Survey of Seven Plus around what they liked about MeetUps

Thirteen people replied to the survey - a magnificent response - thank you. 

We (That is Elaine with the help of ChatGPT) have both a short response of and a longer response to each question. These responses are followed below, by the original replies.  We do not know who wrote what.  

Question 1

What do you enjoy most about attending MeetUps?

Short response:

 

Attending MeetUps offers opportunities for engaging in group discussions, meeting both familiar faces and new acquaintances, fostering valuable social connections, discussing diverse and interesting topics, enjoying camaraderie, and expanding knowledge through varied activities and conversations while also providing a platform for maintaining and cultivating ongoing friendships. 

 

Longer response: 

 

The respondents enjoy attending MeetUps for several reasons: MeetUp attendees enjoy:

• Group discussions in clear spaces
  
• Social connections and valuable friendships 
• Engaging conversations on current topics 
• Comradery and trust within the group 
• Exposure to diverse people and activities 
• Varied and intelligent conversations 
• Social contact and stimulating discussions 
• Catching up with friends and meeting new people 
• Regular meetups in different locations 
•  Nurturing ongoing friendships.
  

Original replies:

• When there is clear space for group discussion (hard in coffee shops) 

• Seeing people I know. Getting to meet new people. 

• I enjoy the social connection and being able to talk to people. Over time these have become friends who I feel I can traverse a range of subject matter, be it personal or otherwise. This is valuable and is necessary in a period of life where we have left behind the trappings of work. 

• Connecting with others and talking about interesting topics particularly current events both political and social in fact across the whole of our society. 

• The comraderie and interesting conversations. Being with people who engender familiarity, trustworthiness, security, values likenesses. Learning new things. 

• I like the variety of people - and the chance to catch up on things I would not otherwise know about. Varied activities are good too. 

• The varied and intelligent conversations with people I didn't know 2 years ago. The effort people put in to find us interesting places to go for coffee. The warmth of the welcome offered to new people. 

• The social contact and stimulating conversation 

• The comradeship, being able to get advice and alternative views, and having intelligent conversation. 

• Catching up with friends and meeting new people, usually in a place that is new to me. Getting to know others. 

• Getting to know others. 

• The majority of cafes and homes we meet up at all over ChCh and surrounding areas due to members living in the vicinity. Is a good way to get to know new friends. 

• Continuing ongoing friendships

• 
  

 Question 2

 

What improvements or additions would you like to see in future MeetUps?

Short response: 

 

Attendees offer suggestions for enhancing MeetUps, including facilitating discussions led by experts, securing quieter locations, maintaining a balance between intellectual discourse and social interaction, implementing structured discussions with potential follow-ups, and considering logistical aspects like RSVPs and seating arrangements. They also express a growing appreciation for the variety in meetup locations and experiences.

 

Longer response:  

Attendees of MeetUps suggest various improvements and preferences for the gatherings: 

• Appreciation for facilitators sharing expertise or viewpoints during sessions. 
• Desire for quieter locations in central/north Christchurch to facilitate small group discussions. 
• Enjoyment of meetups visiting places and interacting with individuals engaged in meaningful work, with acknowledgment of the balance between intellectual conversation and social interaction. 
• Interest in structured discussions around specific topics, potential actions arising from conversations, and gatherings at people's houses. 
• Preference for a balance between structure and spontaneity, including timed discussions, updates from attendees, and effective facilitation. 
• Hope for follow-ups on meaningful or challenging ideas discussed during meetups. 
• Consideration of logistics such as RSVPs and table arrangements as the group size fluctuates. 
• Suggestions for implementing group-wide topics for discussion and facilitating communication regarding facilitators' roles. 
• Interest in information sharing on topics affecting seniors. 
• Practical considerations for accommodating larger groups, such as booking multiple tables. 
• Evolution of preferences over time, embracing variety in meetup locations and experiences.

Original replies:

• I know it’s come at will, if convenient, but wouldn’t mind if facilitator/organiser if the day wanted to use the time to share an issue or viewpoint of their particular expertise 

• Being able to talk in small groups without back ground noise. More locations in central/north Christchurch. 

• I'm not sure I have any `improvements to suggest; I've enjoyed those meetups where we have visited places and spoken with people who are doing good work e.g. the Hornby Community Centre. I think the content in the blog which separates meetups from Alt Wed (Zoom) provides a reasonable contrast for those who seek more meaningful (challenging) conversation but also desire to have social interaction where connection is more important than intellectual pursuit. 

• I like the idea of bringing along news items to discuss. aiming for group discussion around a particular topic and even breaking into smaller groups. perhaps taking some actions out about particular topics that come up - such as making a submission. Setting broad boundaries so that people know there will be a collective conversation is a good idea. Get togethers at people's houses is good. 

• Some structure - but not to the detriment of spontaneity. "Structure" be timeframed so the purpose of meetups is not lost e.g. it could be a pre-determined subject or a spontaneous one.) A short catch up / update on where people "are at" since last meetup (or since last attendance) - maybe use conversation starters or prompts e.g. something thing that matters to you / what's on your mind / what are you passionate about etc etc. A good facilitator from time to time who can revitalize / read the group etc etc. The environment is critical so that the whole group can interact - not just people side by side. 

• I hope that there might be spin-off so that meaningful or challenging ideas can be followed up. be followed up 

• Maybe it is a bit hard not knowing how many will show up. If it is in our home we have flexibility. When an organiser makes a reservation should it be for 8, 12 or 15? Maybe when we see an email we could reply affirmative as well as if we know we can't come. 

• Nothing to add. 

• That there be a topic(s) of the day for whole of group discussion. 

• Maybe a place where i can check on who is facilitating what, or a tag email saying X you are facilitating Meetups for Y month with Z. 

• Information sharing on issues affecting seniors. 

• Should the group get bigger we way need to book two tables and maybe change seats half way 

• Originally, I wasn’t that happy about “taking coffee” at random places but have given in and am now embracing my prejudices and enjoying the variety that different people's choices bring.

   

  Technical Notes about using Survey Monkey and ChatGPT

  This survey was run on the free version of Survey Monkey – it gave excellent support in writing the survey – but there was little support for processing this kind of data. 
  

   

  Therefore, I cut and pasted the survey into Libre Office  and then cut and pasted the assembled responses into ChatGPT – and cut and pasted its responses into the blog.
  

   

  So far, so good!  Surveys of different formats (eg multiple choice) will produce results more effectively – but I am happy with this as a start.  It provides info in a format that we can use to explain what meetups are on the blog.   

   

  And maybe it will contribute to ongoing discussion. 
  

   

  And it is showing how the blog can be used to keep permanent records of our interesting conversations and investigations.  Ka nui te pai.