To disseminate conference and denominational news and information more effectively, the Northern Illinois Conference is undergoing a communications audit. Big Heart Creative of Franklin, Tenn., is conducting the project.

"We have begun the 'discovery' portion of the audit, which entails obtaining the opinions and preferences of the people of the NIC," said Rev. Victoria Rebeck, NIC's director of communications. "This will help us develop a user-centered approach."

The audit will examine every medium and process the conference uses to communicate with NIC United Methodists, its main audience. The final report, expected in early summer, will advise the communications department on what media to use to reach its audience as well as identify less effective approaches.

"New communications media are being invented quickly, and it doesn't take people too long to start using them and relying on them," Rebeck said. "The conference needs to stay aware of these and adapt to them in order to meet people where they are already getting information about other concerns. 

"Further, we want to be responsible stewards of the conference budget, so we will focus on the most effective practices."

On March 16, the annual conference office emailed an electronic survey request to many NIC United Methodists, under Rebeck's name. A paper survey with identical questions will follow, in order to reach those who do not have reliable internet access.

"We hope to hear from as many people as possible," Rebeck said. "The more feedback we receive, the better our plan will be."

The communications department will share its emphases after the report is completed.