IGR Members’ 2024 Survey Results: Presented 10 April 2025

The survey was distributed at the end of 2024 to our members and we received 22 responses.

There were 13 questions about the various activities we arrange and invitations for comments in each area. The report compiled here is composed by one person (Jay Moore) yet we continue to invite input and feedback from the members to help us plan effective meetings and to clarify our role in the community.

Evening and Daytime Meetings 

Of the 22 respondents, only 6 thought that evening meetings were helpful. In the second question on this topic, 15 out 22 said they preferred daytime meetings. There were some very constructive comments such as “continue with day time meetings but plan more evening events.” Also, a person suggested that this alternate format wasn’t promoted enough as the idea should have been part of a much larger appeal to faith groups to encourage more attendance generally.

Personal “Faith Journey” Presentations

All 22 respondents said they liked the Faith Journey format.

Invited Speakers

Almost all said they liked hearing speakers followed by a Q & A period. One comment cautioned that it shouldn’t get to be too often since we don’t interact much with each other in this format.

Other Notable Comments about Meetings

There were a number of positive comments, generally appreciating the variety and value of our meetings.

There was a suggestion that we should return to two hour meetings with a social time built in as was the pattern in the past. This comment has arisen a number of times in the recent past.

One respondent questioned why there were so few people and so few faith communities represented.

The Newsletter 

All three questions about the size, frequency and content of the newsletter were almost entirely “yes”  responses with the exception of one or two “maybe” responses in each area. The majority of comments  were very positive with expressions of gratitude for August’s work. The most notable concern raised by two or three people is the problem of information about events not getting in by the deadline and, therefore, not posted. All items are posted immediately and continually on the Community News page.

Meeting Locations

14 out the 22 respondents said they preferred meeting in different locations. Only 2 said “No.” Only 3 people said “yes” to preferring meetings in a consistent location. Many of the comments referred to the valuable learning experience of visiting other faith community locations. However, a couple of people identified a concern that a consistent location would likely improve attendance by establishing a habitual action.

Inviting Others from Your Faith Group

Only one person stated that they would not be willing to invite others from their faith group. 4 said “Maybe.”

Volunteering Time

17 people said they are willing to contribute volunteer time or that they are doing so already.

Summary

In the final two sections, opportunities were given for people to express general thoughts and offer suggestions to the organization. Many people expressed appreciation for the opportunities that IGR and our meetings provide for learning and relationship-building. Some themes came out strongly here relating to enlarging the group and also having more events and meetings open to the public. One suggested, for instance, that we create more opportunities and benefits for local university students. Another referred to picnics and musical events to reach out to others. Another referred to the many items we have on our list to consider (a.k.a., the “President’s Parking Lot”) and encouraged us to make plans to complete these items. One person expressed feeling “stifled by the leadership” when considering inviting others to the meetings.

Personal Comments from Jay Moore

1. Clearly, daytime meetings are preferred by most and I take special note of the suggestion that more non-meeting events could be planned in the evening to reach more people.

2. I’m glad about the high acceptance of the “Faith Journey” format meetings  because I value the opportunities this format provides for learning about individuals and for small group interaction which strengthens our sense of knowing each other and sharing the experience.

3. I agree that the invited speakers format should not be offered too often since it doesn’t contribute to the possibilities of our knowing and sharing with each other as much.

4. The suggestion that we return to two hour meetings with a social time in the middle of the meeting has been taken up and we have made this change already. We hope this will strengthen the personal bonds among us.

5. One respondent wondered “why there were so few people and so few faith communities represented.” This is a large issue and I believe the Steering Committee must address this situation.

6. Although we post news items anytime on the Community News page on the website, most people don’t take the initiative to actively go there independently. Alternatively, sending out information to the mailing lists as it comes in would mean that some people would be irritated by too many messages from IGR in their inbox. This is a dilemma we have not resolved adequately.

7. The majority of people enjoy going to different locations for our Members’ Meetings. There are clear benefits to this strategy. I think we should recognize, however, how a consistent location would contribute to more regular attendance of some people. Without a consistent location, we need to compensate for the effects of continual changes in locations.

8. Although there was strong support for the idea that members invite others from their congregations to attend, we have seen very little of this over the years I have been a part of IGR.

9. 17 out of 22 people said they were willing to contribute volunteer time and effort for the activities of Interfaith Grand River. The Steering Committee should capitalize on this fact.

10. I have thoughts about the opinion given by the person who commented that they were feeling “stifled by the leadership” when considering inviting others to the meetings. This may relate to the up-front requirements we have around the significance of “voting members” and around the idea that we don’t want to have our group “dominated by Christians” (as described by one respondent). The Steering Committee needs to continue to address this recurring issue because this perception has a direct negative effect on the welcome we put out there to encourage people to attend.

These comments are my own and merely a starting place for discussion and action by the Steering Committee. I will arrange for the Steering Committee to consider what actions our organization should take to address the issues raised. Our goal will be to arrive at a few, strong recommendations and a plan of action for the coming year.

 Jay Moore

President, Interfaith Grand River