Iowa, first of six training sessions.
Creston, 16 July 1998.
72 surveys tabulated

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 23 June 1998.

More than two dozen respondents made no additional comments. Notes on most other surveys were limited.

In terms of physical arrangements, ten complained of the echo in the room; others said the sound system was inadequate. Several felt the room was too cold, or that group interaction could have been enhanced if tables had been provided. One suggested: "Could we move for the second session?"

Participants were also concerned about the length of the seminar. "I was getting a little restless at the end," reads a typical comment. "Six hours-that's a lot of work."

The technology demonstration drew criticism. "Very poorly organized." "Sounded like an ad." "This was a sales presentation." Although most who felt the information was dry, not all were displeased. "I really enjoyed the commercials-display of technology," noted one."

A few remarked that they were uncertain about their roles and about what was expected of them: "I don't feel I received adequate information at the local level to know the responsibilities that go along with being here. Am I expected to to participate in a project locally?" Another echoed, "I was not aware of who the target audience of the presentation was. We may have had a breakdown on the local level? Is this (all sessions) leadership training? Are we to take this back and try to change things? I'm confused."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Susan Blood): Notes about the trainers were nearly always positive. "I learned many things about the types of changes and how to deal with the changes in a good and bad way," was a typical comment. Many were captivated by the presentation on difference in brain processing and hearing speed.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Susan Blood): One respondent plans to use the ideas "with my fall back-to-school workshops." Several intend to use seminar handouts to educate their local groups.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (John Blood): Asset mapping made the biggest impression on participants. One was surprised by "the many resources in our community that we don't use-or know about-take for granted."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (John Blood): Although few commented, some of these community leaders marked their intent to cooperate with "everyone in the community and recognize community assets."

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Iowa, second of six training sessions.
Creslon, 16 July 1998.
72 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 16 July 1998.

Although most participants were happy with the site and accommodations, one person mentions that some people were left without food where the roast beef ran out. Another requests that sessions start earlier than 3:00 PM.

The technology session was "better than last time," and "very useful in bringing information to my level." The only complaint was about lack of time.

John Blood. Even though three people comment that the information presented was very basic, most felt the session was good, and that the speaker was "very knowledgeable."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (John Blood): "Teamwork in a community is needed to get anything done," says one person. In a similar vein: "1 learned to move from competition to collaboration." The suggestions on making the learning process visible were well taken. The rope trick received praise.

Question 17. Something ] plan to use from this session is (John Blood): One respondent says the information will help her cope with a situation at work. Another one says, "I plan to use asset mapping in my position with the school district." Yet another seeks to build coalitions in the community.

Patrick Finn. Many people noted that there was not enough time for a fair presentation. Two people mentioned that the pace of the presentation was "too slow." With the exception of some concern that instructions, objectives, and exercises were not always clear, the general opinion seemed positive. One person praised "honesty" in the presentation.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Patrick Finn): One person says, "Compromise is the only way to get something done." Several learned about good negotiation skills in the community process, or how "star" networks are superior to "hub" networks.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Patrick Finn) "If some drop, we all drop." The importance of interaction made a similar impression on other group members: "I will think how I interact to communicate and improve my use of these skills." One person wanted to become involved in the promotion of an Esperanto course in Indianola, apparently inspired by the session. One person did approach the topic with caution, "I'm not so sure this is the way to make friends," she or he said.

M1RA SURVEY RESULTS

Iowa, second of six training sessions.
Creston, 16 July 1998.
72 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 16 July 1998.

Although most participants were happy with the site and accommodations, one person mentions that some people were left without food where the roast beef ran out. Another requests that sessions start earlier than 3:00 PM.

The technology session was "better than last time," and "very useful in bringing information to my level." The only complaint was about lack of time.

John Blood. Even though three people comment that the information presented was very basic, most felt the session was good, and that the speaker was "very knowledgeable."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (John Blood): "Teamwork in a community is needed to get anything done," says one person. In a similar vein: "I learned to move from competition to collaboration." The suggestions on making the learning process visible were well taken. The rope trick received praise.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (John Blood): One respondent says the information will help her cope with a situation at work. Another one says, "I plan to use asset mapping in my position with the school district." Yet another seeks to build coalitions in the community.

Patrick Finn. Many people noted that there was not enough time for a fair presentation. Two people mentioned that the pace of the presentation was "too slow." With the exception of some concern that instructions, objectives, and exercises were not always clear, the general opinion seemed positive. One person praised "honesty" in the presentation.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Patrick Finn): One person says, "Compromise is the only way to get something done." Several learned about good negotiation skills in the community process, or how "star" networks are superior to "hub" networks.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Patrick Finn) "If some drop, we all drop." The importance of interaction made a similar impression on other group members: "I will think how I interact to communicate and improve my use of these skills." One person wanted to become involved in the promotion of an Esperanto course in Indianola, apparently inspired by the session. One person did approach the topic with caution. "I'm not so sure this is the way to make friends," she or he said.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Iowa, fourth of six training sessions.
Creston, 19 September 1998.
56 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 19 September 1998.

There were apparently no great problems with the site. Three people complained it was too warm. Some complained of the noise both within the room and from the other side of the "dividing curtain."

The Cluster members raised some concerns about procedure. :'[We] need to use good local speakers," says one person. "Why are we paying all these out of state people when Iowa has good resources?" Time was a greater problem. That the meeting went until 3:30 bothered three people who had appointments or "better things to do." Another two people blamed the half-hour lateness on Paul's not getting started on time.

The technology session went nearly without comment. One person said it was the "best of the day," but another counters, "It did not reflect the material presented."

Paul Rux. Many people simply did not find the subject matter interesting. A few blamed this on the presentation, saying the speaker needs to be livelier. One person said that the presentation seemed altogether different from the handout material. Yet another suggests that a needs assessment should be conducted so people already familiar with this material don't have to sit through the session. Finally, one comment; "It's starting to all fit together and be fun now."

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Paul Rux): Several were impressed by the fact that they must prepare for politics when grouping with others.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Paul Rux): Five people want to use the fishbone diagram. Three people commented on the usefulness of the voting ideas.

Rossana Alvarez: This was an "excellent opportunity to get our heads together and discuss how we are going to proceed in our community with the Kellogg grant application." One says the session is the best so far. There is some concern that a microphone be used, as the speaker is hard to hear. Also, one person comments that the overheads and the handouts occasionally do not match.

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (Rossana Alvarez): Road mapping, being a visionary, and keeping the end result in mind. The "triple constraint" was mentioned twice. "It won't be a straight line," is advice that at least one Cluster member will keep in mind.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from the second session is (Rossana Alvarez): Few made comments. Some people are enthusiastic about the PERT charts.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Iowa, fifth of six training sessions.
Indianola, 4 October 1998.
51 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 4 October 1998.

Fewer than half of the 51 surveys were returned with comments. Again as many surveys came back with the remarks for the first speaker on the second side and remarks for the second speaker on the first side.

As for site arrangements, one says that seats could have been turned around for small groups, another notes that the sit-down meal was better than previous buffet arrangements.

The technology session did not draw high marks. "Not enough time," and "moved too fast" are common complaints. One person complains that there were not enough chairs to seat people. Another says the presenter needs to "show a working example of what he was talking about." Finally, the presentation was "not applicable to any community project we are considering, but only one technology session has been so far." One person who gave high marks to the presentation says he or she will "learn more about what was presented."

Some wrote about procedural problems. One person thinks the sessions should be designed to reach out to the youth: "This is boring for them." Three other comments are more fundamental. The first: "I feel it is not necessary to have the six required workshops to arrive at a community project. I feel that 2-3 at the max would have been enough." The second was about the explanation of MIRA's objectives: "Why didn't we get this first?" Finally: "Apparently some of the communities had less than 10 participants at the 10/4 session. The steering committee needs to hold them accountable and not overlook the infraction like it did after the 9/19 session.".

Both speakers earned high praise. The comment "best so far" is often used in reference to one or both of the trainers. "Energy" is the word most frequently used in sentences about Gina.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Gina Bartlett): The Cluster members learned about conflict terms. They know they must "break an issue into discernable parts." "It is futile to brainstorm solutions to a problem which has not been clearly defined."

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Gina Batilett): Several plan to use the problem solving process. "1 plan to implement conflict management at home," writes one.

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (Nette Nelson): The clues for communities, the process of working together, and "moving on for here" are mentioned. One person is impressed with the notion that everyone's ideas are very similar.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from the second session is (Nette Nelson): Technology maps, ten ideas for maintaining motivation, and stand-up meetings are mentioned. Others will be "sharing information with the community about goals and implementation," or will "push for more cooperation between the small towns in our area."

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Iowa, sixth of six training sessions.
Indianola, 24 October 1998.
55 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Iowa, 24 October 1998.

Close to half of the MIRA participants made no comment at all. As for genera! comments, two people were concerned about the long sessions with no breaks. According to one, "it's a good thing this is the last session because I would not be back. . .[we need] breaks so that you can listen and learn what a speaker is paid to present...."

Comments on the technology demonstration were split. Although some people gave the session good notes- "good work," "very good," "Jon is an excellent resource for our communities"--others were not so pleased. "Confusing" write two participants. "I know a lot about domains, but he even confused me." "Quite unorganized," adds another.

Dirk Koning has a "good homestyle voice/' and, according to three participants, "made things easy to understand." "Love that man. His Love-Hate relationship with technology. Lots of practical approach stuff." Also; "Dirk was knowledgeable and philosophically geared to work with rural communities." On the downside, three people complained the session was too long, and that there was simply too much. He should "start simple, then expand," according to one.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Dirk Koning): Researching frequencies was mentioned three times as a worthwhile technique. Developing community through media, and ideas on the importance of community communication was also noted.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Dirk Koning): One person says they will find new uses for their ICN room. Another wants to negotiate with cable and telephone companies for greater bandwidth usage, while a third person wants to possibly build partnerships with private industry and check into feasibility for a landscape media map.

James Kraft. In general participants found the session slow paced. It was "too rudimentary," according to one, who "had trouble following." Another Cluster member suggests that more how-to demonstrations would have been useful. One person does remark, however, that the presentation is "a neat idea."

Question 29. Something I learned from the second session was (James Kraft): People learned a great deal about Web sites, and in particular how easy it is to make one. The Web is a useful researching tool, noted participants: "I can buy a house on the Internet."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from the second session is (James Kraft):" could use the technology to teach Esperanto," says one person. The Web will be a useful tool to keep in touch with family and friends, says one, and others will try to set up a Web site.