Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What Do People Think of You? Learning What Is Important to Your Constituents
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What does it mean to obtain feedback from constituents? Obtaining feedback means asking questions to determine something you want to know. Formal feedback: Data which can be measured
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Obtaining formal feedback: Personal interviews. Phone surveys. Written surveys or questionnaires.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Constituents: Those who are affected (directly or indirectly) by your agency's work. They can be elected officials, members of your coalition, journalists, community leaders, and others.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why should you obtain feedback? To understand how your organization is perceived. To get a better understanding of what the community really needs. To help prioritize tasks. To generate excitement and interest.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas And also to: Have the information ready for future use. Increase community awareness of who you are and what you do. Improve your program.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas When should you obtain feedback? As part of the planning process. Any time you start or consider a new program. At the end of a program. Periodically throughout the life of your initiative. Always be sure you know how you will actually use the information you obtain!
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How to obtain feedback from constituents What do you want to know? Who has already done this? How many people would you like to ask? How do you want to ask people?
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Who to ask? The targets of change. People most affected by the problem. Professionals in your area. Local administrators. Funders. Elected officials. Journalists. Researchers/field experts. Members of your coalition.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you want to ask people? Listen to opinions. Suggestion boxes. Note chance meetings or comments in a log. Feedback forms on publications. Comment logs by phone. Critique times at meetings. A formal survey.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas More good tips Keep it secret. Keep your eyes and ears open. Make the best of it.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Conducting a survey Decide how you would like to conduct your survey. Decide how to format your questions. Remove as much possibility of bias as you can. Don't forget your manners. Make it easy. Keep your cool.