How can we describe the highly varied work of our dispersed community?

Context

As a Community in Mission, one that is dispersed worldwide in the form of a “sodal order,” the mission of Street Psalms is carried out in large measure by members of its Ordained Community. These individuals engage in varied types of professional work - teachers, pastors, nurses, scholars - and do so in a variety of settings. Although the staff of Street Psalms knows the individual Ordained Members, the size and varied nature of the group has made it difficult to describe its combined impact or its specific needs.

Research

Through a series of hour-long interviews with nearly all Ordained members, Beyond Data came away with a rich sense of the type of work and posture/ style shared by members of this community. We identified common practices, rhythms, and values that give this community its identity; and we also illuminated the highly varied way this work manifests in a variety of settings, worldwide.

Deliverable

By tagging key variables in the interviews, Beyond Data was able to provide both a summary and detailed views in the report of the type of work, setting, leadership qualities, postures, and values members of this community use in their work. This report has assisted Street Psalms in more fully understanding this important component of their organization and will guide decision making as they plan future initiatives.