Survey Sponsor and Research Company: African Women Connect
Objectives: to get feedback and perspectives from members, current and past participants, and target audience on organizational mission, vision, programs and services, performance and direction.
Audience description: mostly women of African descent living in the Twin Cities metro area
Sample size: 260 email addresses on AWC listserv of members, current and past participants, prospects and supporters
Dates of data collection: February to March 2011
Response size/rate: 32 or 12 %
Question 1. Heritage you most closely relate to
Question 2. Number of years you have lived abroad (US and elsewhere
Question 3. AWC mission and vision is relevant and timely
Mission – to create a network to empower women of African descent, linking them to valuable resources and promoting partnerships that strengthen individual and communal success.
Vision – we envision a world where African women are viewed and recognized as valuable contributors to society by themselves and others.
Question 4. Number of times you have participated in AWC events since 2004
Question 5. Reason(s) why you decided to participate in AWC (check all that apply)
Question 6. How valuable is AWC to you?
Question 7. In your opinion, what does AWC do well? (check all that apply)
Question 8. In your opinion, what areas should AWC focus on? (check all that apply)
Question 9. What keeps you from participating more than you currently do?
Question 10. What changes would you suggest in order to improve participation and organizational effectiveness?
A. Time, so far has kept me from participating in AWC. The other factor is that, many times the meeting places have not been convenient, and also the purpose of the meetings has not been clear to me. The biggest challenge for me has been that I do not understand the structure of the AWC. What is the difference between a member and a non-member? What is the purpose of the membership fee? What are the benefits of being a member? What are the fees used for? How can one have a say in the group/organization, etc. It has never been clear to me. Otherwise, I like the concept, but it has never been clear to me where I can fit it.
B. Participation - expand outreach to more women through wide advertisement and awareness. Organizational effectiveness - Have a clear organizational structure, with more delegation and involvement of more women who are consistent participants of AWC activities.
C. Not really sure
D. Location of the meetings; try to find a place where parking won't be a challenge (not always easy but I think people get discouraged if they think parking will be an issue) - Ask people to come up with topics of discussions - Allow people to share information on things they believe can help others. Clearly differentiate marketing and information sharing so there is no confusion and certain people don't feel the objective of the organization are in conflict with their values.
E. I believe that AWC is doing a great job and will continue to attract more settled African women compared to new immigrants due the different needs of both. It may be beneficial to target African women professionals and business owners as they may be more open to the networking aspect of belonging to groups and organizations like AWC.
F. AWC is already on track for doing that. More opportunities to interact with "power brokers" and professional development workshops would be a plus. Thanks for all that you already do.
G. Don't have enough information at this time to make any meaningful suggestions.
H. We haven't had any meetings lately. We need to meet a little more often. We are slacking off.
I. Try and create more time to be able to participate.
J. I'm new to the network through PAWPN Summit committee member.
K. Somehow reengage participants from past years. I'm not quite sure how to motivate participants to become members.
L. Not sure as my work hours are my biggest reason for not attending. Also, I've been having some problems with the invites, can't open them.
M. More visibility. Reach younger population.
N. AWC needs other larger organizations' support
O. AWC should push towards less elitism so that it can reach more African women.
P. I attended one AWC event it was organized with influential women from all walks of life. AWC is a great way for African Americans and African diaspora to connect.
Q. Allow participants to present new ideas, information and opportunities to other members. This should include business opportunities and should not be considered marketing.
R. Mix some free events in with the paid meetings like a weekend bookclub that focuses on women issues and interests.
