In January this year, everyone registered on the WCCM in the UK database with an email address which is about 1500 people were invited to take part in an online Community Outreach survey. The intention was to help determine how many people are currently involved in outreach activity, to see how many might like to be, to gather new ideas and to make connections with those interested.
There were 157 responses which we were encouraged and delighted with. While most people reported being aware of Outreach, primarily from reading the UK newsletter, the number already involved was small, just 15.
They were nearly all involved with areas where there is currently a Special Interest Coordinator – Addiction, Clergy/Contemplative Church, Environment, Learning Disabilities, the Marginalised, Meditation with Children in Schools, Palliative and Long-term care, Prisons, plus one or two working in other settings like a retirement home.
What was interesting was that in addition to those already involved, another 62 responded saying that they were interested not only with the existing areas of Outreach, but in new areas like business. At present we are following up with everyone who said they were interested and putting them in touch with their Special Interest Coordinator, if there is one.
The survey went on to ask if there were other areas where respondents were already involved with community activities that might benefit from meditation and whether they might be prepared to facilitate something which prompted positive replies from over 40 people.
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to complete the questionnaire. Many people who currently do not have the time to get involved themselves put forward a variety of interesting ideas for us to follow up.
This is a work in progress which is already proving fruitful and encouraging. If you missed the survey and are interested in getting involved in any area of Outreach please get in touch with Diana Ohlson, Meditatio Country Coordinator (dohlson24@gmail.com)
Diana Ohlson and Julie Roberts