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You Spoke, We Listened: Summary of the 2001 Member Survey Results

by Megan Nickels Abbett, Boston College; Co-Chair Member Services Committee

Last spring, 29 percent of Women in Development members responded to a survey designed to help the Board of Directors assess and improve programs and benefits offered. Led by the Member Services Committee, the project was a tremendous success due, in large part, to the high rate of insightful, thoughtful responses, which have provided the information necessary for WID to continue as a leading resource for development professionals in greater Boston and beyond. The Board thanks those who participated and we are pleased to report the survey results.

Of those who responded

• The average respondent is 41 years old, earns between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, has been in the development field for 10 years and a member of WID for 6 years.
• Top areas of interest are the job listings, content of programs, and networking opportunities.
• 62% of respondents prefer e-mail communication vs. 33% who prefer paper mail.
• 56% prefer evening programs.
• 81% had used WID in their job search; of those, 36% found their current job through WID.
• Members join WID for networking, help with a job search, and to develop professional skills.

Other key findings of the survey were

• Members report overall satisfaction with WID.
• New members are not necessarily entry level professionals.
• Members are unaware of on-line resources.
• Members are divided on opening up membership to other constituencies.

Recommendations include

• Track membership satisfaction annually.
• Increase member affiliation with WID.
• Develop an exit strategy.
• Assess service offerings (i.e., program topics, content, speakers).
• Educate membership about on-line offerings.

How are we using this information?

Throughout this year, you will see and hear about new initiatives based on suggestions made by survey respondents, such as the focus group lunches for current members, a new member breakfast on Tuesday, January 8, and new topics for spring programs. Our website will be more prominent and informative, with an e-newsletter directing members to new content on the site. The current WID website is an outstanding resource for all members as well as even those interested in the development profession.. Bookmark it at www.widgb.org and visit it often.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for helping to make the 2001 member survey a success. If you have any other comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact Megan Nickels Abbett at megan.abbett@bc.edu or 617-552-3245.

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