Many “operating principles” in agencies and state offices rely on an informal approach often described as “the way we’ve always done it.” This workshop explores how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can improve performance management. Participants will see how SOPs ensure reliable data to support compelling stories that demonstrate Community Action’s results. Topics include universal intake, customer life cycle tracking, AI tools to streamline reporting and analysis, and connecting services and outcomes across multiple domains. A formal SOP can provide the data needed to show progress toward economic stability through data collection, monitoring, and storytelling that will make impact visible.