Since 2019, nebenan.de has been measuring its social impact annually and promotes community, trust, less loneliness, and mutual support. The platform impacts five areas: community & solidarity, health & well-being, sustainability & environmental protection, local economy, as well as safety & cohesion. The “Theory of Change” serves as a strategic tool for impact measurement and continuous development. More results can be found at impact.nebenan.de.
How well are we succeeding with nebenan.de in making a real contribution to social togetherness? Since 2019, we have been measuring the platform’s social impact and publish the results in an annual impact report. You can read the previous impact reports at impact.nebenan.de.
💚 The annual impact report makes it clear that nebenan.de not only connects more people in the neighborhood but also contributes to more trust, less loneliness, and more mutual support among neighbors.
Our 5 Impact Areas
Based on the “Theory of Change,” we have identified the five most important impact areas of nebenan.de:
- COMMUNITY & SOLIDARITY
- HEALTH & WELL-BEING
- SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- LOCAL ECONOMY
- SAFETY & COHESION
Theory of Change
In our approach to impact measurement, nebenan.de uses a combination of different frameworks. Central to this is the “Theory of Change.” The “Theory of Change” helps us visualize the path to our impact goals and define the individual steps along the way.
We first used this approach at the beginning of our impact measurement in 2019 and continue to use it to test our hypotheses based on new insights. This process allows us to measure the results of our daily work. With each cycle of impact measurement, we assess whether these relationships remain over time and which connections change.
The “Theory of Change” is a living, strategic document that we continuously develop. Based on the “Theory of Change,” we have identified the five most important impact areas on which the use of nebenan.de has a positive influence:
1. Context:
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Problem: Globalization and digitalization bring new challenges: anonymity, individualization, demographic change, urbanization, isolation, decline of trust in politics, data misuse by global companies. |
Solution: nebenan.de is a tool for connecting neighborhoods. It is a relocalized, heterogeneous, protected space where neighbors can find practical help, form groups, and share common interests. |
2. Resources, Services, and Activities of nebenan.de:
3. Assumptions for our social impact:
Outcomes (Impact Areas):
- Community building
- Trust and belonging
- Social inclusion (reduction of isolation)
- Healthier people
- Civic engagement
- Strong demographic process
- Strong local businesses
- Crisis-resilient neighborhoods
4. Our Goals
- Social cohesion
- Increased well-being
- Stronger local economy
- Enhanced safety
- Climate and environmental protection