Part 3: Planning and initiating the program
Involving the target population
Agencies should involve their target populations (i.e., the population from which recruiters will
be enlisted and the population that the program is trying to reach with CTR) in planning,
implementing, and evaluating their program. Involvement may be accomplished through various
strategies. For example, advisory groups from the target population may be formed to get input
on community needs, or information may be gathered through focus groups or interviews.
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“The agency should already have
developed previous relationships
with the high-risk community
where they will serve.” |
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Protocols should clearly describe the procedures planned for obtaining target population input, as
well as the type of input that should be sought. The following are examples of input that might
be sought:
- Reviewing the draft protocol and suggesting approaches for implementation (e.g.,
recommendations regarding whether incentives should be used, and if so, what they
should be)
- Reviewing progress reports and monitoring and evaluation data and offering suggestions
for improving program performance
- Promoting the program within the target population and the community.
Promoting the program
Agencies should develop and implement materials and strategies to publicize and promote the
program among their staff and clients. Among staff, it is important to emphasize the importance
of this testing strategy on the HIV epidemic. Staff must have a high-level of understanding of the
program concepts, and “buy into the project” since they will be enlisting recruiters to participate. Promotions for clients in the community may include displaying posters or distributing written
information promoting the program, or making group presentations. An agency may want to
create a new name for the program to reflect the community served or the goals of the program.
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“Distinguish between social
networks and outreach activity.
This is not an average counseling
or testing program. A lot of time
and care must be invested in
developing relationships of trust.” |
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Any agency planning to use the social networks strategy should clearly describe materials and
strategies that will be used to promote the program, including processes by which materials will
be developed. Go to Section One; Part
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