Data literacy is the ability to find, access, read, work with, and analyze data to responsibly inform decisions you make every day and includes:
- Cleaning raw data into form that can be analyzed.
- Analyzing and interpreting data to gain insight.
- Creating visual representations to communicate results.
When you know how to use data, you can draw out insight to improve programming, secure funding, and advocate for policy change. To see what this looks like, check out the The National Center for Systemic Improvement’s Essential Elements of Comprehensive Data Literacy.
Data literacy in nonprofits includes a wide range of topics. No matter where you begin, you can always develop your skills. We look forward to partnering with you whereever you are on your journey.