Idaho, first of six training sessions.
Red Lion Hotel, Lewiston, 27 June 1998.
58 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Idaho, 27 June 1998.

According to the general commentary, the sound system could use some improvement for the sake of inter-community interaction."

The technology session could have involved "more hands-on experience," said one.

Rosanna's presentation met with general praise: "Rosanna is strong, clear, and encouraging. The combining of several Idaho communities makes for a positive, homey environment with a lot of interacting. Keep it up!" A more cautious note reads, "Advance handouts were too scholarly, they would have been handy if translated into simple language."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Rossana Alvarez): Participants generally indicated they understood the basic concepts of coping with change. The idea of participative democracy impressed some. One recognized "that people can come together to find solutions to change and how to organize and gather data, use data and conflict to create appropriate response to change." Still others noted the importance of difference and the distinction between science and common sense.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Rossana Alvarez): Two participants planned practical application of the material. One said, "I will use information in the combining of employment training... to develop a program that will utilize resources for client self-sufficient promotion." A second wants to apply principles from the session to advertise the state park in his or her community. Many were enthusiastic about the theme of community interaction.

Participants enjoyed Nette's engaging style. "A very energetic presentation involving everyone most of the time," said one. Another noted a "great sense of humor."

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (Nette Nelson) : Comments were sparse, but asset mapping caught the attention of most. Many were interested not to learn that the consensus process is straightforward and fun.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (Nette Nelson) Only a few made comments. One person indicated that he or she would join a volunteer organization as a result of the presentation. Another wants to employ these methods in the interview process. The importance of asset mapping, the star method, and the well-prepared worksheets were also mentioned.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Idaho, second of six training sessions.
Lewiston. 11 July 1998.
54 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Idaho, 11 July 1998.

Comments were sparse. 54 surveys were evaluated, an additional 12 surveys came back blank.

The technology presentation received good reviews: "It's a shame the whole community didn't see him." One person observed that "this presentation was more about a program using technology than a presentation about the technology itself." Another thought it was great, but wanted to know more about how to make it work in his or her own community.

Nette Nelson. A few people were concerned about the pace and use of time. Some others wanted more hard core information, or wanted to "actually do things" at the workshop. Most of the comments were, however, very positive. "I really like the idea of using visuals to arouse people's curiosity in what we're doing," said one. Said another, "Nette is great and a fun presenter."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Nette Nelson): People were surprised to learn how much was going on in their town, and how much their communities had in common with other communities in the Cluster. One person enjoyed learning that "people can communicate without words and have fun doing it"

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Nette Nelson): One person intends to become involved in the mobile computer class available to communities. Using asset mapping to stir up community interest is also an expressed goal.

John Blood Participants were nearly unanimously impressed: "Very funny," "funny," "energetic," "humorous," "informative," "enjoyable." One person noted that it was good to have such a high energy speaker to "keep us going" in the afternoon. One person points out that there is already significantly more community input since the last meeting. Negative comments were few. One thought that the session needed to be longer. Another suggests passing out the printed materials at the beginning of the training.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (John Blood): One comment was typical: "The analogy between human and electronic networks makes the Internet simpler to understand." One person also noted learning how easy it is to get people motivated and involved with ideas if they are part of the idea. Finally, one person picked up on a lighter theme: "I'm a hub, I'm a router."

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (John Blood) One attendee plans to seek out youth and elders to use "the human side of this" to help his or her local fire department. Another person wants to track down her husband and daughter about using their computers.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Idaho, third of six training sessions.
Lewiston, 22 August 1998.
50 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Idaho, 22 August 1998.

These MIRA cluster members made no comments about arrangements.

The technological session received positive reviews. One person comments that the laptops were hard to use, but another counters that it was great to have the laptops. One suggestion: "You should have the computer lab in another room and schedule small groups to participate in computer education-one from each group during program."

Apparently, the trainers shared duties for each program half, so it is not always clear which comments are addressed to which speaker. For this evaluation, comments for the first session follow below under Susan Blood, and comments for the second half under John Blood.

Susan Blood The session was "excellent, useful, and exciting" for most, but two people say they would prefer seeing more hands-on exercises and fewer handouts. Some are pleased that the information is helping to initiate group projects: "Our group is struggling on how to get started and how to get support for the project we pick."

Question 16. Something I learned from this session was (Susan Blood): Nine people say that the snow card method is useful. The SAME method and the Abilene Paradox were also often mentioned as helpful. The group indicates a general sense that teaming about their own interaction, dynamics, and majority due process was most useful.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from this session is (Susan Blood): Several people intend to use the snow card and SAMI methods. More important, say two respondents, is that they will "use decision-making strategies in order to decide how our group should make decisions."

John Blood. The response was positive: "Very well done, interesting!" "Smooooth! But please provide handouts using coalition building." Four people did regret that there was not enough time to cover materials adequately.

Question 29. Something I learned at this session was (John Blood): The "Nibble Theory" attracted the attention of two people. Most others note that the idea of lobbying and better dealing with elected officials was worthwhile. The process from guideline to rule to charter to court decision was also mentioned as useful.

Question 30. Something I plan to use from this session is (John Blood): The group notes a clear sense of empowerment. Two people intend to make active use of the Internet. Another person summarizes their plans: "Using personal empowerment and breaking boundaries to include more individuals as a way to increase group capacity research tools on Web and lobbying."

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Idaho, fourth of six training sessions.
Clarkston, 12 September 1998.
30 surveys tabulated.

* Apparently the joint sessions, "Planning and Evaluating Community Projects," were led by both John and Susan Blood. The evaluations have been presented here as if there were a single session taught by both trainers, because this is how the majority of the surveys were returned. An additional fifteen surveys were ignored. These forms were either incomplete or ambiguous and could not be processed.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Idaho, 12 September 1998.

Because of survey ambiguity, it is not possible to comment by trainer or by session. Instead, the remarks below are culled from the survey responses in general.

First, the cluster had no big problems with the technology session or with site arrangements. Two people indicated they were not able to attend the technology session. Because only five people responded to this part of the survey at all, this was apparently the rule rather than the exception.

In terms of site, one person mentioned that Quality Inn was much nicer than the Red Lion Inn.

Second, in response to the prompt "Something I learned at this session was,..", the group most often commented on the time line charts. Nearly a dozen people indicated the time line information would be helpful. Says one, "A time line including detailed tasks is critical to our project."

The Towering Inferno example was also mentioned several times as useful.

Most important, the group understands the daunting task of planning. It is "hard and takes time," says one, another says there is "more involved in planning than I thought." Even more to the point: "We realized that we are getting very close to a time that we will work very hard and close together. We have to find ways to create funds to keep everything moving."

Third, the group indicates an intention to use these lessons. One will use the project planning tools and ten questions when working through his or her project. A second says he or she will "make a presentation to a least one community group to inform them about our project." A third was thankful to work on a first grant application.

Finally. In general the response to the trainers was positive. "John Blood is a great instructor," writes one person. Another person expected there would be different presenters for the sessions, but was satisfied with the work of the Bloods. One person did register some concern: "When I first heard about the MIRA program, I understood there would be 'hands-on' training on laptops, etc. This has been a great disappointment."

In the end, the high evaluation scores suggest a high level of interest and satisfaction with the program. Perhaps most would agree with the respondent who writes, "This was the best session yet!"

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Idaho, fifth of six training sessions.
Red Lion Inn. 24 October 1998.
35 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MIRA Survey results. Idaho, 24 October 1998.

11 of the 35 returned surveys provided no commentary.

Participants gave the technology session rave reviews. Two reported being inspired by Amy's success stories. Said one, "Amy B., you are amazing. Thanks for your help at the Battle Creek and Lewiston workshops."

Jeannie Chapelle. Comments about Jeannie were exclusively positive. "Good session, thank you, Jeannie!" "Very informative and helpful. Presented clearly and the visual aids were good." Most significant, said one, is that Jeannie was the first presenter in Idaho who truly elucidated the concepts of MIRA well. The effect of emphasizing strengths at a community level "was electrifying,"

Question 16, Something 1 learned from the first session was (Jeannie Chapelle): Eight participants reported learning approaches for volunteer recruitment. Also mentioned: how to get more people involved, attracting recruits face-to-face, the necessity of motivating volunteers, and evaluating personal needs as applied to the group. One person noted that it is important not to get frustrated by people coming and going at different stages of the project.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Jeannie Chapelle): Recruiting was a major concern of the participants. One person mentioned that they would use the formula for recruitment. More specifically, another plans to recruit youth for the new youth center in Weippe. Others say that they will use the poster and the handouts, that they will better match skills and abilities to tasks at hand, and that they will thank people more often.

There was no second presenter.

MIRA SURVEY RESULTS

Idaho, sixth of six training sessions:
Lewiston, 14 November 1998.
36 surveys tabulated.

Commentary

MTRA Survey results. Idaho, 14 November 1998.

The technology demonstration session was apparently unsuccessful due to incompatibility with analog lines. Although survey results reflect this failure, one person sympathized: "I appreciate the effort and know the frustration when key components don't pan out. We appreciate the LCSC and especially Dr. Mary Emery."

Patrick Finn. Patrick was considered "one of the best presenters." The workshop was clear, easy and fun to listen to. "Patrick was very energetic and included his audience." There were, however, two suggestions that the presentation could have used more "meat." For example, said one, "What books are good resources? What communities are successful?" One person also thought that this session would have been best as the first workshop.

Question 16. Something I learned from the first session was (Patrick Finn): Several persons noted learning the names and addresses of potential funding agencies, indicating also the importance of forging partnerships both inside and outside of the community. One person learned to use the two step process in getting a grant-first getting to know someone, then applying for the grant. The importance of technology in all aspects of community life was mentioned by one. Another said the workshop was useful in showing different ways to look at communications.

Question 17. Something I plan to use from the first session is (Patrick Finn): One person mentioned that he or she will use the printed materials. Three people want to use the Internet to look up different sites to drum up grant money. One person will use the contributions of the MIRA network that has been established over the course of the six sessions. Finally, another person says they will "use all info to push people to achieve a 15-year wish for a boys and girls club."

There was no second presenter.