Virginia, first of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 20 June 1998
! 09 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Virginia, 20 June 1998.

Many complained about the lecture hall, saying it was "cavernous" or that the poor acoustics made listening difficult. At least half a dozen hope that "sugary" breakfast food will be replaced with healthier alternatives.

The most frequent comment was in reference to the length of sessions. Of those responding, most felt that the material could be condensed. There was general concern that the amount of material prevented its assimilation.

Many remarked that they had not attended the technology demonstration. Only half of the surveys showed responses in this area. One person noted that a special morning session for beginners may have saved time. Another also commented that people could have been divided into groups of similar competency goals so that "everyone had a chance,"

Susan Blood. "I really enjoyed this class," is the typical response of participants. Only minor criticisms were offered. "More wiggle activities," says one seat-weary respondent. Showing the Joel Barker tape is another request.

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Susan Blood): Accepting change was understood as a general concept. The comparison between change and death caught the attention of at least three attendees. Again as many remarked on the "food, friends, and fun" idea.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Susan Blood):
The "futures mapping/web" impressed a dozen listeners enough that they wanted to use it themselves.

John Blood. Dividing into age groups for asset mapping was a great idea, according to a number of respondents. The magic tricks got a good response. "Good icebreaker!" Others found asset mapping and the provided survey forms worthwhile.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (John Blood):
Unfortunately, there are not so many comments on the second half of the survey. One person noted that the visual way of pulling together an issue that affects the community is helpful. Learning how to design a community survey was also useful, said others.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (John Blood)
The general feeling is that the questionnaires will be used. A number of cluster members looked forward to linking the survey to their own databases. For still others, Internet connectivity is the ultimate goal.

Virginia, second of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 18 July 1998.
89 surveys tabulated

Commentary

M1RA Survey results. Virginia, 18 July 1998

The accommodations-especially the food and drink-received praise. There were, however, ten people who complained that the acoustics made hearing difficult.

Some indicated the pace was slow. The length of the sessions was a frequent sore point among respondents; one thinks that everything can be covered between 9 and 2. A few people felt that much of the information was a repeat of the previous session: "The presenter should have been better briefed about what was already covered so today could have been more detailed, specific, advanced, etc." He or she adds, "What is the point of our public presentations?"

The technology demonstration received almost no comment. Only one person regretted that there was too much time investment for too little content.

Roy Silver: The session was "fun." "I loved it," said another. Several noted that it was the most enjoyable training to date. Observers once again voiced concern about the pace and length of the presentation. One person says, "Not enough work." Another writes that too much time was spent on a single group exercise.

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Roy Silver): One person was happy to learn about the wide range of networks in Giles County. Others registered similar positive remarks. "1 realized that I didn't know about my community," said one. The importance of oral communication in casual, unorganized groups impressed another.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from thin session is (Roy Silver): The handouts will be useful for one person. Another plans to find ways to upgrade the local "Delta" items to full community resource networks. Finally, one person plans to learn more about the "Equipped for the Future" program.

Andrew Boyd: "I really enjoyed this session," jots one participant. "Out of the four so far this has been the most [useful session].'* Another felt encouraged: "We're getting better at it." According to the surveys, the large groups were the greatest hindrance to educational progress.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Andrew Boyd): The session was "helpful in showing a newcomer what was here," and "created an awareness of the imbalance of the geographic location of resources."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Andrew Boyd): One Cluster member wants to "keep talking to the 'old timers' of the group because of the wealth of their knowledge of the area as well as the history."

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Virginia, third of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 22 August 1998
73 surveys tabulated

Commentary

VQRA Survey results. Virginia, 22 August 1998.

As for arrangements, three people felt that the room was too cool. Another three cluster members said that the use of partitions in the room was a good idea. Although there was some concern about acoustics and sound quality, there was the sense that it was the best that could be made of a bad situation.

The technology demonstration would be improved, say two respondents, 1 there were a greater opportunity for hands-on experience.

One person expressed concern that the "whole MIRA training program is too generalized and too rigid for each community group."

Frank Odasz. Frank's "Good! Clear! Concise!" presentation was perhaps "The best so far" according to two of the audience members.

Question 16 Something 1 learned from this session was (Frank Odasz): Learning about the location and potential for finding Web sites. One person remarked that it is important to know "how technology will help build skills among the people and empower them to shape their communities."

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Frank Odasz): Many remark they will create Web pages, or use the information given to access the Internet: "One day before the year 2000, 1 want to make my own Web page." Another person notes that "all of the references provided will be very helpful in my work and for this project devise current Web pages."

Ric kKozin. Like Frank, Rick also received Kudos for "Best facilitator so far." One person was particularly impressed with the balance of team building activities and presentation.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Rick Kozin): People in the Cluster learned how to engage in the policy-making process at many different levels. One person learned that decision makers don't always act as they should and wondered how he or she can develop a winning strategy to counter that.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Rick Kozin): Many indicate they will employ the material learned in the session. One person feels confident they can approach a decision maker with a winning strategy. Another will use the list for developing this kind of strategy. The session was especially helpful for projects; now decisions can be made to secure funding for the groups.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Virginia, fourth of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 19 September 1998.
61 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Virginia, 19 September 1998.

In terms of site improvements, the group registered minor desires: "The tables were too close to the screen for comfortable viewing." One person also suggests that MIRA sessions would be more effective as 12 half-day sessions instead of six full-day sessions, as full days can be physically demanding.

Team project planning was the key issue; most relevant comments centered around it. One person regrets that her or his team planning is well ahead of these workshop ideas, but three team leaders disagree by noting that this session helped significantly advance their projects. Too much idle time prevented work on final projects, according to one.

Because the presenter had trouble getting on line, the technology demonstration frustrated some. Familiarity with the subject matter made the topic less interesting for a number of people, but most had no complaints: "It was the best and most interesting pan of the day."

Andrew Boyd. Two people said this session was the "best so far, " that the speaker was friendly and "energetic." The trainer kept the audience interest, walked around, and spoke with individual groups.

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Andrew Boyd): Twice mentioned was learning about goals and objectives. Now they are "easier to establish." Generally understood: identify ideas, set objectives, take administrative steps, devise a time line, and hash out a project. Also learned: "Every 'how' gets a 'who.'"

Question 17. Something 1 plan to mefrom this session is (AndrewBoyd): All ofthis information will be used to further team projects, as the remarks on four surveys indicate. One hopes to take the excitement generated here to meetings on the local level.

Annalisa Raymer. A comment perhaps applies to MIRA trainers generally: "Printed material should be handed out at the beginning of presentation as a package. Each presentation would benefit from an outline to start with." Annalisa needs a casually communicated lesson plan. Perhaps too much time was spent in this workshop session as a whole, and perhaps a greater percentage of workshop time could be devoted to team activities.

Question 29. Something 1 learned at this session was (Annalisa Raymer): As is typical, comments for the second speaker were limited. One praises: "The facilitator 'modeled' many excellent validation, respect, and welcoming techniques." That evaluation is important and is an ongoing process inspired several surveyed.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Annalisa Raymer): Again, the importance of the session rests in its application to group projects.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Virginia, fifth of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 17 October 1998.
62 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Virginia, 17 October 1998.

One-third of the surveys were returned without commentary. Those that were returned show an overwhelmingly favorable response to the session. The high survey responses underscore the comment from many participants that this was the best MIRA workshop so far.

The material covered in the technology demonstration session was 'Very applicable." Notes one participant, "So much fun! First time I accessed the Web all by myself!" The handouts will be good for future reference, according to another. One person did feel that the material would have better been presented in an earlier session.

Ann Mullin. Three participants dubbed Ann one of the best presenters so far. She was humorous, well-informed, clear, concise, and positive. Says one: ':1 love the info that I can share with others to make my community better-this can't get any better." Again, one person felt the material would have been more useful if presented at an earlier workshop. Another person says the information would have been more useful if applied to a mainstream project. Also, a handout on grant writing would have been very useful, according to one.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Ann Mullin): Although participants mention learning about funding prospects, needs assessment, and the need to include stakeholders in the funding process, they most often mention having learned how to overcome the fear of writing grants. Participants also note learning how to use the Internet to search for funding.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Ann Mullin):Many say they will search the web for flinders, and that handouts and contacts made with others at the workshop will be useful. One Cluster member says he or she will now use the team-generated list of sources for funding.

Nette Nelson: Comments were only positive. "She was very good." "Interesting stories to make the session more interesting." "Nette's voice was so pleasant to listen to and learn from her thoughtful presentation." The handouts were especially well conceived. Yet another person felt that this session would have worked better earlier in the workshop series.

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (Nette Nelson): The group consensus is that groups learned how to arrive at a consensus. Nette helped Cluster members learn how to stay enthusiastic, to encourage each other to participate, and to be accepting of "wild" ideas.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from the second session is (Nette Nelson): In general, participants will use ideas to recruit, motivate and keep people involved. Specifically mentioned are the ten ideas to maintaining momentum and the 11-minute standing meeting.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Virginia, sixth of six training sessions.
New River Community College, 21 November 1998.
54 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. New River Community College, 21 November 1998.

One person says that although the seating worked well for viewing presentations, but not so well for group discussions. Round tables might be more appropriate. Another notes that the use of Styrofoam plates is at odds with the message of "sustainability" that MIRA promotes.

Four people complained that the level of the technology demonstration session was over their heads. Notes one, "People with technological knowledge often speak at a technological level that is too advanced for the audience." Richard Liles. Four people say that Dr. Liles is perhaps the best presenter to date. He was "easy to be with and understand" and did the best job of "coordinating overhead and handout material." Four people say that they wish Building Coalitions had been presented earlier in the workshop series. One feels that more hard information could have been presented.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Richard Liles): Three people note that the information on the "Ps" was useful. Also noted were to prepare in advance for conflict, plan for the end, enlist legitimizers, have a clear focus of project goals, and recognize that there is no substitute for human contacts. Most important, says one, is that "the importance of a coalition or what I would call 'group cohesiveness' helped to identify the problems in our group."

Question I?. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Richard Liles): Comments here are general. A typical comment: "Push deeper for team and community involvement in a way that is meaningful to them." Others plan to write down agreements and use a phone tree.

Warren Flint: As with Dr. Liles's presentation, this presentation could have come earlier in the workshop series, say two of the participants. The amount of information presented in the session left some Cluster members feeling lost. One says that the computer overheads were hard to read. Another two say that the handouts would have been more useful if more information were printed on them. Perhaps more time should have been spent on how businesses rather than ecologists use technology. One suggests that the presenter "should have been made more aware of the level of knowledge in the group/'

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (Warren Flint): Very few participants register comments. One person writes, "Taking all variables into consideration: environmental, social, economic."

Question 30. Something 1 plan to use from the second session is (Warren Flint): Again, few participants make comments. Four people plan to visit some of the suggested Web sites. One person plans to develop a Web page. Another three plan to use GIS to learn about their regions.