| Abstrak/Abstract |
INTRODUCTION
HDSS Sleman is a population based survey that collects data on population transition, health status and social transition periodically over a period of time. In order to increase the participation and trust of the Sleman community in the Sleman HDSS activities, it was deemed necessary to initiate the formation of a community engagement committee (CEC) in the Sleman area.
OBJECTIVE
This abstract aims to share experiences in building community engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DESCRIPTIVES
The initiation of the formation of the CEC in the Sleman area was carried out with 20 heads of village in the Sleman area. Due to the policy on offline meetings limitation, communication and socialization were carried out online by utilizing available technologies. The activities carried out were the formation of forum on WhatsApp group, as well as training and socialization via Zoom and Youtube streaming.
DISCUSSION
Building community engagement during a pandemic is quite challenging. First, not everyone in the community is familiar with using technology, but choosing to use simple and familiar technology will support the success of the activity.
Second, online activities may be perceived as less attractive than offline activities, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm and low community participation. Delivering activities in discussions that are currently becoming an interesting issue for the community tends to increase community participation.
Finally, it is important to maintain communication with the community so that loss to follow-up can be avoided. Providing information about current issues in the form of videos and posters is quite helpful to maintain activities in the WhatsApp group.
CONCLUSION
Building engagement online is likely to meet some challenges that impact the results achieved, but it can still be tried and tested.
The key to success in building community engagement is patience in building communication and understanding the needs and expectations of the target community.
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