Results of 2012 NACC Member Poll

I remain a member of the NACC because:

Analysis Members place high value on certification and the credibility that a national organization offers them. They believe that these make them more employable as well. (268 total). The collegiality and support of other members, especially other Catholic chaplains, is valued. Members appreciate the opportunities for networking and connection as well. (138). Conferences, articles, information, educational opportunities and the ability to learn about best practices and new trends are valued (120). Many take great pride in the NACC and believe the organization is well run, with strong leadership and staff. (70) Finally, Catholic Identity matters. (78).

Sample responses: I highly esteem the organization and its purpose. However I will explore changing my status when my renewal of membership come up from active to less involved status. I believe that I am well supported by the NACC, that the NACC has my interest at heart in promoting the profession of Chaplaincy, being involved with other initiatives and then sharing that information with all the members. It is important to be able to declare oneself "certified", but I often wish I had joined APC. It gives me life although I'm limited physically and retired. Keep up the good work I'm with you. Good question. After finishing this questionnaire I am wondering also why I am paying $250 per year. I am a Roman Catholic. I value the Spiritual Care Collaborative, but have a sense that it is disappearing. NACC does not seem to be in on the "collaboration" moves of APC and ACPE which saddens me. NACC is family I value being connected to my Catholic chaplain colleagues; I value the connection it provides to the Catholic bishops through our episcopal liaison; I value the networking possibilities you work so hard to provide us. Even when I may be too busy to participate in groups like the Task Forces, I do look for and try to read whatever document they put out. They are almost always quite informative. Thanks for all your hard work in advocating for our wonderful profession. It keeps me connected to being a catholic chaplain. I work with other chaplains who are not catholic and I need that connectedness of being a catholic chaplain.

What would make NACC membership more valuable to you?

Analysis Twelve+ years after the organization shifted from a regional structure, members very strongly feel that there is a gap and express a strong need for a local structure with local gatherings. (95) Second to that expressed need was the desire to receive a hard copy of Vision in the mail (21). With members aging, an online resource is not “user friendly.” In addition, many expressed a desire for easier access to Vision--it is often completely missed! Perhaps related to the two previously expressed values of connection/support and education, was the desire for more on-line opportunities for education and connection (11+11+17). Costs of travel and conferences were mentioned as a concern as many chaplains must fund these out of their own (shallow) pockets. (15) Finally, in several ways, members indicated that they wanted to be involved and just needed an invitation. (7+7).

Sample responses: Information for a retired chaplain who has health issues. You see I do want to serve God - yet I can no longer go into the work place not even on a volunteer basis. Yet I feel God is calling me to do something. This is an important issue to me and I would think others. Do something that reaches out to those of us most distant from the central offices…. Since we lost our regional meetings, NACC has lost touch with us….VISION use to be something I found so helpful and I read cover to cover. To be asked to participate in a national NACC project or task force With payment of membership dues, more options for continuing ed without further cost, as salary is so minimal. Helping people in the pew understand the role of Chaplain An updated membership list for fellow chaplains in my area. My position is not in a Catholic Healthcare system. I would appreciate in-service opportunities locally and if I had contacts I could inquire or at least build a local network…. Social media is the upcoming wave of connectedness. I intend to check out NACC on facebook. I need NACC to be more proactive in getting info to me rather than having to go to the website, log-in, (what's my member number and password again?), and search for whatever I need. Vision should be emailed directly to me or be available as a subscription on my iPad or Kindle e-Reader.

What I most appreciate about the NACC. Response rate was much lower and more diffuse. Responses seemed to already be reflected in the previous question. Most common responses included: Conferences/educational opportunities Newsletter Networking & colleagues Leadership and staff Support