Steps

1) Identify participants for the community dialogue from different groups in the community (rich, poor, men, women, youth, children, etc). These should be purposely selected from within a neighborhood, or individuals identified through the clinics for having a common issue of concern.

2) Agree on a date and venue for the dialogue to take place.

3) Before the dialogue, list down the key issues of concern affecting the participants and prepare yourself with appropriate information and understanding of the issues including possible solutions and actions.

4) Bring IEC materials and visual aides to help explore the problem.

5) Through a short talk, explain to participants the objectives, principles and outcomes of the community dialogues (refer to key points above for informing your short talk).

6) Present the issues identified drawing upon evidence from the community if possible or from a similar community that will allow participants to identify with the issue and form a position/opinion regarding the evidence. Lead a discussion of possible solutions building a consensus on what actions are possible for the members to implement to achieve the desired solution.

7) Explore community, family and individual constraints or bottlenecks to reaching the desired solution. Spend time to delve into solutions that are feasible and acceptable to the participants .

8) Decide jointly on a schedule for implementing agreed actions.

9) Set date and venue for follow up dialogue as appropriate.

10) Record key information of the community dialogue process and outcomes (Annex 2)

11) Conclude by emphasizing that community dialogue is a mutual learning process that resonates at individual, community, Island Council and Ministry of Health levels, and thank all for their participation.

• It is facilitation rather than a lecture by an ‘expert’”.

• To be open to learning and listening to all points of view

• To keep an eye on the quality of participation and the quality of the conversation by noticing what’s happening and actively support getting everyone back “on purpose” when needed.

• Avoid being judgmental!

• Be respectful, show willingness to learn from others and contribute to others experiencing being respected and appreciated

• Acknowledge constraints and bottlenecks and co-create solutions that work for everyone.