UltraFeedback Survey Results
Firstly, thank you to those who responded to the recent Earthwatch UltraFeedback Survey.
A total of 743 people responded – an amazing result – and opinions were varied, honest and well received. We have taken into account your constructive feedback and suggestions, which will be used to help shape the future direction of Earthwatch communications.
Included below are some of the key findings from the survey and the actions we are taking to address those findings. Earthwatch aims to be a transparent not-for-profit organisation and to continually improve the way we communicate with you. After all, it is only through your support that Earthwatch is able to continue making a difference.
Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution and we look forward to rolling out our new initiatives and sharing our future successes with you.
Short-term Volunteering
Many people (40% of respondents) stated they would be more likely to support Earthwatch if they had greater access to shorter (one-day or weekend) expeditions.
What are we doing? This year, Earthwatch will launch Scientist for a Day - one day research expeditions based in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. These projects will be ideal for people who want to get involved but do not have the time to join a longer expedition. Non-diving projects will cost no more than $99 per person. Learn more about our Scientist for a Day programs here .
Supporting Earthwatch
More than half (59%) of people were not aware what percentage of donations go directly to our field research programs. In addition, only 42% of people were aware that all donations made in Australia are invested in Earthwatch's Australian-based projects.
What are we doing? Earthwatch's dedicated, independently audited Research Fund guarantees that 100% of any tax-deductible donation goes directly towards our research programs – we do not use any of those funds for administrative costs. In future appeals we will make it clear that donations will support Australian-based programs. Learn more about Earthwatch Donations here .
Donations
Many of you indicated that being able to donate toward a specific program or research area was important - 70% of respondents wanted to know in advance how their donation will be used. Two-thirds of respondents also wanted to know more information about how their donation helps to make a difference.
What are we doing? In any future fundraising material we will provide the option for you to choose which research program you would like to support. Those who do not wish to donate to a specific program may choose to donate to wherever it is most needed. We will endeavour to provide you with more information about our results and achievements. This information will be provided via our website, unearth journal and eNewsletter.
Contact with Earthwatch
An overwhelming majority (95%) of people nominated email as the preferred method of contact. People also told us that the current frequency of contact from Earthwatch is about right, with 35% of people preferring monthly and 44% preferring contact every 2-3 months.
What are we doing? Earthwatch will now endeavour to use electronic communications wherever possible. We support the use of electronic documents in order to contribute to the reduction of paper use and we will make it easier for you opt out of receiving hard copy materials such as the unearth journal and Expedition Guide. We may at times need to contact you by phone but this will be limited to exceptional circumstances. When we do print publications we use a non-toxic printing process and vegetable-based inks printed on recycled fibre and chlorine-free pulp. All pulp is derived from well-managed forests and manufactured by an ISO-14001 certified mill.
Events
More than half of respondents highlighted the need for more regular and quality Earthwatch events.
What are we doing? Beginning this year, we will host regular Information Nights in Sydney and Melbourne, with other capital cities to follow. The Earthwatch Annual Dinner & Oration and the annual Volunteer of the Year Award events will be held in Melbourne. We also hope to develop a regular Earthwatch Lecture series which will highlight the work of, and be presented by, Earthwatch Scientists. Learn more about Earthwatch events here .
eNewsletter
Eighty-eight percent (88%) of respondents receive the bi-monthly eNewsletter. Satisfaction rates were high, with nearly seventy-two percent (72%) of people rating their satisfaction as high to very high.
What are we doing? As a result of this positive feedback we will continue to deliver an inspiring and educational bi-monthly eNewsletter, keeping in mind people's preference for more local news and results.
Research & Results
While general information was important, many people said they would like more feedback on the specific achievements and conservation outcomes of the expedition on which they volunteered.
What are we doing? Although it may take several years to reach a firm scientific conclusion, we will endeavour to provide more regular information about the ongoing progress of individual research projects. We are currently upgrading our database system which will enable us to send relevant project information to those who request it.
More Feedback?
If you have any further feedback or suggestions about how we might improve the Earthwatch experience, please feel free to contact Earthwatch on 03 9682 6828 or at earth@earthwatch.org.au