The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) has joined forces with the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) to champion the importance of robust data collection in showcasing the critical role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Jamaica.
This collaboration was a key highlight of the 2024 National Volunteer Conference, where discussions centred on transforming perceptions of the third sector through data-driven evidence.
The conference launched the Civil Society Impact Programme (SIP), developed in partnership with the VPA, to create a data-driven framework for assessing the impact of CSOs. The Society Impact Programme will focus on micro-level data collection to measure individual organisations' contributions while building toward a comprehensive sector-wide evaluation.
Nancy Pinchas, Executive Director of the CVSS, emphasised the importance of data in shaping the narrative of CSOs' value to society. "Data is not just about numbers; it is the story of our contributions. Through the SIP, we can quantify the invaluable work being done by organisations like the VPA and others across Jamaica," she stated.
The VPA, known for its initiatives in violence prevention and community engagement, plays a pivotal role in advancing SIP's objectives. By leveraging its expertise, the VPA will help establish metrics that capture the social and economic returns of civil society initiatives, particularly in underserved communities.
Mrs Pinchas noted that the lack of reliable metrics has often left the third sector undervalued in policy decisions. "Every dollar invested in social programming generates significant social and economic benefits, but without data, these contributions remain invisible," she remarked.
The SIP's pilot phase will provide a model for CSOs across Jamaica to demonstrate their societal impact effectively. By collecting and analysing data, the programme aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, secure funding, and enhance public awareness of the third sector's indispensable contributions.
The VPA’s involvement in SIP underscores its commitment to fostering peace and community development while elevating the third sector’s voice in national conversations. As the programme unfolds, the partnership aims to not only validate but amplify the transformative work of CSOs in Jamaica.
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