BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Today, I reviewed my blog, and realized that I need to move fast to change my modus operandi, otherwise I will never complete the C-Modules course on Social and Behaviour Change Communication! I have been reviewing this material for 20 days and I have barely made any progress!

"Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~ Albert Einstein

This is what I have resolved to do:

1. DIVIDE AND CONQUER: Split each module into a caseload I will review over seven days. Therefore, since there are 7 modules (counting the introduction & Module O), I will need 7 weeks to complete this course.
2. WEEKLY BLOG POST: I will only post one update each week, summarizing that week's findings.

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

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C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 20 of the free online C-Modules course on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)

Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Mary-Sanyu, and I am passionate about Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC). I have embarked on a life-long journey to champion for the growing practice of SBCC in Africa.

I am currently studying "C-Modules" -- a 6-module learning package on SBCC that was developed by C-Change and can be freely downloaded at this link: CLICK HERE.

Next year (2016) I will roll out free capacity building workshops for organizations in my community that engage in SBCC. I will transmit the knowledge I gain from "C-Modules" and other SBCC training material that I will study over the course of this year (2015). Having worked with a number of Non-Governmental Organizations and Community-Based Organizations in Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, I am aware that there is a great need for capacity building in this area.

What I studied today:

Today, I moved to Module 1 (Understanding The Situation) and reviewed the Facilitator's Guide.

What I learned today:

1. I learned that at the beginning of each session, I should start by reviewing "Yesterday's Learning". I should use this time (approximately 30 minutes) to clarify confusing or "hanging" issues from the content that was discussed the day before. 
2. I should post and review the objectives for this Module and explain how the day's schedule will accomplish these objectives.
3. I should assign volunteer roles for the day (timekeeper, report team, and logistics support team).
4. Finally, I learned that the "C-Modules" training material is embedded with great hands-on examples of activities I could use in a classroom setting to enhance participatory learning.

(I will discuss more about the Module 1's content in my next blog, where I will review the Practitioner's Handbook.)

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

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C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 19 of the free online C-Modules course on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)

Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Mary-Sanyu, and I am passionate about Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC). I have embarked on a life-long journey to champion for the growing practice of SBCC in Africa.

I am currently studying "C-Modules" -- a 6-module learning package on SBCC that was developed by C-Change and can be freely downloaded at this link: CLICK HERE.

When I am done with the 6 modules, I will roll out free capacity building workshops for organizations in my community that engage in SBCC. 

What I studied today:

Today, I jumped back to Module 0 (Introduction Module) and reviewed the Practitioner's Handbook.

What I learned today:

1. Over the years, there has been a shift from Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) to SBCC because approaches to behaviour change have expanded beyond a focus on the individual in order to emphasize on sustainable, social change.
2. C-Modules was designed for practitioners who want to build their own capacity to develop, implement, monitor, and re-plan quality SBCC programs and contribute to collective learning about SBCC.
3. SBCC has 3 main characteristics: i) SBCC is a process; ii) SBCC applies a comprehensive, socio-ecological model to identify effective tippings points for change; iii) SBCC applies three key strategies: a) Advocacy; b) Social mobilization; c)  Behaviour Change Communication.
4. There are different behavioural theories and models that feed into the Socio-Ecological Model. By looking at theories and models, practitioners can begin to understand or further reinforce "what, why, and how health problems should be addressed".
5. There are 10 principles of SBCC: i) Follow a systematic approach; ii) Use research (e.g. operations research), not assumptions, to drive your program; iii) Consider the social context; iv) Keep the focus on the audience(s); v) Use theories and models to guide decisions; vi) Involve partners and communities throughout; vii) Set realistic objectives and consider cost-effectiveness; viii) Use mutually reinforcing materials and activities at many levels; vix) Choose strategies that are motivational and action-oriented; xx) Ensure quality at every step.
6. C-Change's Socio-Ecological Model for Change is based on a synthesis of theories and approaches from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, communication and political science.

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

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C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 18 of the free online C-Modules course on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)

Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Mary-Sanyu, and I am passionate about Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC). I have embarked on a life-long journey to champion for the growing practice of SBCC in Africa.

I am currently studying "C-Modules" -- a 6-module learning package on SBCC that was developed by C-Change and can be freely downloaded at this link: CLICK HERE.

When I am done with the 6 modules, I will roll out free capacity building workshops for organizations in Africa that engage in SBCC. 

Over the last few weeks, I have been reviewing Module 0 (Facilitator's Handbook), which lays an important foundation for the rest of the C-Modules course. It breaks down concepts and principles that are used throughout the training material.

These include:

• THE DEFINITION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (SBCC)
• AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
• CURRENT PROJECTS
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SBCC
• TEN SBCC PRINCIPLES
• THE THEORETICAL BASE OF THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL

What I studied today:

Today, I took a step back from Module 0 (Facilitator's Handbook) to study the Cover & Acknowledgments, Facilitator Preparation Guide, and Facilitator's Appendix.

What I learned today:

1. C-Modules was field-tested in several locations before being rolled out.
2. C-Modules was developed by some of the best brains in the SBCC industry! I was tongue-tied as I read the Cover & Acknowledgments.
3. This training material aims to increase the number of organizations that effectively apply SBCC. It builds on what organizations already do well and emphasizes areas that need strengthening. 
4. The training can be conducted as a two-part workshop or a three-part workshop.
5. C-Modules is laden with tonnes of online support resource material!
6. The Ohio University partnered with Health Communication Capacity Collaborative to offer C-Modules as a self-paced online course. (The link I tried was dead, so I can not comment on the course.)

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

--------------------

C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 17 of the free online C-Modules course on social and behaviour change communication

I am currently reviewing Module 0 (Facilitator's Handbook), which lays an important foundation for the rest of the course. It breaks down concepts and principles that are to be used throughout the course.

These include:

• THE DEFINITION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (SBCC)
• AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
• CURRENT PROJECTS
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SBCC
• TEN SBCC PRINCIPLES
• THE THEORETICAL BASE OF THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL

On Day 05 I reviewed sub heading four: “Characteristics of SBCC”. I learned that SBCC has three (3) characteristics:

> SBCC is a process.

• It is interactive, researched, planned and strategic;
• It aims to change social conditions and individual behaviours.

> SBCC applies a comprehensive, socio-ecological model to identify effective tipping points for change by examining:

• individual knowledge, motivation, and other behaviour change communication concepts
• social, cultural, and gender norms, skills, physical and economic access, and legislation that contribute to an enabling environment

> SBCC uses 3 key strategies:

• ADVOCACY – to raise resources as well as political and social leadership commitment to development actions and goals
• SOCIAL MOBILIZATION – for wider participation, coalition building, and ownership, including community mobilization
• BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION – for changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among specific audiences

Over the next few days, I will discuss each of these characteristics in detail.

TODAY I LEARNED ABOUT HOW THE SOCIO ECOLOGICAL MODEL FEEDS INTO THE 3 KEY STRATEGIES THAT ARE USED FOR SBCC:  ADVOCACY, SOCIAL MOBILIZATION AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION

Take home message: "Today, no single theory or conceptual framework dominates research or practice in health promotion and education. Instead, one can choose from a multitude of theories." (Glanz, Rimer, and Viswanath 2008).

A table on page 26 illustrates the theoretical base of the Socio-Ecological Model for Change. This table is intended to help practitioners become familiar with and understand the theoretical basis for the Model and better apply its perspective to problem solving.

The selected theories and critical questions provide guidance and clarification on how the theories and approaches supporting the model can be used during the first two steps of C-Planning:

• Situation analysis
• Strategy development

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

--------------------

C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 16 of the free online C-Modules course on social and behaviour change communication

I am currently reviewing Module 0 (Facilitator's Handbook), which lays an important foundation for the rest of the course. It breaks down concepts and principles that are to be used throughout the course.

These include:

• THE DEFINITION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (SBCC)
• AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
• CURRENT PROJECTS
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SBCC
• TEN SBCC PRINCIPLES
• THE THEORETICAL BASE OF THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL

On Day 05 I reviewed sub heading four: “Characteristics of SBCC”. I learned that SBCC has three (3) characteristics:

> SBCC is a process.

• It is interactive, researched, planned and strategic;
• It aims to change social conditions and individual behaviours.

> SBCC applies a comprehensive, socio-ecological model to identify effective tipping points for change by examining:

• individual knowledge, motivation, and other behaviour change communication concepts
• social, cultural, and gender norms, skills, physical and economic access, and legislation that contribute to an enabling environment

> SBCC uses 3 key strategies:

• ADVOCACY – to raise resources as well as political and social leadership commitment to development actions and goals
• SOCIAL MOBILIZATION – for wider participation, coalition building, and ownership, including community mobilization
• BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION – for changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among specific audiences

Over the next few days, I will discuss each of these characteristics in detail.

TODAY I WILL MOVE TO CHARACTERISTIC 3: SBCC uses three key strategies: Advocacy, Social mobilization and Behaviour Change Communication, and I will specifically focus on “Using advocacy to address the enabling environment.”

Photo: Google images

The enabling environment in the outer ring consists of policy, legislation, politics, and other areas of strong influence on health and development. A strategy often used to address such influence is advocacy which includes a variety of communication components when it addresses influential institutions and people at the international, national, district or community level. These communication components may include:

• presentations,
• campaigns,
• interpersonal negotiation,
• lobbying,
• and other advocacy tactics.

According to Wallack and Dorfman (2001) advocacy applies a socio-ecological perspective by:

1. Defining the problem at the policy level instead of focusing on individual flaws.
2. Seeking to change public policy and policy makers rather than personal behavior of those who have the "problem".
3. Working with groups to increase social and political involvement rather than providing behavior change messages.
4. Seeking to reduce the power gap (lack of sufficient power to achieve social change) rather than just filling a perceived information gap).
5. Having a long-term focus towards social change.

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

--------------------

C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.

WHAT I LEARNED TODAY: Day 15 of the free online C-Modules course on social and behaviour change communication

I am currently reviewing Module 0 (Facilitator's Handbook), which lays an important foundation for the rest of the course. It breaks down concepts and principles that are to be used throughout the course.

These include:

• THE DEFINITION OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (SBCC)
• AN OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
• CURRENT PROJECTS
• CHARACTERISTICS OF SBCC
• TEN SBCC PRINCIPLES
• THE THEORETICAL BASE OF THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL

On Day 05 I reviewed sub heading four: “Characteristics of SBCC”. I learned that SBCC has three (3) characteristics:

> SBCC is a process.

• It is interactive, researched, planned and strategic;
• It aims to change social conditions and individual behaviours.

> SBCC applies a comprehensive, socio-ecological model to identify effective tipping points for change by examining:

• individual knowledge, motivation, and other behaviour change communication concepts
• social, cultural, and gender norms, skills, physical and economic access, and legislation that contribute to an enabling environment

> SBCC uses 3 key strategies:

• ADVOCACY – to raise resources as well as political and social leadership commitment to development actions and goals
• SOCIAL MOBILIZATION – for wider participation, coalition building, and ownership, including community mobilization
• BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION – for changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among specific audiences

Over the next few days, I will discuss each of these characteristics in detail.

TODAY I WILL CONTINUE TO DISCUSS CHARACTERISTIC 2: SBCC uses a socio-ecological model for change, and I will specifically focus on “Explaining the Socio-Ecological Model for Change: Studying the Triangle of Influence.”

Photo: Google images

Yesterday, I learned that the Socio-Ecological Model for Change is comprised of two parts: 

1. Levels of analysis (which are represented by the rings you see in the diagram above); 
2. Cross-cutting factors (which are embedded in the triangle that slices across each of the layers).

Today, I will study each of the issues that are embedded in "The Triangle of Influence"

THE TRIANGLE OF INFLUENCE

The Triangle of Influence comprises cross-cutting factors that SBCC interventions target in an effort to generate change. These factors may act in isolation or in combination. They are divided into four broad categories:

1. Information
2. Motivation
3. Ability to act
4. Norms

>> Information

People need information that is timely, accessible, and relevant. When looking at information, SBCC practitioners consider the level of knowledge held by a person or group. With such information, some individuals, groups, or communities may be empowered to act. It is important to note that for most people, information is not enough to prompt change.

>> Motivation

People require motivation, which is often determined by their attitudes, beliefs, or perceptions of the benefits, risks, or seriousness of the issues that SBCC programs are trying to change. Motivation can be affected by SBCC methods or strategies, such as effective counseling, peer education, entertaining radio broadcasts, or TV programs. If done well, such communication can foster individual attitude and behavior change, as well as norm change.

>> Ability to Act

However, even motivation may not be enough. For instance, few women and girls in the countries hardest hit by HIV and AIDS have the power to negotiate the time and conditions for having sex, including condom use, or they may lack the funds to buy condoms. They need the ability to act in particular circumstances. SBCC practitioners should look at the actual skills self-efficacy (or collective efficacy), and access of the actors.

• Skills include psychosocial life skills: problem-solving; decision-making; critical and creative thinking; interpersonal communication; and other relationship skills, such as empathy.
• Self-efficacy is concerned with the confidence of individuals and groups (collective efficacy) in their own skills to affect change.
• Access includes financial, geographical, or transport issues that affect access to services and ability to buy products.

>> Norms

Norms -- as expressed in perceived, socio-cultural, and/or gender norms -- have considerable influence. 

• Norms reflect the values of the group and/or society at large and social expectations about behavior. 
• Perceived norms are those that an individual believes others are holding and therefore are expected of him/her. 
• Socio-cultural norms are those that the community as a whole follows because of social status or cultural conventions. 
• Gender norms shape the social views of expected behaviors of males and females.

Interested in signing up for this course? CLICK HERE.

--------------------

C-Modules were developed by C-Change, funded by USAID under Cooperative Agreement No. GPO-A-00-07-0004-00. The six modules can be freely downloaded and used, provided full credit is given to C-Change as follows: C-Change (Communication for Change). 2011. C-Modules: A Learning Package for Social and Behavior Change Communication. Washington, DC: FHI 360/C-Change.