Postcards

Postcards can be used to collect information quickly, and they can also be used to provide a short report on evaluation findings (or an update on progress).

Postcards are generally sent through the mail although sometimes they may also be emailed.  They contain a minimal amount of information, however “[t]hey are a convenient, inexpensive and sometimes catchy way of soliciting participation and maintaining contact.” (Torres, Preskill & Piontek , 2005, p. 81).

There is a novelty element for stakeholders who receive postcards, particularly if they have colourful and engaging graphics that make them stand out amongst regular mail and emails.

Advice for choosing this method

  • They are a convenient and inexpensive way of engaging participation in your evaluation.
  • Stakeholders will be more likely to engage in the evaluation as postcards generally require only simple responses

Advice for using this method

  • “Use postcards to maintain contact with stakeholders and build interest in the evaluation
  • Use postcards to invite stakeholders to evaluation meetings or events, and/or remind them of data collection or other upcoming activities.
  • Use postcards to solicit reactions to preliminary findings.
  • Be aware that a postcard will be viewed… by a number of persons other than its recipient, if it is distributed through the regular mail or an organizations internal mail system. For soliciting feedback on controversial or confidential information, distributing the postcards in an envelope or in an email text is a better choice.”

Advice taken from Torres, Preskill & Piontek (2005, p. 83).

Resources

Examples

Torres, R., Preskill, H., & Piontek, M. E. (2005). Evaluation strategies for communicating and reporting, enhancing learning in organizations. (Second ed.). Sage. Retrieved from http://www.sagepub.com/books/Book225545

Expand to view all resources related to 'Postcards'

This page is a Stub (a minimal version of a page). You can help expand it. Contact Us to recommend resources or volunteer to expand the description.

'Postcards' is referenced in: