2015 Member and Contact Survey

PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY

Evaluate the needs and interests of VAPHA members;

Pinpoint Association’s strengths and areas of improvement; and

Identify recommendations for VAPHA to effectively engage and increase membership.

INTRODUCTION: DESIGNING THE SURVEY

INTRODUCTION: DESIGNING THE SURVEY

“The ultimate goal in survey design should be to choose the best, or optimal, blueprint to meet the primary purposes of the survey.” (Gonzalez & Eltinge, 2010)

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What are the key objectives for the survey?

How will the results be used?

Who is the target audience for the survey?

Will the survey be used as a benchmark? (Wyse, 2012)

http://www.bls.gov/osmr/pdf/st100270.pdf

M E T H O D LO G Y

M E T H O D O LO G Y

R E S U LT S

Response rate (13.5%) provided a snapshot of members’ outlook, interests, and needs;

Response rate was sufficient to analyze and chart results; and

Response rate was adequate to initiate steps toward measurable change.

R E S U LT S

I. Demographics

I. Demographics (cont’d.)

II. Membership Information

II. Membership Information (cont’d.)

Top three reasons for joining:

(1) Stay current on public health information (75.93%);

(2) Network and build relationships (66.67%); and

(3) Attend special events and training sessions (51.85%).

II. Membership Information (cont’d.)

II. Membership Information (cont’d.)

III. Event Participation

When asked if VAPHA events have met their expectations:

53.66% agree

24.39% are neutral

12.20% strongly agree

4.88% disagree

Participants’ reasons why VAPHA had not met their expectations: “[VAPHA] needs to provide more events or workshops that

help students build leadership skills and prepare for the working environment”

“The state organization should do more throughout the year to create opportunities to engage members.”

“To my knowledge, there have been such few events in recent years. For example, I didn’t even know if or when a VAPHA conference was held this year.”

III. Event Participation (cont’d.)

• 55.84% - social/networking opportunities

IV. Membership Benefits

IV. Membership Benefits (cont’d)

Members were asked how VAPHA can improve its membership benefits:

70.83% - increase community visibility

65.28% - increase training/educational events

63.89% - publicize membership benefits more effectively

When asked which volunteer opportunities they would be most interested in, participants chose:

Participate in public health advocacy efforts (63.64%);

Mentor public health students (46.97%); and

Conduct training classes or seminars (42.42%).

V. Volunteer Opportunities

The top committee choices among members were:

Policy and advocacy committee (75.36%);

Public health workforce committee (68.12%); and

Academic/university relations committee (52.17%).

VI. Committees

VII. Communication

Members’ satisfaction with VAPHA’s frequency of communicating:

Members’ preferred method of receiving VAPHA communication:

• 67.61% prefer weekly emails

• 36.62% prefer receiving communications via VAPHA’s website

• 35.21% opt for special event emails only

VII. Communication (cont’d)

VIII. Member Satisfaction

Participants were asked to give their contact information if they wanted to become involved: 23 respondents gave their names, email

addresses, and/or phone numbers

IX. Member Involvement

RECOMMENDATIONS

So, what can VAPHA do to improve its membership benefits?

Keep members informed;

Invite/encourage input from members;

Utilize social media so members can connect;

Send “drip emails” giving members the sense “someone is minding the store” (ex., save-the-date announcements); and

Announce current volunteer opportunities.

1. Communication is Vital

Recommendations for increasing membership:

2. Increasing Membership

Increase VAPHA visibility with members and in communities

Post/email continuing education and job announcements

Use email to provide links to VAPHA website

Increase activities in education, advocacy, workforce development

Engage members to help further VAPHA and APHA missions

3. Improve on Serving Members’ Needs

“Brainstorm” with members via email Solicit and utilize members’ expertise Feature 2-3 bios for “Members of the Month” (via website or

email)

3. Improve on Serving Members’ Needs (cont’d)