Telephone Follow-Up Script

SUHMRE Script for Telephone Follow-Up

Part A: Intro Script

Hello, this is (first and last name) calling from the Urban Institute in Washington, DC. May I please speak to (fill in name of focus group participant)?

[If the person who has answered the phone is not the person you are seeking:]

• [If the person you are speaking with says the person you requested is not available]

  • “When would be the best time to call back to speak with name of focus group participant)”

• [If the person you are speaking with wants to know why you want to speak with (name of focus group participant]

  • “We’re calling to confirm (name of focus group participant)’s participation in the focus group being held at [PROGRAM NAME].

Part B: If you are speaking with the person you are seeking:

Hello, my name is (first and last name) and I am calling from the Urban Institute in Washington, DC about the focus group that is being held at [PROGRAM NAME]. As described on the flyer, the goal of this research is to better understand the current state of healthy marriage and healthy relationship programs, as well as how these programs address the needs of same-sex couples and LGB individuals. The focus groups will last approximately 90 minutes, and we will offer $[40/25] as a token of our appreciation. Everything you say will be kept private and we will not attach your name into our written report.

I am calling today to see if you have any questions about the focus group and to confirm your participation.

Part C: Questions

Are there any questions that I can answer for you?

Have you [applied for/attended] a healthy marriage and relationship education program offered by [PROGRAM NAME]?

[if youth] Your parents’ consent will be required. Would one of your parents be able to accompany you to the focus group to give his or her consent?

Part D: Confirming Participation

Are you interested in taking part in our focus group?

[If “yes”:]

• That’s great! We are excited to speak with you. [SKIP TO SCHEDULING]

[If “no”:]

• I’m sorry to hear that. Do you mind if I ask why not? [Try to address concerns].

Part E: Scheduling Focus Group

[NOTE: Check to see how many participants have already signed up to ensure availability]

We have [X] options for focus groups available. Would you prefer to attend the discussion on [DATE #1] or [DATE #2]?

Great! As a reminder, the focus group will be held at [ADDRESS]. Are there any other questions I can answer?

[If no] Okay, thank you so much! We look forward to seeing you then.