survey questions
Developing FCSS Program Survey Questions
Pre- and Post-Surveys
Answer Scale
Key Notes:
- Purpose: Survey questions are designed to gather information on the success of FCSS programming.
- Alignment: Identify the outcomes that connect to your statement of need and overall goal for the program or project.
- Indicators: Questions should relate directly to the indicators of the outcomes identified. This ensures the survey evaluates how the program makes a difference in the lives of individuals and the community.
Pre- and Post-Surveys
- Pre-survey questions: Used at the beginning of a program to measure the starting point for participants (e.g., knowledge, skills, confidence).
- Post-survey questions: Required if you used a pre-survey. They must match the pre-survey questions to measure change over time.
Answer Scale
- Each survey question can be answered using a 5-point Likert agreement scale, for example:
- Strongly Disagree
- Disagree Somewhat
- Neither Agree nor Disagree
- Somewhat Agree
- Strongly Agree
- The Likert scale can also use emojis or images instead of words to make it more visual.
- Example: 😞 🙁 😐 🙂 😀
- Language can be simplified to fit the audience (e.g., "Not at all" ➜ "Not really" ➜ "Kind of" ➜ "A little bit" ➜ "Definitely").
Key Notes:
- Surveys are not mandatory, but they are recommended as a way to demonstrate program impact.
- Keep questions clear and simple, focusing on measurable change (e.g., "I felt valued in this program." – strongly agree to strongly disagree).
Survey questions are sorted and designed based on the 6 Provincial Prevention strategies:
#1 Promote and encourage active engagement in the community
#2 Foster a sense of belonging
#3 Promote social inclusion
#4 Develop and maintain healthy relationships
#5 Enhance access to social supports
#6 Develop and strengthen skills that build resilience
***Survey questions pertaining to each prevention strategy are provided below***
#1 Promote and encourage active engagement in the community
#2 Foster a sense of belonging
#3 Promote social inclusion
#4 Develop and maintain healthy relationships
#5 Enhance access to social supports
#6 Develop and strengthen skills that build resilience
***Survey questions pertaining to each prevention strategy are provided below***
The Province of Alberta has gathered data and determined there are 5 Prevention Priorities of significant social issues that impact Albertans. We will use these priorities to determine if your program falls in line with FCSS's goals and initiatives focusing on prevention. You program must be aligned at 1 of the 5 priorities to qualify for funding.
Homelessness and Housing Insecurity
Homelessness and housing insecurity in Alberta are complex and growing challenges driven by factors such as rising housing costs, economic instability, mental health and addiction issues and systemic barriers to support services. Many individuals and families struggle to access stable, affordable housing, leaving them at risk of eviction, temporary shelter reliance or living in unsafe conditions.
Mental Health and Addictions
Many Albertans experience challenges related to mental health and addictions. The province also continues to face an opioid crisis, with alarming rates of drug poisoning and overdoses. These issues have profound impacts on the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Employment
Unemployment remains a challenge in Alberta, affecting individuals and families across the province. Job losses and economic uncertainty contribute to financial instability and can create barriers to long-term employment. Fluctuations in the job market impact many Albertans, highlighting the ongoing issue of unemployment and its broader effects on communities.
Family and Sexual Violence
Family and sexual violence are critical concerns that can lead to significant and lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. These impacts can create substantial barriers to safety, well-being and stability. Survivors often encounter difficulties in obtaining necessary support and the repercussions can extend beyond individuals to affect families, workplaces, and the wider community.
Aging Well in Community
Alignment of health, housing, and community-based services can create safe and supportive environments for Albertans to age well in the community. It is estimated that 22% of people in long term care could be avoided with the right community-based supports in place. Approaches to integrate healthcare and community-based supports are essential to enable Albertans to age in their homes and communities and lower their risk of seeking hospitalization and/or long-term care.
Homelessness and Housing Insecurity
Homelessness and housing insecurity in Alberta are complex and growing challenges driven by factors such as rising housing costs, economic instability, mental health and addiction issues and systemic barriers to support services. Many individuals and families struggle to access stable, affordable housing, leaving them at risk of eviction, temporary shelter reliance or living in unsafe conditions.
Mental Health and Addictions
Many Albertans experience challenges related to mental health and addictions. The province also continues to face an opioid crisis, with alarming rates of drug poisoning and overdoses. These issues have profound impacts on the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Employment
Unemployment remains a challenge in Alberta, affecting individuals and families across the province. Job losses and economic uncertainty contribute to financial instability and can create barriers to long-term employment. Fluctuations in the job market impact many Albertans, highlighting the ongoing issue of unemployment and its broader effects on communities.
Family and Sexual Violence
Family and sexual violence are critical concerns that can lead to significant and lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. These impacts can create substantial barriers to safety, well-being and stability. Survivors often encounter difficulties in obtaining necessary support and the repercussions can extend beyond individuals to affect families, workplaces, and the wider community.
Aging Well in Community
Alignment of health, housing, and community-based services can create safe and supportive environments for Albertans to age well in the community. It is estimated that 22% of people in long term care could be avoided with the right community-based supports in place. Approaches to integrate healthcare and community-based supports are essential to enable Albertans to age in their homes and communities and lower their risk of seeking hospitalization and/or long-term care.
Survey Question Catalogue
Any agency using the Pre-Post survey should also be asking the following POST-ONLY questions:
1. Overall I am satisfied with this program/service
2. Overall, I found this program/service easy to access.
1. Overall I am satisfied with this program/service
2. Overall, I found this program/service easy to access.
#1 Promote and encourage active engagement in the community.
Program builds awareness of community engagement opportunities:
Program builds awareness of community engagement opportunities:
- 3.1 - Pre & Post - I have opportunities to engage with my community.
- 3.1 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have opportunities to engage with my community.
- 3.2 - Pre & Post - I understand the importance of being active in my community.
- 3.2 - Post Only - This program showed me the importance of being active in my community.
- 3.3 - Pre & Post - It is very important to me to be part of this community.
- 3.3 - Post Only - This program showed me that it is important to be a part of this community.
- 3.4 - Pre & Post - I contribute to my community.
- 3.4 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I contribute more to my community.
- 3.5 - Pre & Post - I actively participate in my community.
- 3.5 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have become more active in my community.
#2 Foster a sense of belonging.
Individuals feel a sense of belonging in their community.
Individuals feel a sense of belonging in their community.
- 4.1 - Pre & Post - I feel a sense of belonging to my community.
- 4.1 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I feel a stronger sense of belonging to my community.
- 4.2 - Pre & Post - I feel connected to my community.
- 4.2 - Post Only - This program helped me feel more connected to my community.
- 4.3 - Pre & Post - I feel important to my community.
- 4.3 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I feel important to my community.
#3 Promote social inclusion.
Programs know and respond to community needs.
Programs know and respond to community needs.
- 5.1 - Pre & Post - My [program topic] needs are met.
- 5.1 - Post Only - This program met my needs.
- 5.2 - Pre & Post - I can access culturally appropriate resources.
- 5.2 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have better access to culturally appropriate resources.
- 5.3 - Pre & Post - This program is welcoming.
- 5.3 - Post Only - This program was welcoming.
- 5.4 - Pre & Post - I feel valued in this program.
- 5.4 - Post Only - I felt valued in this program.
#4 Develop and maintain healthy relationships.
Individuals have positive, trusting relationships with family and/or friends.
Individuals have positive, trusting relationships with family and/or friends.
- 6.1 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I can identify people in my life who really care about me.
- 6.1 - Post Only - I can identify people in my life who really care about me.
- 6.2 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I recognize close relationships that provide me with a sense of emotional security and well-being.
- 6.2 - Post Only - I recognize close relationships that provide me with a sense of emotional security and well-being.
- 6.3 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I can name family and/or friends who help me feel safe, secure and happy.
- 6.3 - Post Only - I can name family and/or friends who help me feel safe, secure and happy.
- 6.4 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I have increased confidence in my parenting skills.
- 6.4 - Post Only - I have confidence in my parenting skills.
- 6.5 - Pre & Post - I have gained new parenting skills.
- 6.5 - Post Only - I have the parenting skills I need.
- 6.6 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I can communicate effectively with my [child/children/spouse/partner/people in my life].
- 6.6- Post Only - I can communicate effectively with my [child/children/spouse/ partner/people in my life].
- 6.7- Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I have a better understanding of how to resolve conflict peacefully.
- 6.7 - Post Only - I can resolve conflict peacefully.
- 6.8 - Pre & Post - As a result of this program, I am ready to build new relationships with people form my community.
- 6.8 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have a better understanding of how to resolve conflict peacefully.
#5 Enhance access to social supports.
Community members are aware of social supports.
Community members are aware of social supports.
- 7.1 - Pre & Post - I know what resources are available to [me/to my family].
- 7.1 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I know more about what resources are available to [me/to my family].
- 7.2 - Pre & Post - I know places in the community I can turn to when I need help.
- 7.2 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I know more places in the community I can turn to when I need help.
- 7.3 - Pre & post - I can access the community resources I need.
- 7.3 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have better access to community resources that I need.
- 7.4 - Pre & post - I can identify people I can rely on for support.
- 7.4 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I can identify more people I can rely on for support.
#6 Develop and strengthen skills that build resilience.
Community members have good self-esteem.
Community members have good self-esteem.
- 8.1 - Pre & Post - I feel good about myself.
- 8.1 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I feel better about myself.
- 8.2 - Pre & Post - I have the ability to improve my life.
- 8.2 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have the ability to improve my life.
- 8.3 - Pre & Post - I feel good about my future.
- 8.3 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I feel better about my future.
- 8.4 - Pre & Post - I have plans for my future.
- 8.4 - Post Only - This program helped me make plans for my future.
- 8.5 - Pre & Post - I know about [fill in with knowledge from the program].
- 8.5 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I know more about [fill in with knowledge from the program].
- 8.6 - Pre & Post - I feel good about my ability to [fill in with skill from the program].
- 8.6 - Post Only - I feel better about my ability to [fill in with skill from the program].
- 8.7 - Pre & Post - I have opportunities to learn new things.
- 8.7 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I have learned new things.
- 8.8 - Pre & Post - I am good at handling whatever comes my way.
- 8.8 - Post Only - As a result of this program, I am better at handling whatever comes my way.
- 8.9 - Pre & Post - I know some healthy strategies to manage stress.
- 8.9 - Post Only - This program taught me healthy strategies to manage stress.
- 8.10 - Pre & Post - I am good at solving problems.
- 8.10 - Post Only - This program taught me problem solving skills.
Optional Survey Question
A single survey statement that applies broadly to many types of programs and services. It is a POST ONLY question.
Community Survey Questions
Though community events can be difficult to survey you may choose to survey attendees when possible. The following questions provide some guidance.
Volunteer/Staff/Agency/Board/Committee Members
Community development and capacity building are activities that promote, encourage, and facilitate the development of stronger communities. This is achieved through various means such as volunteer development, staff training, strategic planning, interagency work, and completing community needs assessments. The questions below offer guidance. Based on your survey respondents, some survey questions may be more applicable than others; you can decide which survey questions are the best fit.
A single survey statement that applies broadly to many types of programs and services. It is a POST ONLY question.
- 9 - I feel like I have stronger social connections.
Community Survey Questions
Though community events can be difficult to survey you may choose to survey attendees when possible. The following questions provide some guidance.
- 10.1 - This event encouraged social interaction.
- 10.2 - This event made me feel part of the community.
- 10.3 - I felt welcomed at this event.
- 10.4 - This event was welcoming to everyone.
- 10.5 - This event provided me with information or resources about services or programs in my community.
- 10.6 - This event showed me the importance of being active in my community.
Volunteer/Staff/Agency/Board/Committee Members
Community development and capacity building are activities that promote, encourage, and facilitate the development of stronger communities. This is achieved through various means such as volunteer development, staff training, strategic planning, interagency work, and completing community needs assessments. The questions below offer guidance. Based on your survey respondents, some survey questions may be more applicable than others; you can decide which survey questions are the best fit.
- 11.1 - I have opportunities to make my community better.
- 11.2 - I have opportunities to use my skills and abilities to support my community.
- 11.3 - I understand my community’s needs and challenges.
- 11.4 - I feel a sense of belonging to my community.
- 11.5 - I have benefited from being a part of this partnership.
- 11.6 - This partnership has contributed to stronger community supports and services.
- 11.7 - This partnership is more effective than each partner could be on their own.