LICA Survey of Islanders
/The Lummi Island Community Association (LICA) reached out to our members (residents and property owners) to determine adequacy of current programs, suggestions for broadening our participation in General Meetings and ways to reach out to younger segments of our community. We also asked for ideas to improve on our methods of communicating to Islanders in addition to publishing the Tome and Brown Betty email blasts on events that affect us.
A total 117 responses were received over a one month period October 10 to November 11, 2018. Comparing the results to demographic information available indicates the cross section of those responding generally mimic the residency and job status of our community.
‘Key Takeaways’ written by the survey takers follow each question. Individual responses, as they were written appear in the appendices below.
The appendices are keyed to each question number and were sorted using key words to group similar responses, with the most common comments listed first, then down to single comments made. Both electronic and paper submissions were included together.
LICA expresses our sincere thanks to all those that took the time to think through this and offer their viewpoints on how their community organization can better serve them in the future. As can be seen from the results, some questions were difficult to answer, such as how we can engage our younger population into our programs with many “Don’t know”, or “Ask them” type responses. It is very useful when looking through the individual responses for future LICA Boards to ‘mine’ the data when discussing ways to include them.
Again, thank you all for some really great ideas.
Sincerely, LICA Board of Directors
When you think of LICA, what comes to mind?
What LICA Potluck/Program activities would interest you enough to attend?
What activities would interest younger Islanders to participate?
In addition to LICA sponsored programs like Meals on Wheels, Blood Drive and Roadside Cleanup, what other programs would you like us to do?
Should LICA expand its communication tools beyond the monthly Tome and Brown Betty announcements?
Please help us understand who we are listening to. Are you:
Your current job status
Appendices
(responses are preserved as they were written)
Appendix 1
When you think of LICA, what comes to mind?
Canidate
Cleanup
Space for all Big Island issues
Didn't really know about this
Poker game
interesting programs
Useful and otherwise entertaining programs
island cleanup
broader number of events and services
Forum
speakers, medical
islandwide communicator and events
memorials, local interest of what's going on
lica has it well covered
nextdoor
my goto on everything
monthly meeting, blood drive, island cleanup
not aware of any of these
yearly donations to island organizations
roadside cleanup
Paul, Love him.
Gift to island projects
Appendix 2
What LICA Potluck/Program activities would interest you enough to attend?
It's difficult for me to attend due to my work schedule; the activities and presenters appear to be interesting
I teach most evenings so it doesn't ever seem to work out, but I have always thought that most of the presentations are interesting
Meet ea 2-3 month
Islanders active in multiple orgs
Too busy to attend
Set time a little later so that people coming home from work can attend
if it were held earlier in the day - Sat or Sun
difficult for me to make
Travelogs; local 20th history
travel experience
Trivia games
Not available to attend.
Just not able to attend, but very interesting topics are put forward
I work full time so I’m not free to attend.
At this time.we do not attend
None. This is a redundant function similar to other groups. No one really wants another week night event. The library and also the Heritage Trust have sufficient
None
Not interested in a monthly potluck. My life is busy enough already.
None
No time at this stage of life.
Sometimes no mater what is offered, some do not attend because they live here to be secluded and are not very social. I am one of them, it's not your fault, or mine,
Not interested
I am not an event person
Probably none. Wonder if you would get better attendance w/o the potluck.
None. I attend when I remember and there is a interesting subject discussed.
not interested in potluck
already go
topics of interest to islanders -which I think LICA generally does a good job of providing.i.e., rural lifestyle and political issues pertinent to living on the island.
I have enjoyed the programs in the past, would enjoy more of the same.
None
Doing good so far. I just get comfortable in th evening and don't want to go out. More of midday outing gal.
Programs are already good enough. Nice variety and interesting and informative.
I typically come to programs that are related to community topics, not so much travelogues, etc.
they always sound good
lica already covers
Sorry, your programs look interesting but somehow I don't make it....
I can’t think of anything right now
I think the drawing is fun. I also think when grange capacity is increased, it will feel more inviting. I am not sure how many attend on average but I have seen it tight before.
Maybe having preview of agenda of items that will be reviewed/addressed, a place where one can go and see highlights from missed meetings. More regular things like game nights, food drives, etc
none come to minde
not sure. Until I retire I could never get home from work in time since retirement sevferal times programs have given me some interest, but never seem to attend. Overdosed on metings long ago.
don't know
Informational topic, more stories about the history of the island, safety and health issues. Having GOOD speakers and amplifying the speakers is helpful
island history
Island history, geology, hydrology, environmental issues.
History
Island history, geology, hydrology, environmental issues.
Matters on controversial subjects
Topics of interest to islanders.
Proactive small community development ideas - eg small power generation; other options to public rec district; enrichment ideas for kids; interconnected trail/open space networks....
I like the general diversity you currently offer but I think you need to keep a vein of sustainability issues given climate change and the possibility of "the Big One."
Also, it would be a good idea to have some experts talk about how to deal with our over-abundance of deer and raccoons.
The good food is enough. Wednesday is not always convenient for me.
Food, door prizes and perhaps an occasional bingo night.
Good food robust and tasty, less sugary things.
Really good food
Special guest speakers - maybe once each quarter or combine the meeting with a seasonal holiday fun thing: Pumpkin pie contest, best haiku contest ?
Speakers, future plans for the island, social activities on island, social services available to islanders, updates on current island issues.
good speakers topics information meetings also programs think island one interesting Wednesday attend history issues thing None living community night
Vegetarian option, wine, beer
wine tasting
Maybe wine, lite bikes, speakers
poker game
cards
Information on Island growth and needed planning goals and accomplishments
population growth on island
Medicare enrollment presentation in early fall. Presentations from facilities in town that provide senior living, assisted living, and nursing home care. Parish Nurse presentations.
Topics: Health & Safety on island i. e. Senior citizen transportation issues, health clinic for all ages Environmental concerns on island i. e. Fire danger, Fire Wise Program, noxious weeds
Forum discussion on how to engage young people & youth with those people attending or contacted for input Political forums as was just held
I have too many interests to select just one. The information to the community programs are very useful and LICA seems like the best venue for those.
I also find many of the other programs very interesting, such as science programs that are based on real science and not pseudo-science, such as astrology.
There are so many events, social and informaqtional we are to my mind enough already!
Showing up at County Council meetings, be known!
Annual meeting would suffice
Art class
bartering
Bingo
meeting candidates
dances
donations
Don't give money
Invite electeds and county officials to speak. “How to” demonstrations WWU speakers
emergency prep
Candidate forum was super! Forum for community concerns. In general, programming has been great...but still only 2 or 3 meetings a year get me out of my house.
action activities, doing something, games
Gardening, tree pruning, disaster preparedness
Lummi Nation information and speakers, as ways to have our two communities interact more for our mutual benefit. I am interested in the history, both native and non native of our island and GP.
local events
Chance to meet people and great conversation and learning! Wide variety of topics!
Movie and popcorn nights
Music performance
broader community outreach
legislative outreach, island issues such as ferry needs and activity, supporting our school and community
information on the school and activities for families
academic speakers rom WWU, Cascadian sismology, Mt Baker volcanology, national economic issues, political science topics local native tribes archeology, LI groundwater hydrology/
aquifer characteristics, mitigation efforts to restore salmon/orca populations, US foriegn policy and international relations
Well, potlucks are no enticement for me. I have a special diet and potlucks are out of the question.
I like the programs that highlight Island talent, connect us to county and state programs by helping us to know how they apply to us, and provide information on current issues of interest
Meetings on water issues. Poker night, project updates, local issues. High school Senior projects. Beach school proposals. YMCA for kids. How to-s. Retirement? Medicare?
Compassionate neighbor; all subjects. Jobs for youth. Visiting nurses. Elderly care. Daycare.
Volunteer opportunities. Trainings. Available sssistance for elderly in remote areas. Volunteers for island orgs. How to impeach a president. How to have hope in a hopeless world.
How to make the most of your time left. First aid. Tax help. Watershed friendly landscaping. Home improvement assistance programs.
Get together s on weekends
I hardly go to meetings anymore
Appendix 3
What activities would interest younger Islanders to participate?
I'm 76 goin on 77 ?
not sure
As a geezer, i haven't a clue.
Hummmm
We're oldies now, so not sure
Not sure
I'm not one of those
Don't know.
Not sure
?
I am not young so I don’t know.
I am no longer younger, so what do I know
Don't Know
No longer being young, I couldn't guess. Ask the young!
Not applicable to me
I'm too old (57) to probably answer this.
Don’t know. I’m barely over the younger Islander category - over 65
Don’t know
Don’t really know. That’s a tough nut to crack. Maybe programs on lessening our impacts on the planet?
Boy, this is the $64,000 question! Do younger people read the Tome and Brown Betty so that they know what's going on in their community?
Not sure
I do not know.
Hard to get them involved.
hard to say but things that involve children would def. attract parents - not sure why more don't get involved, Volleyball???
No idea, maybe childcare possibilities
depends on definition of 'younger' age cohort
old, na
not sure
good luck with this one
heavy machine operation ha ha
Don't know..but maybe offering child-care during monthly programs
no ideas
Younger? How many young families can afford to commute? We haven't any in any numbers.
free
look at other ways to support & draw young families to Lummi
None
None come to mind
Ask them.
children presentations events programs activities old sure time know think young families Island kids maybe welcome Don t nights music Ask
We need to ask them specifically!
Participatory activities: be sure to check with them on their interests
It seems we need to dialogue with them!
Ask them!
no thoughts, need toi ask the youngers
depends, Ask them
Do an article in the Tome asking them
You need to talk with those islanders
Ask younger islanders
Outdoor challenges
Put together a couple of softball teams for the summer
sports
Vollyball/badmitton/hiking kayaking clubs
ski bus
"pickup" games like floor hockey, basketball
off-island field trips like swimming, skating
Provide child care.
Shared child care options, play time , reading circles, basic numbers and letters learning for younger children, on and off island learning opportunities
such as plant and bird identification perhaps co sponsored with the Heritage trust
I are not young! However kid care so parents get a break.
child care for evening out
child care/preschool
childcare
bars/nightlife
Contra dances organized quarterly as a way to connect & socialize; childcare offered for meetings on advanced request.
Food and fun
Games & socializing
social activities
Boys and girls club
how about occasional informational early dinners for parents and kids with a speaker on topics that would appeal to kids and parents. Talk with YMCA B&G Club
B&G Club
kids club activities
Game night, movie night, family friendly activities like pumpkin carving, and other holiday themed activities that include kids.the young. We can learn from each other.
Also, activities that coordinate with school events could be helpful. I don't have young children so I often feel out of the loop on what activities are already going on.
I think it is good to have the old mix with
Xbox, face time, what you get Islanders??
kid friendly food, games
Lego
Just guessing as I'm not in that category: things that might affect their children negatively, bullying, drugs, positively - joint island activities.
Or for adults, simple ways to grow or build something. Was the electric bike talk a few years ago offered by LICA. Maybe something on that order.
Educational ind interesting programs on how to increase opportunities for scholarships, educational programs like running start and early application for college.
young family outreach, services, higher education
preparatory discussions, educational programs to help children ??
outdoor summer movie series
videos
movie nights
perhaps more musical events or political/ philanthropic focus would encourage them but unsure
Live music, seasonal games
Music, art and storytelling events.
programs for young kids
kids activities middle/teeagers
family activites
Afternoon programs
potluck closer to dinner hour
Young people are too busy
yellow pages good for bartering
bartering to make it more affordable
get off island - organized trips
trips to town in van
and directories and Island Map/ferry schedule given to new Islanders. Ferry etiquette presentations with q & a. To me/Brown Betty presentations and enrollment, etc.
Have "Welcome to Lummi Island" programs several times per year where Island groups welcome newcomers and give presentations about their organizations.
Welcoming atmosphere.
bike rental
Boat safety programs?
I'm old.... Recycle education Energy challenge
I think younger Islanders have enjoyed family activities like the roadside cleanup.
Very effiocient business mtgs. Time allotted for each agenda item & business mtg itself I think it is Insult for off island presenter to sit thru business mtg before their presentation.
breakfast spot/coffee shop
Helping hands (those willing toi help students, part timers, seniors, etc) with coping with life or living on a small island. Some fun outdoor adventure activities like sports
or maybe a big smore overnighter in the park - tailgating at its best and boat rides in the bay with music.
Island history
Cider making, hikes, community service projects, mucic events
More catchy names: LICA is one of so many acronyms for island groups and doesn't grab your attention as to what is happening.
So maybe not change the LICA name but always accompany it with a catchy subject line.
Certainly not a week night potluck. Wrong generation. What are you thinking?
lots to do - parties
resources for teens, yellow pages for kids to list services and find something to do
speakers for teens
Some of the above ideas. Platform for senior highschool project presentations. Give away money. Island job fair. Tutoring availability and info. Put on a mock circus event and solicit talent. Talent show.
Bring in and sponsorship of refugee families. Family ferry asistance. Transportation network for youth activity’s or school events. Uber rides for kids. Free pizza. Technology givaway. Youth training seniors on technology.
Interesting stories
Trivia nights, singles nights, new islander nights once a quarter, maybe welcome basket for new islanders similar to what Guemes Island has in place. A website
arts + crafts
Appendix 4
What other programs would you like LICA to do?
Can not think of any additions
not sure
As mentioned previously.
Not sure yet for I’m new on the island
Not sure of the possible scope of what could happen, but certainly support the programs in place
I vote no for continuing the Fall roadside cleanup. I don't know of any other needed programs appropriate to LICA.
Don't know. Love the roadside clean up - alas, I'm alway out of town...someday...keep it up !!
?
Thanks for those. What is your mission?
Not sure
What other needs are there?
Can't think of any
Don’t know
Not sure- what else do others do?
didn't know LICA did those
couple of ther issues, nothing big
any chance of monthly blood sraws once the gatering place can host a clinic?
you also maintain the ferry parking lot
that seems like a lot
Nothing comes to mind, seems like you are doing a great job.
I have no complaints or ideas for new things
LICA does a good job with all the programs they sponsor.
Nothing you cover the important ones now.
Programs are excellent
These are good
existing programs ar OK
You're doing a great job already
love meals on wheels & roadside cleanup
Don't burden members with too many events
appreciate phone dir
I think with all the other island organizations there are enough events, etc
I'm new here, so please forgive me if you already do anything I'm going to list and I don't know about it. Weekly senior van service which takes seniors to a grocery store, hardware store and perhaps other stops
Yearly Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner for those who don't want to cook/have friends or family to share.calendar for people who can't do certain chores for themselves.
People can sign up to paint/clean/hack brush, etc. A limited home fix-up service.
See above comments. Available sssistance for elderly in remote areas. Volunteers for island orgs. Dance lessons. Fun family nights. Bingo. Job fair for island. Sponsor teen events or field trips.
wellness visits for ilder people who might need some company
senior assistance in dealing with financial medical fitness and other aging challenges
strictly social shut-ins stops
community outreach to shut-ins,
small once a month wellness clinic (heart rate
Adopt a grandparent
are there shut-ins?
make a difference type annual activity to help islanders in need w/projects
Create a welcome wagon type of program for new islander to help them get acclimated. This would include all island organizations.
Perhaps we could have some type of program for those leaving.
New islander nights
Welcome to new islanders, Guemes has a program and it is really successful. Complete with all the things you wish you knew but didn't when you were new.
A Carpool club, trivia nights etc., new islanders evenings 2x a year?
Welcoming newcomers to the island. Various group events for singles, bereaved, etc. Anything that promotes a sense of community on the island.
Put together information for new residents - both seasonal and full timelike what a welcome wagon would include (utilities, trash, safety, etc)
Also put up a box at the ferry dock like the little library, with visitor information, for bicycllists, hikers, overnighters, weekenders, etc. Include speeds, road safety, baby seal information, beaches, etc.
The candidate forum was super. Provide valuable, bipartisan information.
Sponsoring candidate forums and information for discussion, Programs that discuss options of middle and high school age children to begin looking for applying for financial assistance for higher education.
others like candidates forum
traveling dentist
I like the health related programs. Knowing there is a community is reassuring for seniors. Could there be programs that allow seniors to more fully support and interact with people with families?
Help plan for Island health services.
Summer sponsord activities for people of all ages, Kayak, Stand up Paddle board rental companiews providing services on island for a day Art classes for all ages
zip lining
nature walks
Tax information and preparation
Jr geek squad
have young people form club for tech support
Island advocacy with county, state. More outreach to county residents.
Do not be so reluctant to support a community interest. If the board thought the P&R idea was a good idea, then they should have brought it up before the membership to see if they approved having the vote.
There seems to be a reluctance to lead the community. Isn't that what a community association is supposed to do?
Maybe LICA could take on the Country Living Series that the Grange seems to have abandoned.
What about developing an Island Cider Press? Way too many apples and pears are going to waste. Or should that be a private venture? I'd be happy to participate would too.
Dance classes
I loved the dance lessons that TerryT did
perhaps a few more social events like the Salmon BBQ and the Pancake Breakfast - one each season?
Charity events
Family night. Bring back the summer drive-in movies.
family nights
Just give us food
community meals
Music gatherings
Quarterly social gatherings with music.
nothing specific, sorry
none come to mind
Joint programs with school? Ways to connect young people looking for work with older Islanders who are looking for workers? Ways to encourage more affordable housing?
educational programs
Keep working on handout for vacation rental owners to give visitors on “How to Act like a good island neighbor.”
I'd like to see some collaboration with short-term rental owners, with some "welcome to Lummi Island" hints and info. I'd be happy to assist.
after school stuff for children on M,T,W
tool lending library
Virtual bulletin board to facilitate group activities such as kayaking or biking.
annual bike spring maintenance
Community boat dock
families who need added assistance with child care
Be a required spoinsoir toi get another Red Cross mobile unit on the N.end of island
activist work ie something to keep Salish sea habitable
Beer and Cider festival, pie festival
Something for kids, Boys and Girls Club or similar
library does programs
Links with Lummi Nation.
Helping parents
Personal Growth focuses? Sip and Paint with proceeds benefiting one of your causes?
annual, omnibus surveys of LI residents for time series pararisions of issue perceptions and preferences
Kid's sports, website
Appendix 5
Should LICA expand its communication tools beyond the monthly Tome and Brown Betty announcements?
Maybe a website calendar that was regularly updated with Tome and Brown Betty events. I say maybe because it would take a lot of volunteer time to maintain.
news updates on road closures, ferry schedule changes, chanfes to organization meeting times and programs
You ask about getting the younger generation involved yet one your main functions is a paper newsletter and printed phone book (updated every 2 years. Really?
Then someone repeatedly scolds people that things should be taped to your refrigerator door. Honestly, the generation that thought that was useful and a good idea
are now grandparents or beyond. The newsletter, phone book, notices, need to be part of a website.
Phones are how people instantly find information now, not refrigerator doors. It could be instantly available and kept reasonably up to date.
Notices too, instead of Browne Betty emails which are also now dated. Please. You are 15 to 20 years out of date. Help us all by catching up.
Create a web presence in which people who are interested in our island can find things to do within our particular guide lines.
Example of guide lines...were dogs are welcomed, safe walking on our roads, speed limits, up coming events that visitors are welcomed, + our expectations from island visitors, etc.
totally searchable website with news, categories for groups etc they can post stuff on, calendar, etc. Part of paid Tome subscription, like BB.
Website where all Brown Betty and Tomes are posted.
Brown Betty is great BUT if you don't save the email or archive it, it can be a time suck going through old ones to locate info your after.
I would like to see a website where you can track activity and also that is a one stop shop. I like the tome and am a tactile person so I like the TOME and
knowing all the hard work and it is nice to be able to cut parts out or hang on the fridge. It is also great for people that don't like apps, don't enjoy or have internet access
Active website
Website
website and chat room
A LICA website, complete with a chat room where people can chime in on subjects in an open manner, like I'm doing now. Tome and BB are fine, but both are 'One Way Streets - Only'.
on-line
website !!!
website
website
yes, a website with additional opportunity for communication and feedback would be great
maybe a website
event reminders on social media
post the tome calendar there
website with calendar
Webpage or Facebook Page
Sufficient
I think it's overload when considered in conjunction with Next Door. But I do like Paul's willingness to do the occassional "email blast" between the Tome regular publications.
I'm unsure if Brown Betty has regular submission dates or is open to Paul's discretion for posting when he receives a request.
The Tome & Brown Betty keep me very informed.
I'm happy with both.
Unless there are hot blooded volunteers with an idea they want to do!
The Tome and Brown Betty are extremely helpful. Not sure what else would be needed. Thank you, Paul!!
So many companies and groups inundate their members with countless emails, web sites, mailing lists, mailings and such. After awhile it all becomes so much noise.
To make sure that your communications are read, keep your communications to the minimum.
The Tome and Brown Betty supplemented with notices on Next Door are very thorough tools of communication
LICA already expands to Nextdoor, I think there is a segment of the community that gets their news there so probably good to continue posting.
existing modes of communication are excellent and effective
but seem to be already doing with ND and other internet postings
good as is
current methods received, I read them
Tome, BB ND are sufficient
They seem adequate and excellent
You either read the Tome or you don';t, I do
existing communication is OK
this is enough for me
It's good!
no
No
can't think of other ways
no
no
no
No, that's enough
Facebook, twitter
Maybe your own MailChimp newsletter that is colorful, fun to read with tidbits, quote of the day, useful links to things, fun things to click on and share.
Or, your own branded facebook page that everyone can 'follow' and get notices (since many folks are on facebook).
Facebook, Twitter etc.
would encourage a facebook/twitter presence
facebook page
Nextdoor. School weekly handouts. Beachschool announcements. Posters.
Use of ND may also be of advantage
Nextdoor
already doing a lot - nextdoor too
links to nextdoor (may not be feasable
I think many things have been tried and I am not sure what the right answer is. I prefer the tome and Brown Betty to social media and next door,
but I know that makes me a dinosaur and is not how the younger folk commiunicate. I am willing to adjust.
Both of these are great but, contrary to popular belief, Paul won't be around forever. Is there a succession plan for our communications?
Not everyone subscribes to Next Door but it seems to be effective.
A system of separating out high profile opportunities to partner with island, county and state wide programs on topics like population growth,
continued efforts to increase high school graduations and assistance for entrance into Washington top state and local college grants and scholarship opportunities.
I find both of these excellent
Maybe some brochures at the library, store, Beach Store and Willows? Such as how to conserve water, ferry trips, etc.
Flyers at the Islander and on the ferry, and posting to Next Door, even though a LOT of Islanders do not subscribe to it or are interested in it.
Text messaging. Not twitter
Would there be a way to gather a base of mobile phone numbers to text everyone in an emergency?
Brown Betty has not been consistent. Can that be fixed
I'd hate to see the paper Tome gone
kill the newlatter and replace with email bulletins or reminders
How about a radio station? Not everyone has internet or computers.
Could LICA sponsor a 'Tablet Drive' to collect unused computer tablets and get low cost WIFI connections for people who need them?
an island pamphlet noting the islands beauty, walks, eating establishments. The do's and don'ts, ie speed limit, dogs on leash areas, beach care, re fires, seal pups
