1. Exhaust Online Options: Before distributing a paper survey, it is helpful to make sure that all online options for taking the survey have been exhausted. For example: have you made use of computer stations at the church? Borrow laptops from willing members and invite folks to take the survey at an specific time. Many folks who are mildly computer phobic can easily manage the survey with a little help.
2. Coach Paper Survey Takers: When a paper survey must be used, a little coaching goes a long way. There are several ways to go about this. Encourage folks to read the instructions! Emphasize that incomplete surveys result in data that cannot be used. Setup a coffee and cookies hour before or after worship and encourage people to take the survey together. A person from the leadership team should be available to answer questions, explain the more complex questions such as ranking questions and, with the respondent's permission, look over the survey to make sure it is complete. Train office staff in coaching those who pick up a paper copy. For example, show that only one answer can be filled in per question, and that ranking questions must be filled out so that each ranking option is used only once.
3. Mail the Surveys: Data from paper surveys should be mailed to the Bishop Nominating Committee no later than December 31. They will ensure that the data is entered into the online survey. Mailing address: ATTN: Bishop Nominating Committee, The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107