May 15th, 2020

Changing the Way We Provide Education, Awareness: by Mona Uli, IT Coordinator

As the designated dual coalition for American Samoa our purpose is to provide awareness and education about domestic and sexual violence. As the IT (Instructional Tech) Coordinator, along with the Program Specialist, Judy Matautia, it is our duty to provide support and technical assistance for direct service providers as well as educate the community. We do this by exploring their needs to strengthen their work with victims of violence.  

One way is our  “Talanoa Talk Tables” where we discuss with community members their views or concerns about violence, or developing healthy relationships in American Samoa to strengthen families. We host community meetings to promote education and awareness about domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. This requires scheduling meetings for face to face education, and discussion. A year ago our team decided to try a new approach, of using technology platforms to provide information on prevention and awareness.   
   
We began to explore and delve into various social media platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, Anchor, Constant Contact, Zoom, etc.  For me, this was overwhelming because I am old school and stuck in my ways.  I had to push myself to get familiar with technology.  I would say I learned more from trying.  I experimented, and my favorite is always to, “Google it.” It was like learning to type or use a computer all over again.  It was a challenge, believe me there was a lot of trial and error.  The rewards have been greater as we are providing podcasts and webinars and online meetings and so much more. 

Fast forward to COVID-19 pandemic, and the Governor’s Declaration of Public Emergency to Code Blue status,  it’s pushing many to be more tech savvy, but I’m proud to say the work we have been doing for the last year using media, digital platforms has prepared us for a season such as this.  

Our aim is to create social change.  We are shifting the attitudes and behaviors that our society has regarding violence against women, and all genders.  Part of change is to find new ways to get the information to our community.  We recognize not everyone in American Samoa has social media or internet, and for this reason you will see us in our News, our local television and cable stations, as we well as hosting quarterly community training after COVID-19.  Please join our webinars and podcasts!  Share with us what you would like to hear about, or from whom you want to hear from. 

We look forward to seeing you there!
edited by: Jtofaeono 05/15/2020