The Diocese of Little Rock is seeking feedback from Catholics in the diocese on the most effective ways to communicate the message of Christ and his Church in Arkansas.
Diocesan staff is assessing communication needs in the state and is conducting a survey to get feedback from Arkansas Catholic readers, social media users, website visitors, pastors, diocesan employees and others.
Through May 18, the diocese is asking Catholics in the state to fill out a brief 12-question survey. The survey is part of a strategic process that will help the diocese develop a communications plan. The plan’s goal is to map out priorities and objectives for the future. Input from the survey will help the diocese set those priorities.
The diocese wants to know what the most effective ways of communicating are and what steps are necessary to accomplish those priorities.
Catholics in Arkansas are now offered a weekly newspaper and website, www.arkansas-catholic.org, an annual Diocese of Little Rock Directory, an Arkansas Catholic Business Directory and a diocesan website, www.dolr.org. Arkansas Catholic maintains Facebook and Twitter accounts, and the diocese has a Facebook account and YouTube channel.
The strategic planning process is possible through a Catholic Communication Consultative Initiative grant from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Press Association and the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals. The diocese qualified for the grant because it contributes to the Catholic Communications Campaign collection and Arkansas Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
According to the CPA, “Research has shown that diocesan communication professionals recognize the value of strategic planning but struggle with the lack of time, skills or resources to engage in the process.”
As part of the process, a consultant who works regularly with the USCCB will assist Arkansas Catholic staff members with the survey and two “listening sessions” in May with a variety of people who are engaged in diocesan communications. The consultant will then work with the newspaper staff to come up with a plan and determine priorities for the future.
To take the survey, click here.
