Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Hawaii, 31 May 1998.

More than a dozen general comments were made about the lighting and sound conditions. "I could not hear this session," complained one participant. Another estimated that at least half of the audience was unable to hear the speaker or see presentation materials. Yet another summarized: "[The] Physical site (the room), crowded conditions, and a dead P.A, system put several people to sleep. We could not hear. It was difficult to see the visuals because of light conditions." Participants complained somewhat less frequently about printed materials. A few felt they should have been distributed earlier or viewed the material as "too confusing."

Question 12. Something I learned from this session was (Rossana Alvarez):

Participants commented most frequently on conceptual issues presented about the world, community, and change. One person writes learning of "significant world impact on our own community and how to deal with those outside cause and effect situations in our community." Several note that they found the language somewhat technical.

Question 13. Something I plan to use from this session is (Rossana Alvarez):

Feedback on this question was limited. Although one said the information would be applied specifically to a farm Macadamia nut business, most other respondents were less concrete, indicating only that the information would be "added to meetings" or that they planned to use the "awareness and info skills [to] pass on."

Question 25. Something I learned at this session was (Susan Blood):

Many remarked that they had learned about asset mapping during the session. One attendee noted learning how asset mapping in their community can be used to promulgate change. Another indicated realizing that there was "more strength and voice in our community than 1 expected."

Question 26 Something I plan to use from this session is (Susan Blood):

Many participants did not respond. In most cases, reference was simply made to Question 25. A number simply indicated that they would apply asset mapping techniques. Said one: "[1 will] look at my community with new -- open eyes!"

Hawaii, second of six training sessions. Namloa Hotel, ffilo, 28 June 1998. 82 surveys tabulated

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Hawaii, 28 June 1998.

Site arrangements drew two common criticisms: the room was cold, and the speaker system was not good. The food got a positive response. In terms of audience participation, there was some concern that the sessions were "adult dominated."

After the technology session, one person said computers were "still daunting, but approachable." A number of people noted that putting animation into Web pages was a great idea.

Susan Blood. "This session was very motivational," is a comment that typifies the audience's enthusiasm for the session. Technical jargon was distracting for some who felt they "needed time to decipher and translate."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Susan Blood): The goose story received multiple praises. Most were impressed by the variety of community resources available. One person learned "[h]ow to harness the resources of our community to try to get things done together."

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Susan Blood): One person plans to teach "knowing our resources" to the students in his or her classroom. Another wants to create a resource directory of community places and people. Yet another hopes to use learned material to help her ten-year-old son work on a personal press release including genealogy.

Frank Odasz. Comments were nearly exclusively positive. The session was "informative, up to date and lively," according to one. "Makes me want to get onto the 'Net," notes another motivated Cluster member. Also: "I've been waiting for this for a long time." And finally: "Humor is the best learning tool."

Question 29. Something, 1 learned at this session was (Frank Odasz): Many were surprised how easy it is to access global and local information, and how easy creating a Web page can be. In general, the evaluation was emotionally charged. "I'm overwhelmed." "Wow!" "So much"

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Frank Odasz) Those who didn't indicate they would make their own Web page said they plan to use the Web to gather information. The Web page links provided in the handout will be a good start, they say. One person claims the session motivates her or him to buy a new computer. Another participant who farms wants to put wireless technology to work as soon as possible.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Hawaii, 7 July 1998.

A few are concerned about accommodations. Two people say the public address system was too loud, and a number complain of the lack of ventilation and fresh air. One note of praise: "Thanks for remembering the vegetarian meals."

The audience loved Keola Donaghy. The group was flattered and proud to have their Hawaiian language represented. One typical comment: "My grandmother was a native Hawaiian speaker. My parents promoted only the American culture and language in our home-my loss, but perhaps not for long!1' In fact, one inspired group member insists that, though MIRA trainers have been good, he or she would far prefer to see local resources and expertise tapped in future meetings.

Alison Hughes; "Best so far," according to one survey. Two others are impressed that her commitment to action replaces mere lip service: "She walks the talk." Some did feel that more time could be spent on working in groups instead of watching videos, that the materials could be updated, and that more emphasis could be placed on local politics and issues. For the most part, the pleased group would agree with the respondent who says, "She needs to come again, funny and very generous."

Question 16. Something 1 learned from this session was (Alison Hughes): "Vision without action is a dream, Action without vision is a waste of time." Many are impressed by this concept. Political-mindedness-the political approach, political accountability-also inspires the group.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Alison Hughes): Respondents mention words like "E-rate" and "PS121." Many plan to e-mail. One person wants to use the advice on writing grants.

Frank Odasz: Unfortunately, few took the time to make comments on the second session half "Frank is great," writes one. "Hope we can use him again in the future." Likewise, "Frank was just as interesting this time as last." Finally, a person praised the humor, awareness, and newfound knowledge of what Hawaii is really like. On the downside, the frequent less positive remark is that words were often technical for those not computer literate.

Question 29. Something 1 learned at this session was (Frank Odasz): E-mailing, Web sites, and general Internet knowledge are appreciated. "Using the Net for community progress" is important. One member notes learning of "Imagineering."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Frank Odasz): One person would like to employ "mobile teaching teams that move around to share information-telementors." Another promises, "1 plan to e-mail my 8-year-old grandson as soon as they get on line."

Hawaii, fourth of six training sessions. Kona Surf,23 August 1998. 89 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

NORA Survey results. Hawaii, 23 August 1998.

As for arrangements, the date of the next meeting concerns several people. Two people mention that it is just too close to Thanksgiving, Another would like to reschedule because of a conflict with the Kona Krafts fundraiser. A second concern regarded beginning sessions on time. Finally, food and arrangements both received frequent praise for being the best yet.

The audience nearly unanimously cried out for more visual input-transparencies and handouts. The technical terms were too numerous and too overwhelming to be absorbed verbally.

Rita Anderson, The audience responded overwhelmingly positively to Rita. The presentation was well-received-a good sense of humor brought the points home. One person noticed "great power and information because she is involved, not just a speaker."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Rita Anderson}: Six people learned that they "needed to get off their assets" and do something. Several mentioned that this session was timely in that they now knew something concrete about the budgeting and planning process. They now felt confident to apply for the funds they need to make their projects fly.

Question 17, Something 1 plan to use from this session is (Rita Anderson): Eleven people intend to use the team action plan worksheet from the session. One person wants to plan a youth project using the information, another person specifically intends to set up an association at the local gym for youth. One person declares, "We have officially begun planning our project before existing organizations are consulted."

Jeffrey Zacharakis-Juti: Seven people encourage some changes in presentation style. Specifically, the consistent use of the microphone and a slower delivery may help with audience understanding. Two persons requested more "how-to" information. Among the positive responses were encouragement from two audience members to request Jeffrey again for a future presentation.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Jeffrey 2acharakis-Jutz): Haifa dozen respondents mention learning the AEIOU process. Most of the 50 responses to this question addressed the evaluation process. One person learned "how to empower oneself and others through effective evaluation."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Jeffrey Zacharakis-Jutz): The participatory evaluation potential handouts will be used by several people. The AEIOU standard for evaluation will also be useful for most. One person notes, "You have to be passionate about a project for it to work." Another writes, "We've incorporated several of the presented steps from the past into our proposed project as a result of this session."

Hawaii, fifth of six training sessions. KonaSvrf, 27 September 1998. 75 surveys tabulated.

MIRA Survey results. Hawaii, 27 September 1998.

One-third of the returned surveys had no written commentary. General comments included a suggestion to set up a "networking table" where personal business cards, flyers, and information about group projects can be displayed. Another comment of interest: "When do we get to see the results of these [survey] forms?"

Comments on accommodations were surprisingly mixed. Some gave the food highest praise: "delicious." Several others registered complaints about the "vegetarian conspiracy."

People giving high marks to the technology session remarked positively on the use of the digital camera. One person, however, was concerned that no mention was made of the relationship of the video camera's usefulness to group projects. 40% of the respondents gave the technology session a 3 or below. Persons giving lower marks were looking for more technology and hands-on experience; the video was too passive.

Nette Nelson. "Mahalo." Positive remarks were predominant for this "down to earth" presentation. Some thought that the "MIRA" philosophy should have been presented at an earlier session, and had trouble understanding how this session was connected with managing technology.

Question 16. Something 1 learned from this session was (Nette Nelson): Change can only come from within, note some. Many others learned about strategic planning for the first time.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is {Nette Nelson): One person says that he or she will explore the link between hands-on experience and improved learning. Two others specifically indicate they will post MIRA-generated maps in community windows.

Steve Graham: Comments for second speakers are harder to come by, partly because of the problem one cluster member notes: low post-lunch energy levels.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Steve Graham): Several persons made comments on a roundtable "Philanthropy Day" to attract funding. Many note they were impressed by the importance of establishing a partnership with the funding organization.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Steve Graham): One person wants to work on an island-wide meeting. Others would like to ask airlines to donate tickets for out-of-island activities, or start a philanthropy day. Another says she or he will approach the Mormon Church to ask one or two of the missionaries to help with a group projects.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Hawaii, sixth of six training sessions. Hilo, 25 October 1998. 68 surveys tallied.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Hawaii, 25 October 1998.

The site accommodations were fine, according to the survey responses. Meat eaters as well as vegetarians were pleased with lunch planning.

The GIS demonstration was perhaps the best technology demonstration session offered to the Hawaii Cluster. The presentation was "clear, quick, and informative." One person suggests that because there was so much information, the demonstration could have been enlarged to a bona fide MIRA session. On the downside, there was concern with the presentation technique. Five people felt that handouts would have been worthwhile. Two people also mentioned that the slides were difficult to see.

Patrick Finn is "articulate, patient, and inspiring," according to one evaluation. Another person 'liked this one the best" of all the MIRA sessions. One feels the information was perhaps too generic, and three people giving the session lower scores say that the pace was too slow.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Patrick Finn): One person said this was a chance to learn what other groups were doing, and on that note another writes about his or her surprise about the commonality of Big Island issues. Most often noted was the importance of "face to face" communication.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Patrick Finn): One person plans to use the information on "networking, inspiration, printed material." The handouts on "Our Healthy Communities" will also be widely used.

Ed Nelson had a great sense of humor, if the remarks of more than one dozen participants are correct. The light humor made for a "best finish to a terrific 6-month program."

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (Ed Nelson): Comments for second speakers tend to be sparse. Several commented that, in fact, they learned to maintain momentum. Others now see community leaders as "coaches."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from the second session is (Ed Nelson): One person wants to use jokes and humor to use with a large group when giving out information. Another plans to use the ground rules for meetings. Finally, one participant will begin to plan weekly meetings at the local school with teachers and parents.