Activities, programs and projects are planned with objectives in mind. We want to have an impact on our constituents. We want our patrons to benefit in some way from participating. Objectives are a specific statement that explains how a program, project or activity goal will be accomplished. Objectives are written in such a way that they describe a broad plan for achieving an established goal or goals.

To get at objectives, ask:

As a result of this program, project or activity, what do we want our constituents to:

• Know?
• Do?
• Think?

Objectives are usually stated in terms of:

• Knowledge gained
• Skills learned/acquired
• Values/attitudes changed
• Behavior modified
• Needs met
• Attributes acquired
• Progress made
• Improvements made
• An experience prevented

Objectives can be:

• Short-term
• Intermediate
• Long-term