Community Dialogue Guide

The guide outlines a community dialogue process aimed at preventing stunting in children under the age of two. Stunting is a severe short stature in children due to inadequate nutrition, poor sanitation, and hygiene. The guide emphasizes the importance of united action by individuals, families, and leaders in health, rural development, and agriculture to promote healthy growth and development in children. The NOURISH "Grow Together" Campaign calls for collective efforts to address community-wide issues and motivate healthy behaviors. The purpose of the community dialogue is to review progress, discuss key actions, and decide on how to achieve them. The dialogue is led by the Village Chief and Community Agents, who work together with NOURISH staff to prepare for the dialogue, support effective discussions, and ensure follow-up actions. Before the dialogue, the Village Chief and Community Agents update the data dashboard with current numbers of households, pregnant women, and children under the age of two. They also introduce the five behaviors on the menu for community dialogues, which are part of 13 stunting prevention behaviors. The behaviors include providing an adequate diet for children, drinking and using clean water, washing hands with soap and water, growing nutritious vegetables, and preserving and storing fish. During the dialogue, the Village Chief leads the discussion, and Community Agents display the 5+5+3 Behavior Poster and introduce the dashboard and community progress. NOURISH staff set up water, handwashing buckets, and provide local, healthy snacks. The dialogue agenda includes welcoming participants, appreciating previous commitments fulfilled, sharing progress reports, discussing the selected behavior, and guiding commitments for families and "helping hands." The guide outlines roles and responsibilities for Village Chiefs, Community Agents, and NOURISH staff before, during, and after the community dialogue. Village Chiefs prepare the dashboard and tools, decide on the venue, and practice the sessions. Community Agents collate data, inform the Village Chief about Champion Families and commitments fulfilled, and support the Chief to mobilize participation. NOURISH staff provide and introduce process and tools, support agenda review and dialogue practice, and ensure the agenda is followed. The guide emphasizes the importance of tracking commitments and updating the dashboard monthly. Village Chiefs and Community Agents are responsible for updating the dashboard, tracking commitments, and identifying Champion Families for the next dialogue. NOURISH staff check in with Village Chiefs and Community Agents to ensure updated dashboards and tracked commitments. The Grow Together Community Dialogue Guide provides a framework for communities to work together to prevent stunting in children under the age of two. By following the guide's steps and processes, communities can promote healthy growth and development in children and achieve the goal of reducing stunting.