---
title: Winter Survey Poetry of 2023
description: Enjoy a sleigh full of poems inspired by the Polco staff's love of surveys, data, and engagement.
---

[Polco News & Knowledge ](https://blog.polco.us)

# [Winter Survey Poetry of 2023](https://blog.polco.us/winter-survey-poetry-2023)

 Written by [Polco](https://blog.polco.us/author/polco) | December 20, 2023

It’s time for a holiday tradition here at Polco — winter survey poetry! Each year since 2016, the Polco staff pens a few lines inspired by their love of surveys, data, and community engagement. This year, we highlighted some popular poems of the past and mixed in a few new ones. 

So take a little break and enjoy a sleigh full of poems! 

Rethink Engagement Haiku

*By Angelica Wedell, Communications Director 

*Rethink Engagement  
Data-Driven Decisions  
Human Connections

Twas the Night Before the Ballot

*By Sonya Wytinck, COO*

Twas the night before the ballot  
   and all through the town

Not a council-member was nervous  
   nowhere a frown

The research was done  
   by pros with great care

Results representative  
   of folks everywhere

Survey questions were vetted  
   to ensure they were clear

Understanding the decision  
   would impact us for years

Best practices in sampling  
  were used through and through

To expand resident input  
   beyond the vocal few

Data was collected,  
   cleaned and weighted

Analyzed and reported  
  with results simply stated

Funds for recreation  
   with a mil levy renewed

Downtown revitalization  
  with support pre-approved

Now staff can push forward  
  with this guiding light

Good governance to all  
  and to all a good night 

## The Winter Fun Bowl

*By Erin Caldwell, Survey Research Principal *

There was a director of parks  
Who wanted a community “spark”  
To fight the doldrums  
And increase the fun  
Of residents stuck in the dark

He wanted a community read  
On just what would meet the need  
To chase away blues  
And bring up the mood  
So he sent out a public plea:

“Please come do our wintertime poll  
That’s been posted online on Polco”  
Residents responded  
A new game was founded  
And thus was born the Winter Fun Bowl

Residents flocked to the winter time sports  
That were played on the parks and the courts  
Participants cheered  
As the new games premiered  
And high ratings were given in the follow-up reports

## The Magic of Surveys

*By Alissa, Senior Survey Associate*

The magic of surveys  
The back and forth  
Ask and answer  
Feedback and action  
Curiosity driving the process  
The voice of the people coming to life  
Collective knowledge  
Bringing about change  
The magic of surveys

## Data To the Rescue

*By Jessie O’Brien, Copywriter*

We live in confusing times  
There’s lots of information floating in our minds

It can be hard to take frank action  
When there’s so much pulling at our attention

So if you want to make the best choices  
You must cut through distracting noises

Don’t worry—data can help you  
And give you guidance on what to do

So you can feel confident in your decisions  
This is a part of Polco’s mission

Related Articles

- [Winter Survey Poetry of 2022](https://blog.polco.us/winter-survey-poetry-2022)
- [Winter Survey Poetry of 2021](https://blog.polco.us/winter-survey-poetry-2021)
- [Winter Survey Poetry of 2020](https://blog.polco.us/winter-survey-poetry-2020)

[View full post](https://blog.polco.us/winter-survey-poetry-2023)

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