The SqueakyWheel project was a Belize initiative to hear directly from the people of Belize. The surveys were used to collect informations and opinions regarding their level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction regarding different issues and problems relevant to the society and the country. From August 2000 until the latest survey on the 19 of January 2008, over 10 surveys were taken by citizens across the country. Polls are informal, on-line polls are use to gather information also. Website visitors can now vote on any poll question.

How Information is Collected

The Surveys/Polls are done via random phone calls and are available in both paper and now on-line formats. When a phone survey is completed, the survey data are entered into a database that stores all the survey information. When a person completed the survey on-line, it is automatically stored in the survey database. When a person casts their vote for a poll, the results are displayed immediately by showing a percentage of votes. The results are featured on the Website at a later date (with all identifying information removed), along with a summary of the poll results. The results are stored in a database, allowing for the ability to print reports and monitor poll activity.

Privacy and Security of Information Collected

Although information received via phone calls, on-line polls, forms, surveys, and e-mails are used for the purposes stated on the Web page, Spear do not give out any personal informations. Persons who chose to participate in the survey/polls are remained anonymous. Surveys are collected and entered into the database. This means that any information provided in the survey could not beretrieved by any third party. When personal information or written comments were provided, identifying information was removed in order to protect confidentiality when the data is released in printed form. Result polls are kept anonymous. No identifying information is collected . When personal information is provided, it is stored in a separate area of the database so that it is not viewed when reports are printed.

What will i find here?

• Updates on the activities of many civil society organizations, such as public meetings, educational events, etc.
• Latest developments on on-going issues.
• Reports on public policy currently under development.
• Announcements of public hearings or other opportunities for giving input or influencing the process.
• Existing research and policy documents -downloadable in PDF format.
• Analysis of policy issues.
• Civic education material - learn how our government is supposed to work!
• Suggestions on how your group can organize for change around your particular problem or issue.
• Analysis of policy issues.