The Personal, the Social, and the Political: A Survey (1/25/13 Draft)

My plan is to post a questionnaire like the following on Survey Monkey and widely circulate an invitation for people to complete it. The intent is to find and connect with others who share an interest in what I tentatively, for lack of a better word for now, call “holistic organizing.” The basic idea is to nurture the development of supportive communities whose members support each other in their self-development, their efforts to grow alternative communities that can serve as “models” for the future, and their political efforts to help improve public policies.

I may begin distributing this Wednesday, January 29. If you have any suggested changes or words of encouragement, that would be appreciated. And if you think it’s a bad idea, please let me know that as well.

Thanks,
Wade

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NOTE: The questions will be followed by:
___Yes ___No ___Not sure       Comments:

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The Personal, the Social, and the Political: A Survey

(1/25/13 Draft)

Introduction

This 14-question survey is intended to explore attitudes and activities concerning personal growth, community development, and political action.

The questions only ask for yes-or-no answers. Completing the survey will probably take less than five minutes.

Responses will be kept anonymous unless otherwise indicated.

A report on the results will be shared with all respondents who ask to receive it.

Respondents will be invited to participate in an online discussion and/or video call about the results.

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The Survey

MUTUAL SUPPORT

Do you have close friends with whom you:
• Feel free to be yourself
• Have fun
• Express deep feelings
• Listen carefully
• Give and receive support
• Get to know each other
• Share happiness
• Discuss the meaning of life
• Evaluate what’s right and what’s wrong
• Help each other become better human beings
• And consider how to improve governmental policies and social institutions?

If you do not have those kind of close friends, would you like to?

If you do have those kind of close friends, do you occasionally gather as a group to engage in those kind of activities together?

PERSONAL GROWTH

In the last month, have you, in one way or another, tried to become a better human being?

During the next month, do you plan to try to become a better human being?

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

In the last month, have you tried to help improve a social institution (or organization), such as a spiritual community, your child’s school, a neighborhood center, or an informal community of friends?

During the next month, do you plan to help improve a social institution or informal community?

POLITICAL ACTION

In the last month, have you engaged in an effort to impact public policy?

During the next month, do you plan to engage in an effort to impact public policy?

FOLLOW-UP

Would you be interested in participating in an online discussion and/or a video call about these questions with others who answer this survey?

If you don’t already, would you like to gather at least once a month with close, trusted friends to share a meal, socialize informally, and hear what others have to say about the kind of questions posed in this survey?

Will you tell others about this survey?

May we identify you as the author of your comments?

Would you like to receive a report on the results of this survey?

Name / Email (we won’t share your email address)