2010 MHC Constituent Survey

We're listening.

We’ve heard you.
Thank you to the hundreds of you who participated in our constituent survey in December 2010. Your input is valuable to us, and thought you might appreciate a brief summary of survey findings. Information is power, and you should know how MHC is planning to address your feedback.

An overview
Well over half of all surveyed ranked programs as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’, with many programs garnering a positive rating over 70%.  Few surveyed knew much about our grants-funded programs nor did you interact with MHC via social media, but those of you who receive “Opening Eyes”, our newsletter, rated it highly. The majority of respondents (86%) felt that MHC programs stimulated informed dialogue and these programs had a positive impact on audience members (91%). Overall respondents felt MHC accomplished its goals, but could explore stronger or additional partnerships to maximize impact.

Who responded to the survey?  
Audiences from all MHC programs and segments filled out the survey; the most responsive audiences represented were Chautauqua attendees and One Maryland One Book participants.  The majority of those surveyed hold graduate or professional degrees. Most of the respondents were audience members, women between the ages of 45-64 (53%), or over the age of 65 (37.4%), but it is important to note that students were not surveyed and they comprise a big part of MHC served constituency.  Geographically, responses were received from all but two counties across the state; the most came from (in no particular order) Baltimore City and Montgomery, Baltimore, and Talbot Counties.

What did we learn?  How can we improve?

MHC needs to better explain about how we allocate our programming.  You want to hear more specifically about what’s going on in your neck of the woods.

* We will ensure that you can easily find MHC-sponsored events in your area. We will more clearly define where events take place in communications which are not regionalized.  Additionally you will be able to review our pattern of service to your jurisdiction in our biennial report.

* Our Email newsletter, “Opening Eyes” will be regionalized this summer, so that you will receive information about events pertinent to your area.  We hope this also raises awareness about MHC events in your region.

Promotions of MHC programs and events need improvement.  While MHC will focus on better pre-event promotion, we have shifted to online and user-based communications materials due to the complex and changing media environment and little resources for paid advertising.

Here are some MHC will look to employ:

* MHC has hired a new Communications Manager, Michele Baylin, who is working to cultivate news stories, adding calendar listings, and seeking marketing partnerships.  Many of your suggested organizations, areas, and vehicles will be explored.
* MHC will capture events on video when possible and then post them online for a wider audience to experience.

What can you do to help?

WORD OF MOUTH still is our most effective tool and so we ask for your help spreading the word, whether it’s sharing an event notice on Facebook or distributing flyers about an upcoming Chautauqua in your area.

Want to help? Contact Michele Baylin at mbaylin@mdhc.org to share your opportunity.

Help MHC to go viral!

* Forward “Opening Eyes” to friends who you think might find it of interest when it arrives in your inbox. Simply click on the ‘Forward to a Friend’ link within the email.

* Consider joining our Facebook Family (choose our new organization page), or add us to those you follow on twitter, and comment on a blog if it inspires you.  

Again, thank you for your input and support. Should you want to provide additional feedback or suggestions, please email us at info@mdhc.org or call our offices from 9am-5pm at (410) 685-0095.