advocacy
involves active, strategic and systematic outreach to decision-makers, opinion leaders and influencers in an effort to achieve specific policy objectives and social outcomes, such as changes in laws, rules and regulations. advocacy goes hand in hand with social and behavior change communication and aims to build coherent constituencies that can lobby politicians and others in a systematic, targeted and effective manner in a drive for social change. for h2n, advocacy is a strategic and long-term effort that requires coordination, cooperation and cohesion between all organizations and individuals that work towards shared objectives and outcomes. h2n employs advocacy specialists who build networks, participate in events and help set the policy agenda.
mass media
involves working with mainstream media outlets in print, radio and television, making productive and positive use of their power to inform and influence. mainstream media outlets shape the way we think about social issues, how we act and how we define what are acceptable or unacceptable behaviors. in addition to defining and changing social norms through mass media, h2n works closely and directly with media outlets in the production of pro-social programming in areas such as health, nutrition and gender equality. h2n has its own radio and television studio and employs experienced media professionals that not only produce content themselves, but also build the capacity of media outlets and journalists through trainings, mentorships and resident experts that act as coaches and consultants.
community media & ipc
focus on social and behavior change communication at the community level, typically through community radio, community video and interpersonal communication (ipc) programming. through an evidence-based, gender-sensitive and participative approach, h2n uses formative research and anthropological studies, as well as extensive field observations known as developmental evaluation, to guide the production of community-level content. the process is guided by core principles of participation, interaction and contextualization. at the core, h2n seeks to draw out and build on the knowledge that already exists in the community to stimulate change in larger groups. experienced h2n staff facilitate the internalization and understanding of key messages rather than impose them.
capacity building
is a h2n hallmark and part of the organization’s genetic makeup. we strongly believe in the need to create new capacity in order to drive the development process forward, so we make capacity building, training and mentoring an integral of every activity and project we engage in, at all levels and in all areas. it is not enough for us to achieve a specific program outcome; we also aim to stimulate personal and professional development in everyone involved in the process. capacity building involves the development of knowledge and skills, but also instills a set of attitudes that encourages life-long learning. h2n typically trains its own staff from scratch and emphasizes internal promotions and professional growth opportunities.
demand generation
is a process that brings the providers of products and services together with potential beneficiaries. in a range of situations, public services are available but not fully utilized by the people who could most benefit from them, such as a person living with HIV not seeking treatment. through systematic demand generation and social mobilization involving advocacy, communication and capacity building, h2n helps maximize the effectiveness and impact of other program interventions by increasing acceptability, uptake and retention of products and services. h2n aims to create mutually reinforcing processes that typically involve the use of community radio, community video, public service announcements and social marketing within a strategic communication model.