Ostara 1999 Newsletter NSW Members Survey |
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There were 39 surveys returned in this years members survey, and here are the results. (Please note that some results will not add up to 100%, this is due to the fact that some surveys were not completely filled out, or that the round off error will make the totals slightly over 100%).
1. How sastisfied would you say you were with the NSW Newsletter?
| Very satisfied | 56.41% |
| Satisfied | 43.59% |
2. Is there anything that you would like to see covered in the NSW Newsletter, that is not currently?
- More sceptical opinions on Pagan History.
- NSW Environmental Issues (see this issue)
- Articles on dowsing (not just for water)
- Historical analysis of various paths
- Stav information
- More about obscure pagan paths
- More in depth information about the moon phases and how this is related to astrological information
- Books and music reviews (see this issue)
- Information on courses, groups, classes, workshops, discussion groups
- Information about gatherings for first time attendees (what to bring, wear, expect etc)
- More member contributions
3. How satisfied are you as a member of the National Pagan Alliance?
| Very satisfied | 35.90% |
| Satisfied | 56.41% |
| Average | 7.70% |
4. Do you have any comments about your membership?
- Newsletter should come out earlier
- Its good to be kept informed about the Pagen community and being well connected
- Wish it was easier to meet others without going to Sydney
- Need more to do
- What does PA offer its members
5. Would you prefer a newsletter 8 times a year, or a larger newsletter 4 times a year?
| 8 times a year | 79.49% |
| 4 times a year | 17.95% |
6. Should the Alliance has a mission statement?
| Yes | 15.38% |
| No | 38.46% |
| Don't mind | 2.56% |
| Undecided | 12.82% |
7. If you said yes to a mission statement, what sort of things should it contain?
The most interesting part of the survey was this question! The responses showed that memebers are thinking keenly about that the Alliance is and does. The fact that memebers see the Alliance as a free thinking and diverse organisation, showed through by the concern that a mission statement might be restrictive or dictating.
Some suggestions to think about included (some people wrote ideas to include, even though they ticked 'no' for a mission statement):
- Unity among Pagans, working together to promote nature, love and friendship, acceptance and tolerance.
- Fostering growth, acceptance and understanding of Earth Religions.
- Link in with the ethics statement.
- To share information freely without bias or prejudice, keeping respect for others.
- The traditional Pagan creed would suffice.
- Mission statements are an excuse for not thinking, and a tool for the thought police.
8. Any other comments?
Thanks for the positive comments and messages of encouragement in this section. It is through this feedback that we can check that we haven't become 'controlling', nor become the only voice within the Alliance in NSW.
Demographic Information
This is the second time that the NSW region has included a demographic survey, but this time the questions related to paths, years of involvement, teaching Pagans, age and location. This survey is to try to get an idea, or picture of our members. It helps us to find out who we are, but also helps us to determine where we might be uderrepresented, and can help us understand what we are doing that might not be inclusive of all Pagan paths.
1. Do you follow a particular path?
| Yes | 56.41% |
| No | 15.38% |
| Not answered | 5.13% |
2. If you answered yes to question one, what is your Tradition
or path?
3. Length of time following this tradition
| 1 year | 0% |
| 2 years | 9.09% |
| 3 years | 13.63% |
| 4 years | 22.73% |
| 5 years | 9.09% |
| 6 - years | 4.55% |
| 10 - 15 years | 9.09% |
| 15 - 20 years | 9.09% |
| 20 - 25 years | 4.55% |
4. Do you work alone or with others?
| Solitary | 53.85% |
| Work with others for festivals | 17.95% |
| Public rituals | 7.69% |
| Alone daily, with others weekly | 2.56% |
5. Do you teach?
| Yes | 28.21% |
| No | 51.28% |
6. If so for how long?
| 1 year | 27.27% |
| 2 years | 18.18% |
| 3 years | 0% |
| 4 years | 0% |
| 5 years | 9.09% |
| 6 years | 0% |
| 7 years | 9.09% |
| 8 years | 9.09% |
| Teach my chilren | 27.27% |
7. Which age group do you fall into?
| 18 - 25 | 12.82% |
| 26 - 30 | 10.26% |
| 31 - 35 | 25.64% |
| 36 - 40 | 10.26% |
| 40 - 50 | 25.64% |
| 50 - 60 | 5.13% |
| 60 - 70 | 2.56% |
8. Sex
| Male | 69.23% |
| Female | 25.64% |
9. Which area do you live in?
| Sydney City | 20.51% |
| Outer edges of Sydney | 17.95% |
| Central West | 12.82% |
| Mid North Coast | 12.82% |
| Blue Mountains | 5.13% |
| South Coast | 5.13% |
| Northern Tablelands | 5.13% |
| Victorian border | 5.13% |
| Far North Coast | 2.56% |
| Central Tablelands | 2.56% |
| Lower Hunter | 2.56% |
| Far West | 0% |
| Central Coast | 0% |
10. Which seasonal Festivals do you follow or observe?
| 8 festivals of the wheel of the year | 61.54% |
| Other rituals as needs | 7.69% |
| Quarter festivals | 7.96% |
| Daily devotions and meditations | 5.13% |
| Esbats and lunar cycles | 5.13% |
| All souls day/night | 2.56% |
| Mid winter | 2.56% |
| Epicurus' birthday (Greek) | 2.56% |
| "Domhnach Cromdubh" | 2.56% |
| Solar cycles | 2.56% |
| Julr (Distring) | 2.56% |
| Winter Gathering | 2.56% |
| Summary Day | 2.56% |
| Baldvesvaki | 2.56% |
| Sommrthing | 2.56% |
| Winters Day | 2.56% |