Introduction
This report summarizes responses from the MPPAW 2025 survey.
Note: Results currently reflect 35 respondents. Response rate is unknown – over 900 e-mail invitations were sent, but it is unclear how many of those are active, valid, or duplicates.
Current Engagement & Value
engage1 “How would you describe your current level of engagement with MPPAW?”
engage2 “What initially motivated you to join MPPAW? (Select all that apply)”
- networking = Professional networking
- learning = Learning from expert speakers
- development = Career development opportunities
- mentorship = Mentorship (giving or receiving)
- contributing = Contributing to the applied psychology community
- students = Student/early career support
“other” statements:
| I was a founder of MPPAW! |
| Wanting graduate students to attend so I need to attend |
| continuing education hours for licensure |
engage3 “Which of these factors, if any, have reduced your participation in MPPAW activities? (Select all that apply)”
- notreduced = I haven’t reduced my participation
- constraints = Time constraints/busy schedule
- timing = Event timing doesn’t work for me
- content = Content not relevant to my current needs
- communities = Prefer online professional communities (LinkedIn, Reddit, etc.)
- distance = Geographic distance/location issues
- covid = Post-pandemic preference for virtual engagement
- priorities = Other priorities took precedence
- networking = Events don’t provide enough networking opportunity
“other” statements:
| I haven’t reduced my participation |
| I feel that I’ve stayed fairly active, but sometimes work and life get in the way. |
| I retired at end of 2024. No economically advantageous rate for those of us in that age group. |
| Gearing down some in semi-retirement. Will be an active attendee but less so as a volunteer. |
| Took it more casually because of the online delivery; less attractive to go in person due to fewer attendees |
| cost for continuing education credits-I can find some cheaper elsewhere |
Future Programming Priorities
Please rank your top 3 program formatting preferences (it is okay to “leave the response blank” if you do not have a second or third preference):
top1, top2, top3 “Which of the following program formats would be most (2nd most, 3rd most) valuable to you?”
- mentor = Expanded mentorship program (structured mentor/mentee matching)
- network = Large annual networking event/conference
- workshop = Quarterly intensive workshops (3-4 per year)
- development = Career development events (panels, job fairs)
- interest = Special interest groups (small, focused topic groups)
- giving = Community service/giving back projects
- virtual = Virtual networking sessions
- certification = Professional development certification programs
“other” statements:
| Research presentations |
| ? |
| Every other month meetings |
| Expert presentations by academics and practitioners |
| Quarterly networking events |
| Current format, but potentially only quarterly or every other month. Would continue hybrid option, but would not have option to be only online unless offering option where presenter not going to be local. Largest benefit, beyond many other options already available, is the in person networking. |
Mentorship
The next 6 questions all regard the MPPAW mentorship program
mentor1 “Would you be likely to participate as a mentor?”
mentor2 “Would you be likely to participate as a mentee?”
mentor3 “What mentoring time commitment works best for your schedule?”
mentor4 “What mentoring structure do you prefer? (Select all that apply)”
- 1 = One-on-one mentoring
- small = Small group mentoring (3-5 people)
- large = Large group mentoring circles (6+ people)
- networks = Peer-to-peer mentoring networks
mentor5 “What level of mentoring formality works best for you? (Select all that apply)”
- structured = Structured program with set goals and milestones
- semi = Semi-structured with some guidelines but flexibility
- informal = Informal relationship-building and advice sharing
- event = Event-based networking opportunities
mentor6 “What mentoring format(s) would you participate in? (Select all that apply)”
- virtual = Virtual meetings only
- inperson = In-person meetings only
- hybrid = Hybrid (combination of virtual and in-person)
- asynch = Asynchronous communication (email, messaging platforms)
Community Contribution & Volunteering
contribute1 “How interested would you be in contributing to MPPAW in the following ways?”
- Not interested = 1
- Somewhat interested = 2
- Very interested = 3
contribute2 “What would motivate you to volunteer more with MPPAW? (Select all that apply)”
- clearer = Clearer time commitments upfront
- smaller = Smaller, more defined tasks
- recog = Recognition for contributions
- devel = Professional development opportunities through volunteering
- working = Working with specific people I know
- contribute = Contributing to causes I care about
- network = Building my own network/visibility
- flexible = Flexible, remote volunteering options
“other” statements:
| I already volunteer about as much time as I’m willing to volunteer |
| I don’t live within the Twin Cities metro area. I do not have time to travel for mid-week evening events. |
| Once my kids are out of the house, I can consider this more |
| My primary limiter is geographic location, but I did enjoy the mentorship program and wouldn’t mind finding other ways to contribute to MPPAW. |
Organizational Structure & Membership
structure1 “How important is it to you that MPPAW continues to charge membership dues?”
structure2 “Would you support higher membership dues if they enabled significantly enhanced programming and services?”
structure3 “What types of enhanced programming would justify higher dues to you? (Select all that apply)”
- caliber = Higher-caliber speakers and events (e.g., speaker compensation and travel)
- frequent = More frequent programming
- workshops = Professional development workshops
- network = Enhanced networking opportunities
- venues = Better venues and catering
- services = Additional member services (career resources, online platform, etc.)
- subsidies = Scholarships or subsidies for members
“other” statements:
| Virtual options (attending in-person is hard) except for a once a year conference would be fun in-person |
| No option for none - no higher fees. As a retired person, fees are sensitive for me |
structure4 “What would you most like to give back to the applied psychology community through MPPAW?”
- share = Share my professional expertise
- support = Support students/early career professionals
- build = Help build professional networks
- advance = Advance the field through research/practice sharing
- inclusive = Create inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups
- advocate = Advocate for the profession
- attend = Attend and participate in meetings
“other” statements:
Demographics & Engagement Preferences
demo1 “Have you held an active MPPAW membership at least once within the past 3 years?”
demo2 “What best describes your current career stage?”
demo3 “What’s your preferred way to engage with professional organizations?”
demo4 “How have you primarily learned about MPPAW events?”
“other” statements:
| I googled professional networks to find MPPAW |
Care to share any other thoughts?
ideal1 “If you could design the ideal professional organization for applied psychology professionals in Minnesota, what would it look like? (2-3 sentences)”
| Placeholder comment from Board Member |
| Virtual learning events plus a once a year (or biannual) in-person conference to provide students a regional option for presenting and networking |
| N/a |
| I don’t know. I guess I like MPPAW’s current format, but it would be good to see higher participation. |
| A less frequent, in-person event. Something like a mini-SIOP |
| Monthly events, strong mentor program, opportunity for more casual networking in addition to formal programming, online community (ex. LinkedIn) where members can share ideas and make connections outside of events |
| More nationally recognized speakers. |
| Mppaw is the one. Look to PTC in the DC metro area… they do it nicely. We can too! |
| Keep the great speakers With a blend of wide variety and deep expertise for meetings. Add in very specific programming that would tie in with the future certification that SIOP will be offering. |
| Also, other professional certifications are impossible teams, assessments, etc etc |
| I really liked the older days when more U of M faculty came and other professionals were present. I’m not sure how to recreate that. |
| It would be nice to have both academic presenters and practitioners for the programs. Networking is crucial with some structure. |
| We have a great, deep, and rich i/O community here in the cities. We need to share with each other on a cost effective basis. We don’t need fancy meals at a pricy hotel all the time. |
| MPPAW is very close to ideal. There are ebbs and flows in every organization. Perhaps joining forces with other local groups? And ask Metro how they have sustained as the longest running one with MPPAW #2 in the 30 some year range. |
| Scientifically-grounded,, high caliber presentations in person 4-6 times per year with social time in advance. These could be augmented by virtual sessions, perhaps smaller “focus groups” on key topics. |
| Focus on having great in-person events that provide me with key information and learning that I could not get elsewhere along with being able to network and build a community of like minded people. |
| Mix of event types and services. It is a varied group and one steady format is unlikely to have the broad appeal needed to re-engage members in a manner that supports the organization long term. |
| Active group of applied psychology professionals meeting regularly to network and learn about the latest and greatest in applied psychology. |
| Less emphasis on applied psychology and more focus on business acumen. The challenge for I/O professionals primarily centers on not understanding all facets of business - functions, processes, models, etc. We need to be more co-worldly in our interactions with the C-suite and line leaders. |
| I think MPPAW was a wonderful organization that linked students and early career professionals with seasoned professionals and that has traditionally offered high caliber programming. I was a consistent attender and member for a long time probably 15 or more years. I thought MPPAW was the ideal professional organization! Covid seemed to take the wind out of its sails, as it did with many things. I admit that at this stage of life, energy is waning and my workload is high, so I have to be quite intentional about what I endeavor, so this has been something I have only attended sporadically in recent years. I used to always recommend it to people who were interested in getting into the field. |
| This would be an easily accessible network that has a robust communication of practical ideas and resources. It would highlight the great work of its members and have those members show how their works could contribute to the remainder of the network. |
anyelse “Is there anything else you’d like the MPPAW board to know as we plan for the future?”
| Placeholder comment from Board Member |
| I’m personally less involved since I/O psychology is not my main profession, but as a program director for an I/O program I really strive to make this something my students want to attend. |
| N/a |
| It would be a shame to see MPPAW go away after so many years! |
| I am a professor/researcher who lives 2 hours from the Twin Cities. I let my membership lapse because I couldn’t attend a single meeting–a 4 hour round trip for a meeting on a weeknight just wasn’t possible. It also became clear that the organization was dominated by practitioners, which didn’t fit with my interests. |
| We don’t need to PAY for speakers when there are so many I/O professionals in the twin cities. |
| The last few years I’ve gone to virtual meetings. They’ve either had technical problems, audio problems, or various other issues such as some facilitation problems for those who were virtual. |
| I haven’t actually been to an in-person meeting for years. I do not presently work down town and it is just too much of a hassle now a days to fight traffic, pay for parking, and and so forth :-( |
| I will plan on attending however it looks as long as we have a graduate program. I feel a need to represent SCSU and our graduate students. |
| Thank you for planning and organizing MPPAW. |
| Embrace retirees |
| Great of you to do this! Smart. Sorry for the challenges. Hang in there and do what is possible to keep it going in some form. John Fennig |
| Greatly appreciate all the efforts to plan last year’s events and this work looking for potential improvements going forward. |
| Plan workshops that focus on how to demonstrate and link talent investments to business. priorities and assess the projected and actual financial and non-economic payoff from these investments. |
| I wish you all the best. I applaud your efforts to be thoughtful and intentional about the organization’s viability into the future. |
Appendix A
Raw data available here
Appendix B
Survey script:
---
format:
html:
link-external-newwindow: true
echo: false
warning: false
footer-left: "[MPPAW](https://mppaw.org/) 2025 Survey"
footer-right: 'Provide survey feedback via [submitting a <i class="bi bi-github"></i> Issue](https://github.com/jtkulas/MPPAW25/issues)'
---
```{r}
library(surveydown)
```
::: {.sd_page id=welcome}
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
# MPPAW Member Survey: Shaping Our Future Direction
## Introduction
MPPAW is at a crossroads. We're evaluating our programming and structure to determine if there is a viable path to increase member engagement. Your input will directly shape our priorities for the coming year. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
```{r}
sd_next(label="Begin Survey")
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Current Engagement & Value {{< iconify streamline-color:heart-rate-pulse-graph >}}:
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'engage1',
label = "How would you describe your current level of engagement with MPPAW?",
option = c(
'Very active (attend most events, volunteer regularly)' = "very",
'Moderately active (attend some events, occasional volunteering)' = "moderately",
'Minimally active (attend rarely, no volunteering)' = "minimally",
'Not currently active but interested in re-engaging' = "interested",
'Not currently active and unlikely to re-engage' = "unlikely"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'engage2',
label = "What initially motivated you to join MPPAW? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
'Professional networking' = "networking",
'Learning from expert speakers' = "learning",
'Career development opportunities' = "development",
'Mentorship (giving or receiving)' = "mentorship",
'Contributing to the applied psychology community' = "contributing",
'Student/early career support' = "students",
'Other' = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "engage2_other",
label = "Please specify the other motivation:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'engage3',
label = "Which of these factors, if any, have reduced your participation in MPPAW activities? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"I haven't reduced my participation" = "notreduced",
'Time constraints/busy schedule' = "constraints",
"Event timing doesn't work for me" = "timing",
'Content not relevant to my current needs' = "content",
'Prefer online professional communities (LinkedIn, Reddit, etc.)' = "communities",
'Geographic distance/location issues' = "distance",
'Post-pandemic preference for virtual engagement' = "covid",
'Other priorities took precedence' = "priorities",
"Events don't provide enough networking opportunity" = "networking",
'Other' = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "engage3_other",
label = "Please specify the other factor(s):"
)
```
```{r}
sd_next(next_page = 'page2')
```
:::
::: {.sd_page id=page2}
### Future Programming Priorities {{< iconify streamline-color:class-lesson >}}:
Please rank your **top 3** program formatting preferences (it is okay to "leave the response blank" if you do not have a second or third preference):
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'select',
id = 'top1',
label = "Which of the following program formats would be **most** valuable to you? (Top choice)",
option = c(
"Expanded mentorship program (structured mentor/mentee matching)" = "mentor",
"Large annual networking event/conference" = "network",
"Quarterly intensive workshops (3-4 per year)" = "workshop",
"Career development events (panels, job fairs)" = "development",
"Special interest groups (small, focused topic groups)" = "interest",
"Community service/giving back projects" = "giving",
"Virtual networking sessions" = "virtual",
"Professional development certification programs" = "certification",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "top1_other",
label = "Please specify the other format:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'select',
id = 'top2',
label = "Which of the following program formats would be **second most** valuable to you? (second best choice)",
option = c(
"Expanded mentorship program (structured mentor/mentee matching)" = "mentor",
"Large annual networking event/conference" = "network",
"Quarterly intensive workshops (3-4 per year)" = "workshop",
"Career development events (panels, job fairs)" = "development",
"Special interest groups (small, focused topic groups)" = "interest",
"Community service/giving back projects" = "giving",
"Virtual networking sessions" = "virtual",
"Professional development certification programs" = "certification",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "top2_other",
label = "Please specify the other format:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'select',
id = 'top3',
label = "Which of the following program formats would be **third most** valuable to you? (third best choice)",
option = c(
"Expanded mentorship program (structured mentor/mentee matching)" = "mentor",
"Large annual networking event/conference" = "network",
"Quarterly intensive workshops (3-4 per year)" = "workshop",
"Career development events (panels, job fairs)" = "development",
"Special interest groups (small, focused topic groups)" = "interest",
"Community service/giving back projects" = "giving",
"Virtual networking sessions" = "virtual",
"Professional development certification programs" = "certification",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "top3_other",
label = "Please specify the other format:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_next()
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Mentorship {{< iconify streamline-color:global-learning >}}:
The next 6 questions all regard the <a href="https://mppaw.org/mentoring" target="_blank">MPPAW mentorship program</a>
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'mentor1',
label = "Would you be likely to participate as a *mentor*?",
option = c(
"Yes, definitely" = "definitely",
"Yes, possibly depending on time commitment" = "possibly",
"No, but I might in the future" = "future",
"No" = "no"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'mentor2',
label = "Would you be likely to participate as a *mentee*?",
option = c(
"Yes, definitely" = "definitely",
"Yes, possibly depending on the match" = "possibly",
"No, but I might in the future" = "future",
"No" = "no"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'mentor3',
label = "What mentoring time commitment works best for your schedule?",
option = c(
"1-3 months" = "1",
"3-6 months" = "3",
"6-12 months" = "6",
"Ongoing/flexible timing" = "flex"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'mentor4',
label = "What mentoring structure do you prefer? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"One-on-one mentoring" = "1",
"Small group mentoring (3-5 people)" = "small",
"Large group mentoring circles (6+ people)" = "large",
"Peer-to-peer mentoring networks" = "networks"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'mentor5',
label = "What level of mentoring formality works best for you? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"Structured program with set goals and milestones" = "structured",
"Semi-structured with some guidelines but flexibility" = "semi",
"Informal relationship-building and advice sharing" = "informal",
"Event-based networking opportunities" = "event"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'mentor6',
label = "What mentoring format(s) would you participate in? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"Virtual meetings only" = "virtual",
"In-person meetings only" = "inperson",
"Hybrid (combination of virtual and in-person)" = "hybrid",
"Asynchronous communication (email, messaging platforms)" = "asynch"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_next()
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Community Contribution & Volunteering {{< iconify streamline-color:city-hall >}}:
```{r}
sd_question(
type = "matrix",
id = "contribute1",
label = "How interested would you be in contributing to MPPAW in the following ways?",
row = c(
"Helping plan/organize events" = "organize",
"Speaking at events or leading workshops" = "speak",
"Mentoring other members" = "mentor",
"Recruiting new members" = "recruit",
"Social media/marketing support" = "market",
"Administrative/operational support" = "admin"
),
option = c(
"Very interested" = "3",
"Somewhat interested" = "2",
"Not interested" = "1"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'contribute1b',
label = "How interested would you be in serving on the MPPAW board of directors?",
option = c(
"Very interested" = "3",
"Somewhat interested" = "2",
"Not interested" = "1"
)
)
## Open up e-mail box if indicate very interested
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "contribute1b_other",
label = "Please enter your e-mail if you would like to be contacted about serving on the board of directors:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'contribute2',
label = "What would motivate you to volunteer more with MPPAW? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"Clearer time commitments upfront" = "clearer",
"Smaller, more defined tasks" = "smaller",
"Recognition for contributions" = "recog",
"Professional development opportunities through volunteering" = "devel",
"Working with specific people I know" = "working",
"Contributing to causes I care about" = "contribute",
"Building my own network/visibility" = "network",
"Flexible, remote volunteering options" = "flexible",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "contribute2_other",
label = "Please specify the other motivation:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_next()
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Organizational Structure & Membership {{< iconify streamline-color:blood-donate-drop >}}:
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'structure1',
label = "How important is it to you that MPPAW continues to charge membership dues?",
option = c(
"Very important - dues ensure commitment and fund activities" = "4",
"Somewhat important - reasonable dues are acceptable" = "3",
"Not important - prefer free or donation-based model" = "2",
"Don't know/no opinion" = "1"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'structure2',
label = "Would you support higher membership dues if they enabled significantly enhanced programming and services?",
option = c(
"Yes, I would support a substantial increase (50%+ higher) for premium programming" = "6",
"Yes, I would support a moderate increase (25-50% higher) for improved programming" = "5",
"Yes, I would support a small increase (up to 25% higher) for some enhancements" = "4",
"No, I prefer to keep dues at the current level" = "3",
"No, I would prefer lower dues even if it means fewer programs" = "2",
"It depends on what specific enhancements would be offered" = "1"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc_multiple',
id = 'structure3',
label = "What types of enhanced programming would justify higher dues to you? (Select all that apply)",
option = c(
"Higher-caliber speakers and events (e.g., speaker compensation and travel)" = "caliber",
"More frequent programming" = "frequent",
"Professional development workshops" = "workshops",
"Enhanced networking opportunities" = "network",
"Better venues and catering" = "venues",
"Additional member services (career resources, online platform, etc.)" = "services",
"Scholarships or subsidies for members" = "subsidies",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "structure3_other",
label = "Please specify the other type of enhanced programming:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'structure4',
label = "What would you **most** like to give back to the applied psychology community through MPPAW?",
option = c(
"Share my professional expertise" = "share",
"Support students/early career professionals" = "support",
"Help build professional networks" = "build",
"Advance the field through research/practice sharing" = "advance",
"Create inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups" = "inclusive",
"Advocate for the profession" = "advocate",
"Attend and participate in meetings" = "attend",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "structure4_other",
label = "Please specify what other way you would like to give back:"
)
```
```{r}
sd_next()
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Demographics & Engagement Preferences {{< iconify streamline-color:information-desk >}}:
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'demo1',
label = "Have you held an active MPPAW membership *at least once* within the past 3 years?",
option = c(
"Yes" = "yes",
"No" = "no"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'demo2',
label = "What best describes your current career stage?",
option = c(
"Student (undergraduate)" = "undergrad",
"Student (graduate)" = "grad",
"Early career (0-5 years post-graduation)" = "early",
"Mid-career (6-15 years)" = "mid",
"Senior professional (15+ years)" = "senior",
"Retired/transitioning out of full time work" = "retired"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'demo3',
label = "What's your preferred way to engage with professional organizations?",
option = c(
"In-person events primarily" = "person",
"Virtual events primarily" = "virtual",
"Hybrid approach" = "hybrid",
"Online community/discussion forums" = "online",
"One-on-one connections" = "oneone",
"Project-based collaboration" = "project"
)
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = 'mc',
id = 'demo4',
label = "How have you *primarily* learned about MPPAW events?",
option = c(
"Email newsletters" = "newsletter",
"LinkedIn" = "linkedin",
"Word of mouth" = "word",
"University/academic connections" = "academic",
"MPPAW website" = "website",
"Other professional networks" = "professional",
"Other" = "other"
)
)
# Target question
sd_question(
type = "text",
id = "demo4_other",
label = "Please specify the other way you would typically learn:"
)
sd_next()
```
:::
::: {.sd_page}
### Care to share any other thoughts? {{< iconify streamline-color:collaborations-idea >}}
```{r}
sd_question(
type = "textarea",
id = "ideal",
label = "If you could design the ideal professional organization for applied psychology professionals in Minnesota, what would it look like? (2-3 sentences)"
)
```
```{r}
sd_question(
type = "textarea",
id = "anyelse",
label = "Is there anything else you'd like the MPPAW board to know as we plan for the future?"
)
sd_next(next_page = 'end')
```
:::
::: {.sd_page id=end}
## Thank you! {{< iconify streamline-color:waving-hand >}}
Thank you for your time and input.
Your responses will directly inform MPPAW's strategic direction for 2025-2026 and beyond.
Please join us in-person or on Zoom on September 23 5:30-7:30 to review the results of this survey and <a href="https://mppaw.org/event-6295564" target="_blank">participate in a lively discussion</a> about the future of MPPAW.
```{r}
sd_redirect(
id = "RSVP",
url = "https://forms.gle/8JaK22tcnBzEcRao8",
label = "RSVP for Sep 23",
button = TRUE,
newtab = TRUE
)
## https://mppaw.org/event-6295564
```
```{r}
sd_close()
```
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
:::