‘Ohana Dialogues Community Outreach and Qualitative Data Collection March 24, 2015

Mission HACBED is a nonprofit intermediary that works to build the capacity of families and communities so that they have choice and control to push at social, economic, and environmental justice.

Agenda  Quantitative vs. Qualitative  ‘Ohana Dialogue Overview  Helpful Tips  Practice Session & Reflection  Process & Follow-up  Pros & Cons  Examples & Discussion

Quantitative Data Collection  Survey / Questionnaire / Test  Market Research  Financial Review  Etc.

Qualitative Data Collection  Interviews  Focus Groups  Observation  Etc.

Examples of Use  Strategic Planning  Program Evaluation  Supplementing Quantitative Research  Etc.

‘Ohana Dialogue Overview  Facilitated small group talk stories  Facilitator & recorder  Open ended questions  Informal setting  Synthesis of stories into themes

Open-Ended Questions  What is working well?  Frame the conversation positively  What are some challenges/areas of improvement?  Negatives  What’s one thing you wish you could change?  Excite & mobilize people

Helpful Tips  Active Listening  Do not interrupt interviewee  Allow them to finish stories  Ask follow-up questions to their stories (not just a list of pre-written questions)  Do not lead the interviewee – Avoid loaded questions  Do not assume you know the answer or ask for confirmation

Tips cont…  Empathize  Observe in addition to listening  Immerse yourself in the story – Try to understand what they are feeling  Ask related questions

Try it out!  “Tell Me a Time When” activity  One person records, the other tells a story  Tell a real story about a memorable work experience/moment (positive)  Listener should record as accurately as possible  Switch  After story telling, ID 3 common themes between the 2 stories

Reflection  How did it feel?  As the story teller?  As the listener?  Questions?  Comments?

‘Ohana Dialogue Process  Facilitator & Recorder Team  Individual Synthesis of Themes  Group Discussion of Overall Themes  Report Back to Participants  Co-Determine Next Steps

Pros  Often unearths vivid stories  Puts interviewee at ease  Encourages narrative  Provides a listener  Good for getting at difficult answers or sensitive issues indirectly  Builds or strengthens relationships

Cons  Time consuming  Especially compared to traditional interviews  Requires patience – Takes time to get to real answers (indirectly)  Intensive recording can be strenuous  Additional analysis required – Post session

Organizational Alignment Example  Worked with a placement agency  Recently replaced original (and only) leader  Financially struggling  Rift between employees (2 offices)  Communication issues and unwillingness to change

Community Outreach Example  Went into community to collect qualitative financial data  Underrepresented communities  Spoke with families, parents, children, etc.  One-on-one and focus groups  Was able to reveal stories that could not be told with data alone

Discussion  Do you see potential for you to incorporate ‘Ohana Dialogues in your work?  If so, how?

Mahalo! Keoki Noji Chief Operating Officer HACBED (808)