New Survey for Congregations

Agenda Introductions and Background Overview of the Survey Benefits Preparing to Conduct a Survey Administering the Survey Interpreting and Using Survey Findings Logistics of Working with Search Institute

Providing leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities Bringing innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in the lives of young people and their communities

Our Cycle of Innovation 2. Approach (Framework) 1. Research 3. Resources 5. Transformation 4. Engagement

Community & Social Change Human Development Building Assets, Strengthening Faith

Human Development Spiritual Thriving (Sparks) Developmental Assets

About the Survey Conceptual foundations Overview of components Findings from field test

40 Developmental Assets EXTERNAL ASSETS Support Empowerment Boundaries and Expectations Constructive Use of Time INTERNAL ASSETS Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity

Asset-Building Capacity of Congregations (1) Provide constructive, asset-rich activities Shape identity, values, commitments Offer positive peer group Engage youth as contributors

Asset-Building Capacity of Congregations (2) Potential for sustained relationships Resource and partner for families Nurture intergenerational relationships Educate and influence many adults Community presence as resource and leader

Eight Marks of Faith Maturity Trusting & believing Experiencing the fruits of faith Integrating faith and life Seeking spiritual growth Holding life-affirming values Nurturing faith in community Acting and serving Advocating social change

Two Dimensions of Faith Vertical Integrated Relationship with God Relationships with Others Undeveloped Horizontal

Sources of Faith Maturity Involvement in effective religious education Family faith practices Parent education Warmth Thinking Care Worship Service

A Congregation-Wide Commitment Broader Community Intergenerational Faith Community Families Children, Youth Programs

Nurturing Faith AND Building Assets Relationships Environment/Climate Rituals and Practices Activities and Programs Policies and Priorities

Conceptual Model for Building Assets, Strengthening Faith The Congregation as System Context Individuals Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Education Congregational Involvement Level Families Composition Spiritual Practices Congregation Faith Tradition Location Size Age Character Community Urbanicity Cohesion Culture Socioeconomics Scope Potential Impact Individuals Faith Practices and Commitments Loyalty and Bonding Families Spiritual Practices Family Strengths Congregation Organizational Health/Vitality Mission Growth Patterns Community Social Capital Service and Justice Spirituality Community Policies and Priorities Congregation Relationships Families Children & Youth Environment and Climate Programs and Activities Rituals and Practices Inputs Faith & Spiritual Development Asset Building Key Settings Dynamics

What’s in the Survey? (1) How well is the congregation doing? Intergenerational Community Children and youth Families Priorities for the future Program areas Asset categories Marks of Faith Maturity

What’s in the Survey? (2) Satifaction/perceptions of impact and health Self Family Community Personal demographics and faith profile Household faith practices Asset categories (youth only)

The Spring 2003 Field Test 15 congregations Aggregate Sample: 1,557 Christian: Lutheran (7), Roman Catholic (3), United Methodist (2), and independent (1). Unitarian Universalist (1) Muslim (1) Aggregate Sample: 1,557 Age 10-17 486 18 to 39 247 40 to 59 485 60 and older 343 Most of the people surveyed are quite active in their congregation. Half are leaders or volunteers

Child and Youth Opportunities Very or extremely well

Family Opportunities Very or extremely well

Intergenerational Opportunities Very or extremely well

Community Opportunities Very or extremely well

Comparison Across Areas 3 = pretty well 2 = okay

Congregational Impact: Personal (1) Often or almost always true

Congregational Impact: Personal (2) Often or almost always true

Asset-Building Priorities for the Future One of three top priorities

Faith-Nurturing Priorities for the Future Helping Children and Youth . . . GENERAL VERTICAL HORIZONTAL One of three top priorities

Why Use the Survey? Survey quality information Testimonials What benefits do you see?

What’s on the Web? All Accessed through: Public information www.search-institute.org/congregations/surveys/ Public information Why do, sample pages, logistics, FAQ Survey coordinator guide The whole process Password protected The Online Survey Password protected; Congregation I.D. needed

What Search Institute Provides An online guide for survey planning, administration, and interpretation Surveys Available online and on paper Reproduce as many as needed Complete report of survey findings

Survey Process: Preparation Decide to do it. Order from Search Institute Create a planning team Identify goals and purpose Decide how to administer When? How? (Paper, Web, both) Who? (census/random, age range) Prepare the congregation

Survey Process: Data Collection Administer the survey Motivating people Paper survey/Web survey Tracking completed surveys Submitting survey completion form

Survey Process: Using the Findings (Should have data within a week) Interpret the findings (meeting outline) Communicating major themes Plan for action Introduce innovations Monitor progress

Working with Search Institute Order form in binder; attach P.0. 5% discount—YFI code Contact Erika Klein to order Information sent to church and coach Questions on survey process (and touching base): gener@search-institute.org