I have been asked to be sure that this item is distributed as widely as possible throughout the parish.
One of the priorities that our Episcopal Visitor has established for the DMAS is to develop a strategic plan that will enable the diocese to grow and remain strong and viable for the next 50 and 100 years. As the first step in establishing the strategic plan, the Council of Advice (the Standing and Executive Committees together) developed a survey that deals in five areas -Demographics, Diocese as a unifying agent, Governance, Support, and Future. While the Council understands that this one survey can not identify every issue within the diocese, the questions are written to gain a general overview of what people think about the diocese and where the clergy and laity think that it stands in terms of strength and viability.
The survey has been loaded into an online survey tool that will compile the date for us. The link for the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B9BQSR3. [PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THOSE SUBMITTING THE SURVEY ONLINE IT MAY BE COMPLETED ONLY ONCE PER COMPUTER].
Hard copy of the survey for those clergy and laity who are not comfortable with or who do not have access to the internet will be made available at the parish office. For those completing the form via hard copy, they are asked to forward the survey (anonymously if they wish) to: Mrs. Debbie Weaver, Diocesan Secretary, 9957 Morristown Place, Waldorf, MD 20603. I will then enter all the surveys received into the online tool so that the responses can be included into the data compilation.
While the survey will remain open, we are asking that as many people as can, complete the survey by September 14, 2012. The first set of data will be compiled and will be discussed at the Clergy Retreat scheduled for September 17-18, 2012. We understand that this is a quick turn around but we are hoping that the online ability of the survey will enable everyone to respond quickly.
This survey, and the responses that we receive, are an important first step in developing the strategic plan for the DMAS and we hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns. This is everyone’s chance to have their voices heard.
The Cathedral Close 