities, you are ready to set goals and objectives. Many people are confused about what a goal is and what an objective is. Here is the difference:
Goals are the broad ambitions of the program.
Objectives are specific and support the program’s broad goal.
What are some characteristics of goals?
Very concise - usually one sentence.
Results-oriented and describe overarching aims that program wants to achieve.
Inclusive and do not limit program to specific activities or people served.
What are some examples of goals?
Improve A1c levels in our community.
Improve levels of physical activity in our community.
Increase awareness of diabetes in our community.
Decrease consumption of soda pop in our community.
Provide training in up-to-date diabetes care to all professional and paraprofessional health care givers.
Increase number of foot examinations among people with diabetes in our community.
What are some characteristics of objectives?
Clearly describe milestones necessary to achieve each goal.
Refer to specific, measurable results.
Describe how much of what specific activity will be accomplished by whom over what time period.
Each objective should be tied to data and to a result.
What are some examples of SMART Objectives?
To increase the percentage of people of A1c levels below 7.0% among people attending clinic from 30% to 50% by the end of the fiscal year.
To increase the number of minutes youth participate in vigorous physical activities from 10 minutes a day to 30 minutes a day by the end of the school year.