On a designated evening, citizens distribute and collect the questionnaires and code the results preparatory for computer analysis. During this process, community leaders gain insight about local citizens' attitudes and opinions about community issues. This activity produces a cadre of 60 to 80 interested citizens who not only assist in conducting the survey but are often willing to assist in carrying out activities related to identified needs. While local elected officials remain central throughout the survey process, they need to recognize that volunteer leaders and volunteer groups are eager to assist in strengthening local government and develop ownership as they become engaged. An example questionnaire is provided as well as past surveys to the survey team.
Questionnaires are comprehensive.
They treat concerns of the community including planning, human relations and cultural enrichment, economic development, physical environment and community services. The City Council, assisted by volunteer leaders, adapt the questionnaire to meet the particular needs of their city. They are assisted in this activity by community development specialists from Utah State University Cooperative Extension Service. The questionnaire is printed on both sides of a legal sized sheet of paper, making it convenient to administer and review. Although a questionnaire in this format and an eight or nine page instrument may both contain the same amount of information, citizens are more willing to complete surveys on a single sheet.