Social Capital Survey Communication Guide

An important step in ensuring high participation in and support for surveys is to communicate with key stakeholders about the survey, why you are conducting it, and how your young people, organization, and community will benefit from the information it provides. This outreach will also give you an opportunity to address any concerns that may come up regarding confidentiality of data, how the findings might be used, or who is or is not included in the survey.

Being proactive in reaching out to key stakeholders also reduces the chances that they will be suspicious of or raise questions about the survey in ways that could undermine your goals. Depending on the scope of your survey, these stakeholders may include:

• Young people who may be asked to be part of the study/project;

• Family members of young people who may be asked to participate;

• Staff and others who will be asked to assist in administering the survey;

• Key leaders in your organization.

There are many ways to communicate with different stakeholders, and you will be in the best position to select the appropriate approaches based on your past experiences and the specific stakeholders you seek to reach.

You may, for example, set up one-on-one meetings with influential leaders to get their buy-in and advocacy for the survey and using its results. Or you can introduce the survey at a parent meeting or other forum where people have gathered. In many cases, young people can be important messengers for why the survey matters to your school or program. Their perspective on why the survey matters and the value of full participation can increase support and model the value of youth voice and leadership.

Use the Survey Communication Guide to get started.