Group Education Manual - Peace Corps Wiki

Introduction tothe EcologicalModelThe Ecological Model provides a conceptual framework for a more comprehensiveapproach to working with men.not clear on definition—conceptual framework is alittle vague The model emphasizes that to change individual behavior, programsneed to not only work with individuals, but to also address the systems and groups—peers, families, communities, media, policies—that influence individuals. Thismodel encourages men and mixed-gender groups to think about the:• Changes that are needed across all sectors of society• Range of different strategies across different levels of action that will berequired to bring about these change• Roles of different social actors during such changesThe Ecological Model underlines the different levels of action that are required tomake changes in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and violence.These levels are:The Levels of 1. StrengtheningModel 14 Knowledge and Skillsthe Ecological Individual2. Creating SupportivePeer and FamilyStructures3. Educating HealthService Providers4. MobilizingCommunityMembers5. ChangingOrganizationalPractices6. Influencing PolicyLegislation at theSocietal LevelHelping men to understand how gender and socialnorms can put them, their partners, and families atrisk and how to promote alternate, healthierbehaviorsEducating peers and family members about healthrisks and ways they can support individuals to takeactions that promote health and safetyEducating providers about male involvement so theycan transmit skills and knowledge to others.Teaching providers to encourage and support (forconsistency—since there are no full sentenceselsewhere here) men to seek healthcare and supporttheir partners’ access to health information andservices.Educating community members and groups abouthealth risks and ways they can support individuals totake actions that promote health and safety.Mobilizing groups and individuals to developcoherent strategies for promoting constructive maleinvolvementAdopting policies, procedures, and organizationalpractices that support efforts to increase men’sinvolvementDeveloping strategies to change laws and policies toinfluence outcomesWorking acrosslevelsWhen using the Ecological Model, it is important to pay attention to the linksbetween the different levels. In other words, no level should be seen as independentof another. In this way, it becomes clear that policy work affects, and is affected by,14 These have been adapted for work related to engaging men in sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, care and support,and violence prevention.8