Community Conversation Kit: Everyday Conversations to Protect Community Health Against Infectious Disease

"...a well-prepared setup creates a positive environment for great conversations and active community involvement."

This Community Conversation Kit (CCK) is designed to help people who have a leadership role speak with people in their community about how to protect themselves and those they care about from becoming ill with an infectious disease. In particular, the CCK offers tips and suggestions to help community leaders - such as health promoters, religious leaders, and neighbourhood committees - lead conversations that get people talking with each other and thinking differently about their health so they can take action.

As explained in the kit, community conversations are important, as they can help to:
 

• Identify priority health concerns and how to address them;
• Address rumours, false beliefs, and misinformation that may be circulating among community members;
• Bring community members together during challenging times; and
• Increase trust within communities and help them recognise the value of their collective knowledge.

In addition to an introductory section, the kit has two main sections: 

Steps to plan and lead a successful community conversation: This section offers guidance for conducting six steps to plan and lead an effective community conversation. It offers tips on how to make an impact, give people clear information, and motivate them to take action to prevent and respond to disease pre, during, and post emergency. The steps are divided into three stages: before the conversation, on the day of the conversation, and after the conversation. They are: (i) planning the practical details; (ii) planning what you will speak about; (iii) setting up; (iv) leading a community conversation (tips); (v) planning next steps; and (vi) getting feedback. 

Improving your talking and listening skills: This section gives practical advice for managing tricky situations during community conversations. It includes advice on handling conflict when someone disagrees, being inclusive in an environment with different cultures, and dealing with complex emotions within a meeting.