2009 Partnership Survey Results Are In

imagineCALGARY recently completed a survey of its (then) 54 Partner organizations, designed to determine their perspectives on the status and progress that has been achieved within the Partnership. A total of 25 Partners completed the survey, and offered valuable input that will shape future programs and priorities.

“Significant (shift in momentum / enthusiasm) might not be the right word, but certainly substantial – especially for a Partnership in its formative stage.”

The 10-question survey was completed online. Among the survey highlights:

•	88% of Partners said they would recommend other groups join the imagineCALGARY Partnership
•	100% of Partners report being moderately, adequately or very informed about the Partnership
•	58% of Partners report a minor or significant shift in momentum/enthusiasm – while 42% report no shift in momentum/enthusiasm
•	83% of Partners report feeling somewhat or extremely connected to the Partnership
•	80% report moderate, high or very high progress in achieving sustainability within their own organizations. 20% report little or no progress in achieving sustainability within their own organizations
•	53% of Partners said money and more imagineCALGARY events would help increase the implementation of imagineCALGARY in their organizations

Throughout the survey, Partners also reported on sustainability progress within their own organizations, as it relates to specific imagineCALGARY systems (built environment, economic, governance, natural environment and social).

“We need some mechanism to connect Partners already implementing sustainability actions.”

In addressing the shift of momentum and enthusiasm throughout the Partnership, one survey participant noted the important contribution imagineCALGARY has made to the community. “From a wider perspective, the imagineCALGARY Plan has stood the test of time and support as demonstrated with the City Hall debates on Plan It Calgary and the City-led initiative on reducing our footprint.”

Several survey respondents expressed support for broadening the Partnership membership, and extending its influence. “Unfortunately, imagineCALGARY does not seem to have a strong presence in the community,” one respondent noted. Another commented: “imagineCALGARY will not succeed if only 10% of Calgarians pursue its goals and targets.”

The annual Partner Survey has been established as a means of tracking progress within the Partnership, as well as providing input into planning and strategies that would increase its effectiveness and impact. “The responses to the annual Partner survey offer great direction for the future,” says Debbie Korzeniowski, Co-coordinator of the imagineCALGARY Steering Committee. “The survey reinforces that while the Partnership has made great progress since its inception, we need to refocus our efforts on tracking progress, recruiting new members and ensuring existing members are engaged, supported and motivated.”

“While I think we have a lot of room to improve, I still believe there is value in organizations in joining others in working towards a more sustainable city.”

A complete summary of the questions and responses follows:

1	Through our communication vehicles (e-newsletter, website, special notices), how informed do you feel you were in 2009 about imagineCALGARY events, Partner initiatives, etc? Not informed 0.0% Moderately informed 36.0% Adequately informed 44.0% Very informed 20.0%
2	In 2009, what kind of shift in momentum and/or enthusiasm did you feel occurred within the imagineCALGARY Partnership? No shift in momentum/enthusiasm 41.7% Minor shift in momentum/enthusiasm 41.7% Significant shift in momentum/enthusiasm 16.7%
3	The unifying theme of the imagineCALGARY vision is "connections." In 2009, did you feel connected to the work of imagineCALGARY - either within your organization or within the Partnership? I/my organization didn't feel connected at all 20.8% I/my organization felt somewhat connected 70.8% I/my organization felt extremely connected 12.5%
4	In 2009, what kind of progress have you made in implementing sustainability / your imagineCALGARY targets? No progress 8.0% Very little 12.0% Moderate 52.0% High 24.0% Very high 4.0%
5	What would help you to increase implementation of imagineCALGARY in your organization? Money 53.3% One-on-one coaching 26.7% More imagineCALGARY events 53.3% Conferences 26.7%
6	Would you recommend becoming a Partner to other organizations? Yes 88% No 13%

“We need to somehow show how Partners can incorporate the imagineCALGARY targets in their day-to-day operations and how this and being a Partner is positive for their organization.”