Feedback cards enable people to respond to what they’ve heard and give us (or their Christian friend) the chance to continue journeying with them.
Where possible, we want to help CU members continue conversations that they’ve had at the event (rather than people just getting a random message from a stranger!).
Here is a suggested format for how you could lay out a feedback form. Some CUs opt for QR codes and online response forms instead… although experience suggests that this is less effective, and that once people pick up their phones they can quickly get distracted!
During the event:
Often it’s easiest if a speaker helps people to respond to the feedback card. They might say something like:
“We’ve been on a journey tonight, and all of us will have responded differently to what we’ve heard. So, we wanted to give you all space to share your reflections, if you’d like.
You might like to just share your reflections on the event — the music, the food, the vibe. We’d love that.
But some of you might like to share how you found the discussion tonight. Perhaps you’re keen to continue those kinds of conversations. Perhaps you prayed with me as I offered a prayer to follow Jesus earlier. If that’s you, do tell us. Share who you met at the event, and the best way of contacting you, and we can help you to continue exploring these questions.”
Everyone (including CU members) could then fill in forms whilst some music plays. It makes guests who do want to respond feel less watched and gives time for everyone to respond, if they want to.
Don’t collect cards until the event has finished.
After the event:
A CUG meeting the next day can be a good time to review the feedback forms from the day before. Ideally, the aim is to link up guests with students, not with CUGs. However, CUGs can be key catalysts in helping students take ‘next steps’ with those who have come to events. It is important to follow people up as soon as possible. Don’t wait til the end of the week!
- Where people have indicated that they’ve come with/met someone from the CU, ask a CUG or CU leader to follow up with the CU member. They can help the CU member to think about what ‘next steps’ might be appropriate for their friend.
- Where someone has indicated that they did not meet anyone at the event, ask a CUG or CU leader to make sure that a student can follow up that person.
Things to do:
- Design. Find someone to design feedback cards or an online feedback form.
- Order. Order them at least 2 weeks before the start of your event.
- Communicate. Explain to the CU at a meeting how feedback cards will work at your event.