Giving Compass' Take:

• Here is a list of ways for funders to improve feedback and communication with organizations and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

•Why is feedback from communities significant during this time (and always)? 

• Check out the Power of Feedback content collection.

Ways of working are quickly adapting during this global pandemic, and good listening practice can help ensure that this adaptation is appropriate, effective, and compassionate. Unfortunately, the pandemic has created new barriers to effective listening. With that in mind, we have created a resource page for navigating feedback during COVID-19. To create this guide we have researched and talked to those who have been quick to respond well to this pandemic and have been willing to offer insight and wisdom.

On this page, you will find a section that outlines why listening during this crisis is a must and can point to evidence that you can use to support each argument. We hope these articles will provide encouragement, evidence that can be shared with teams, and maybe even spark your own ideas. We also share tools from platforms – many of which have lifted their fees or created free COVID-specific tools – that have stepped up to help organizations stay connected to their constituents during a time when physical distance is non-negotiable

Below is a teaser of the seven tips that the Feedback Labs network has identified as key to helping them listen and act on feedback well during the COVID-19 crisis:

  1. Build trust to hear unbiased feedback.
  2. Listen in a way that doesn’t burden people during a stressful time.
  3. Consider changing your methodology and delivery method to match current community needs.
  4. Focus on listening to the most marginalized people within the communities you serve.
  5. Be clear about what you can offer and adapt questions to focus on the immediate needs of your affected people.
  6. Communicate and listen in the native languages of those you’re serving.
  7. Close the loop by telling people how you are responding to their feedback.

Read the full article about feedback during the crisis by Kalyn Livernois at FeedbackLabs.