Risk Communications Program

Who Exactly is a Communication Leader?

Luz Molina: Who exactly is a communication leader? Let's delve into the characteristics that define these crucial figures in our community.

First and foremost, a communication leader needs to be an integral part of the community they will be communicating with. They understand its nuances, challenges, and strengths. They are recognized, respected, believable, and credible. Their positive history within the community builds trust and reliability.

A communication leader possesses the capacity to listen and advocate. They understand the pulse of the community and actively work to address its concerns. They are well connected within the community, fostering relationships with diverse groups and individuals.

Communication leaders are comfortable advocating for themselves, ensuring their time is valued and preventing burnout. Defining the communities we need to target helps identify who will be an ideal communication leader.

Their familiarity with the community's dynamics ensures effective messaging. Above all, they are trusted messengers presenting messages with authenticity and credibility. They serve as the voice of the community, advocating for its needs and aspirations.

By embodying these qualities, communication leaders play a pivotal role in building bridges, fostering trust, and empowering our community to thrive.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

How Communication Leaders Will Share Key Information

Yahye Ahmed: In the event of a pandemic or a public emergency, communication leaders play a vital role in sharing key information with their community. Let's explore how they will ensure vital messages reach every member in their community.

Communication leaders can utilize range of platform with a special focus on what is popular in their community. For instance, they can use emails or virtual meeting services such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams. Popular social media messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, or Viber can be an effective means to reach people and short videos can be shared through these phone messaging apps.

Other ways to share key information include regular phone calls, text messages, and infographics or flyers. It is important to be consistent. By keeping to schedule, communication leaders prevent gaps in information dissemination. Communication guides or scripts can be used to provide a structured approach as well.

Communication leaders should consider the fact that age influences how people receive and understand information. For instance, some social media apps are more popular among younger people. Tailoring messages for each communication method and each audience ensures relevance and effectiveness.

Communication leaders can consider sharing links with more detailed information for those who may want to learn more. By assessing the situation and the community needs, communication leaders can determine the frequency of communications. For example, providing weekly emails rather than daily messages may prevent information overload and make communication more effective. Listening sessions with communication leaders ensure community input and drives messaging and engagement strategies.

By working together and leveraging effective communication and strategies, communication leaders can empower their community to stay informed, connected, and be resilient.

Identifying the appropriate audience to be reached

Jose Rodriguez: When using the bi-directional crisis and emergency risk communication model in communicating the risk of a disease or virus to the community, it is vital to understand who is affected most or most at risk of the disease or condition.

Trusted sources such as CDC, state, and local health departments are resources that often have the most up-to-date information on affected persons or groups. Those reports also often provide a breakdown of the affected groups by key demographic factors, such as race and ethnicity. To verify the data is accurate to your population, check the census data.

It is also important to reach out to the affected population. Reach out to churches and other faith-based organizations, community-based resource groups, and community leaders. To contact the rural populations, reach out to the 4-H groups, county extension offices, faith-based organizations, farmers markets, community gardens, and those organizations that work directly with farming community. For example, the Farm Service Agency.

Uninsured populations can be reached at safety net clinics, Salvation Army, federally qualified health centers, and emergency departments. Factory and migrant work camps are good places to reach out to those who may otherwise not be reached due to citizenship status.

Senior low-income housing tenants can be reached through building managers or property managers, groups such as Meals on Wheels or Food Pantry and Banks.

To reach out to people with disabilities, contact community groups involved with providing services and local group homes.

To contact refugees, reach out to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program and local organizations.

To reach out to the LGBTQ community, reach out to the local pride organizations, and most importantly, if available, the ethnic, racial -specific LGBTQI organizations.

To contact the homeless population, reach out to local warming centers, local EMTs, and social service agency or human services, then the food banks and food pantries.

Onboarding of Communication Leaders

Narrator: Onboarding of communication leaders should be a seamless process. The communication leader should know how to record reach. You would need to educate them on your reach recording process. They should be able to answer uncomfortable questions, even if their answer is along the lines of finding out more and getting back to their audience.

These communication leaders should have been vetted to ensure they have the skills and knowledge surrounding the topic being discussed. There should also be a content review process with the communication leaders to ensure they are provided with vital information on the topic. This could also be tied into the regularly scheduled meeting with the communication leaders.

The cadence can be determined by the need of the community plus the rate at which change of information is to be shared to the community. These regular meetings with the communication leaders should include the subject matter experts so any confusion can be cleared.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Prepare and Adapt Key Information

Narrator: Let's talk about the power of adapting information for different audiences. Whether it's about health, education, or any other topic, reaching people effectively is key. So here are some points to consider.

First off, we've gotta be knowledgeable and practical about choosing the right language and community for our message. Not everyone speaks the same language or comes from the same background, so let's tailor our content accordingly. Videos and posts are great tools, but let's not forget about our older population. Sometimes a good old-fashioned paper pamphlet can be the most effective way to reach them.

And speaking of effectiveness, culturally appropriate language is a must. We want everyone to feel included and understood, no matter their background. Now, when it comes to translating documents for non -English speakers, let's rely on trusted sources. These would be certified and reputable individuals or services with expertise in the target language and subject matter who will ensure accurate, culturally appropriate, and confidential translations. Accuracy is key.

Age matters, too. We need to adjust our approach for both younger and older audiences. Keep it simple and straightforward, like using message maps to get our point across. Health literacy is crucial. Let's make sure our content is easy to understand for everyone. Get a local community member to review your material. They'll make sure it's culturally relevant and inclusive, even for those who are hearing or vision impaired.

Lastly, engage your audience in the process. When people feel involved, they're more likely to trust the message. Plus, it adds a whole new layer of meaning to the community. So, remember, adaptability is the name of the game. Let's make sure everyone gets the message loud and clear.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Tracking Reach and Effectiveness

Narrator: It's important to make sure that the correct information is actually reaching the community, that the information is effective, and that gaps in reaching people are identified quickly and acted upon.

Tracking reach can be done by keeping a record of the number of people reached by each method used. For instance, this could be done using a simple Excel sheet or other easy -to-use tracker. One should note the number of people reached by each method used. For example, the number of people who have read a message on WhatsApp, the number of people who have read and reacted to a message on Facebook or the number of people reached by phone.

The effectiveness of messages shared regarding infection prevention, the role of testing for infection, and the importance of receiving vaccination can be assessed by reviewing local county and state data on changes in disease incidence and prevention, and testing infection rates and vaccination rates respectively. These data are generally available and can be reviewed and categorized by key demographic factors such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity.

In addition, brief surveys or interviews with community members can be conducted to check in and ensure understanding of the information received. To identify gaps in reach, for instance, a subset of the population who is not receiving messages, reaching out to key community leaders can help.

Conducting listening sessions with members of the community can help identify reasons why certain population groups are not receiving the messages. These sessions can also help brainstorm ways to reach everyone.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Community Health and Related Needs Assessment - How to Identify Audience and Disparity Populations to Engage

Dr. Sandra Melvi: Understanding community health needs is important in creating an agenda for effective partnerships. Sometimes the purpose is very specific and defined, like addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, but other times it is not.

In this case, partners can review community needs through existing networks, news reports, and local health department data. For longitudinal goals, such as ongoing health needs, partners should reach out to the larger community through forums like listening sessions and focus groups. They could also leverage local hospital-based community health needs assessment findings, which will be found in every county.

By understanding the community health needs through various methods, partnerships can tailor their efforts to make a real difference. Many partnerships are formed to help address issues affecting people who are more likely to be disproportionately affected by health concerns.

Understanding audience disparities is essential for equitable engagement. Partnerships can identify affected populations using local health department data and by analyzing demographic characteristics like race, ethnicity, and neighborhood data.

Data reported by key demographics such as race, ethnicity, and neighborhood help pinpoint disparities. Beyond data, partnerships can utilize other methods for identification. This includes word-of-mouth, social networks, and news reports. By actively identifying disparity populations, partnerships can ensure their efforts reach those who need it most.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Leverage Subject-Matter Experts and Respond to Community Members Promptly

Narrator: Infrastructure is key to effective community health initiatives. Here are some ways you can incorporate it.

-Identify necessary resources like translation services for comprehensive health assessments.

-Develop partnerships to advocate effectively for the community's needs.

-Stay informed about existing assessments already in progress.

-Leverage existing networks and past research for enhanced outcomes.

-Overcome challenges in reaching subject experts, especially in infectious diseases.

-Establish relationships with experts facilitating easier collaboration.

-Engage experts through live feeds to answer community questions in real time.

-Manage relationships to ensure expert availability during crises.

-Identify local experts who understand community viewpoints and needs.

-Utilize non-emergency lines and hotlines to provide community support.

-Increase awareness by featuring experts in media broadcasts and psa's.

-Connect with task forces and their members to collaborate effectively.

-Utilize mutual connections to reach subject matter experts efficiently.

-Host radio programs featuring subject experts discussing health topics and answering live questions.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

How to Obtain Feedback from the Community on Communication Efforts and Solicit Questions

Miriam Goodson, M.S.: In the heart of every vibrant community lies the power of communication. Let's explore how to obtain feedback and engage with our community effectively.

-Centralize activities and messaging to ensure consistency and clarity.

-Streamline communication channels for maximum impact.

-Establish a message library, featuring weekly updates and Q&A sessions.

-Provide easy access to valuable information for community members.

-Host live feeds with subject matter experts.

-Faster direct interaction and provide real-time answers to community queries.

-Empower community members to submit questions through podcasts.

-Create an avenue for in-depth discussions and expert insights.

-Conduct town hall meetings to gather feedback and address community concerns.

-Faster open dialogue, and collaboration.

-Implement a robust community outreach plan.

-Engage with residents through various platforms to ensure inclusivity.

-Establish a communication chain to disseminate information effectively.

-Connect with community leaders to amplify your message.

-Place question boxes at community gathering places.

-Provide a confidential space for residents to share their thoughts and queries.

By centralizing activities, embracing diverse communication channels, and actively soliciting feedback, we empower our community to thrive together.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Engaging Trusted Community Organizations and Leaders

Narrator: In times of need, finding trusted community organizations and leaders can make all the difference. Here's how you can identify and seek them out.

Start with your local places of worship and faith -based organizations. They often serve as pillars of support, offering assistance and guidance in times of need.

Engage with community -based resource groups. Identify those organizations that are deeply embedded in the community fabric and trusted by community members.

Connect with community leaders who are respected and trusted voices. They can provide valuable insights and connections.

Explore avenues like community gardens and farmers markets. These spaces foster community engagement and support.

Seek out safety net clinics and federally qualified health centers for vital assistance.

Reach out to organizations working directly with migrant communities and factory workers. They often provide essential services, support, and connections with these vulnerable members of the community.

Contact your state and local health departments for guidance and resources. Look into programs that help provide food resources such as local food pantries for food assistance.

Engage with community groups dedicated to providing essential services to those in need, such as local warming centers and shelters for unhoused individuals.

Connect with refugee resettlement programs for specialized assistance. Remember, in times of need, our community is our strength.

Seek out and engage trusted community leaders and organizations, since together we can overcome any challenge.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Leveraging Resources and Advocating for Community Needs

Narrator: Leveraging resources and advocating for community needs are essential steps towards meeting the needs of the community during emergencies. Let's explore some ways we can do that.

Ensure inclusivity by providing materials in familiar languages and communication methods. Empower every member of the community to access vital information.

Partner with trusted community organizations. Their credibility builds trust and fosters collaboration.

Give people a voice and a forum to share their needs and those of their families.

Identify willing donors and redirect available resources to those most in need. Every contribution makes a difference in supporting community needs.

Establish checks and balances for project leaders. Accountability for resources fosters a sense of ownership and trust within the community.

Advocate for the basic needs of the community, such as food security. Ensure that everyone's fundamental needs are met to facilitate compliance with safety measures.

Facilitate meetings between community leaders and decision makers. Encourage direct engagement to address concerns and promote understanding.

Respect cultural differences in practices like quarantine and social distancing. Tailor outreach efforts to meet the unique needs of diverse communities.

Reach out to local officials and make them aware of community needs.

Advocate for resources and support to address pressing issues.

Together, by leveraging resources and advocating for community needs, we can help connect those in need with those who have resources.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Partnering Norms

Narrator: How a partnership is formed is determined by the goal of the partnership. A partnership could be time-limited and formed to meet a very specific need, such as the pandemic, or longitudinal, to address the ongoing health needs of a community.

Regardless of its duration, the first step is to define the goal of the partnership. Identify potential key partners and determine the best way to approach and invite them. Convene a meeting of potential key partners to introduce the idea of forming the partnership and its goal. For those who wish to proceed, review the partnering dynamics. These are simply guidelines which the partnership can adopt as needed, deciding what is non-negotiable.

The members then determine the mode of commitment and agreement, such as an MOU, to proceed with. And with that, the partnership begins its journey towards making a positive impact.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Partnering with Subject Matter Experts

Narrator: Partnering with subject matter experts is crucial for accurate information, especially during times of public health emergencies. Here's how you can identify and collaborate with them.

Start by connecting with your local and state health departments. They're the cornerstone of public health initiatives and will have recommendations on controlling diseases.

Engage with local clinics serving your communities. They can help with information on the best way to assist people in the community who are unwell.

Work alongside community health workers. As the experts of navigating local resources, they bridge gaps and provide culturally sensitive support.

Tap into the knowledge of local health experts. Their expertise is invaluable for tailored solutions that are sound, and meet the needs of the local community. They also help to counter misinformation.

Share information consistently on set days and ensure updates are promptly communicated when information changes. Organize core groups to disseminate information swiftly and address community questions in real time.

Identify community-preferred platforms to understand concerns, fears, and misinformation. Find ways to have subject matter experts respond to the questions of community members.

Leverage the expertise of those with lived experiences. Their stories can be very powerful when shared with community members.

By partnering with subject matter experts, we can ensure that only accurate information is disseminated to community members.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Partnership Operations

Narrator: Understanding community health needs is important in creating an agenda for effective partnerships. Sometimes the purpose is very specific and defined, like addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, but other times it's not.

In this case, partners can review community needs through existing networks, news reports, and local health department data.

For longitudinal goals, such as ongoing health needs, partners should reach out to the larger community through forums like listening sessions and focus groups.

By understanding community health needs through various methods, partnerships can tailor their efforts to make a real difference.

Many partnerships are formed to help address issues affecting people who are more likely to be disproportionately affected by health concerns.

Understanding audience disparities is essential for equitable engagement.

Partnerships can identify affected populations using local health department data and by analyzing demographic characteristics like race, ethnicity, and neighborhood data.

Beyond data, partnerships can utilize other methods for identification. This includes word of mouth, social networks, and news reports.

By actively identifying disparity populations, partnerships can ensure their efforts reach those who need it most.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Platforms to Share Information

Narrator: Effective sharing of accurate information in a timely manner with the community is critical in emergency situations. Let's explore platforms through which to connect and share information.

-Utilize email listservs and online newsletters for direct communication.

-Harness the power of social media.

-Use popular social media platforms, focusing on those most used by the community you are trying to reach. With these, you can send texts, share videos, and other information.

-Engage the community through town halls. While these may take more time to organize, they are an opportunity to foster dialogue and address concerns in real time.

-Host panels featuring community members and experts.

-Share insights and solutions through collaborative discussions.

-Provide platforms for Q&A sessions and timely feedback.

-Ensure transparency and responsiveness.

-Collaborate with partner websites and radio stations.

-This would help extend your reach and diversify your audience.

-Explore podcasts as a medium for in-depth discussions and storytelling.

-Publish in local magazines to reach audiences beyond the digital realm and consider sharing key information via billboards.

-Create social media accounts dedicated to emergency communication.

-Ensure seamless transition during crises.

-By embracing diverse platforms for sharing, we empower our community to thrive together.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org

Shared Community engagement principles

Clarence Jones: Let's examine the essential elements of building a thriving, community-engaged partnership. Whether you're an individual or an organization seeking to form or join such a partnership, it's crucial to understand the foundational principles that drive success.

First, ensure the proposed partnership shares core values. Individuals and organizations must align with the partnership's missions and values, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Next, bring your motivation to engage fully with others in the partnership. Integrity is key. Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership, and experience in the proposed work is crucial. At the same time, the group must be fully aware of its capacities and limitations.

Finally, ensuring that each organization or group joining the partnership is well-respected in the community, is crucial. With these elements in place, be ready to create a powerful, community-engaged partnership.

Let's review some key points regarding relationship dynamics. The heart of every successful, community-engaged partnership lies in the strength of its relationships. Individuals and organizations must invest in nurturing these connections to achieve impactful results.

Trust is the cornerstone. Be trusted and trustworthy. Clear communication is vital. Every voice should be heard. And each one must appreciate the unique assets each member brings to the table.

Flexibility is key. Promote dialogue, listening, and co-learning. And decision-making should be participatory. Address conflicts with negotiation and understanding. And promote the community voice above all else.

Communications should be clear, honest, and respectful, and celebrate accomplishments together. Meet obligations and communicate difficulties properly. Respect diversity and communication styles, and uphold cross-cultural consensus and respect. In a community-engaged partnership, strong relationships lead to meaningful outcomes.

In summary, effective partnership hinges on trust, clear communication, and a willingness to learn from one another. Decision-making should be participatory, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard. Conflict resolution mechanisms should be in place, fostering an environment of openness and mutual respect.

And finally, how do you structure the partnership? In a truly impactful community partnership, diversity isn't just a buzzword. It's a necessity to ensure that the partnership represents the people it serves. Define roles for each member and embrace a collaborative leadership model. Recognize each member's unique assets and strengths because each member brings and share tangible resources equitably.

Respect everyone's time. Meetings should start and end punctually. Maintain regular touch points based on community needs. Ensure transparency and equity in financial matters. Your partnership can reflect and serve the community needs by prioritizing diversity and representation. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.

In summary, a partnership should reflect its community, with clearly defined goals and roles for each member. Collaborative leadership ensures everyone contributes meaningfully, leveraging their unique assets and strength.

Transparency in financial matter is key, with equitable resource distribution and regular meetings to assess progress and adapt as needed.

Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP). http://rochesterhealthy.org