Hi Franzi,

Thanks for these suggestions. For the first suggestion in your list, I am happy to report that I was able to implement this very easily: it is now possible to upload a podcast or other audio file (in mp3 format) directly to a forum post. See for example this random one (a BBC podcast about corona virus):

(this kind of display with the play button and the download button comes up automatically after you go to "Attachments", then "Add files...", then "Insert" while in the editor for writing a post)

I have also changed the configuration so that users can also add short video files (less than 20 MB) if it's in the following format: mp4, mov, wmv (in the past, users could only link to a website where the video was uploaded).

I think this will be a handy new feature!
Please be mindful of the file size limit of 20 MB. Another issue for us moderators is that we need to view and listen to every audio and video file that is uploaded as soon as possible to ensure no spam makes it through or bad content for which we could be liable. 

Regards,
Elisabeth

We highly appreciate this extensive feedback for there is always room for improvement, we believe.

The whole idea that is SuSanA is to learn from one another and that is only achievable if we share our work and thoughts across board and stay connected.  Even though some of the suggestions will take up some time and resources to meet, they will still be considered in the future. Thank you Charlotte, for documenting them here.
 
A few suggestions above made us curious about your ideas on the how to –feel free to add your ideas/brainstorms as well.
 
o Add podcast sessions
 
This would be really cool! Is there anyone out there who is a sanitation podcaster? Could the moderators check with the IT if podcast formats could be integrated into the posts (e.g., like YouTube videos)?

o Webinars, seminars, workshops, conferences and events should be encouraged to have people interacting. These could include face to face meetups. An online chat platform should also be considered.
 
Now that a large part of the world is working in Home Office / remote, we could use the opportunity and give every (air)travel a second thought and improve our Video Meet-up skills and offerings. See also the thread here: Airtravel to conferences, site visits, meetings etc. - emitting more CO2 than theyre worth in some cases?.

*Idea* There could be ad-hoc video calls (or called a few days ahead) on a specific thread that is receiving a lot of attention (e.g. measured in click rates and posts), where organisations and persons would have it easier to share their experiences (as its faster than typing), and  could interact more personally with video calls. A Forum moderator could join these calls and provide a small summary in the end (not sure if everyone would agree to a smaller group chat being recording being released). A challenge would be to find a suitable timefor every time zone, though…

o The discussion forum should have more social media presence e.g. on WhatsApp and Instagram.
 
The Secretariat had the discussion around opening an Instagram account last year and decided against it, as already Facebook and Twitter are used, and for Photos the platform Flickr is used. Regarding WhatsApp, we have initiated a small WhatsApp learning group for the
IRC WASH system course, see here . It was a nice experience and international group, but thechat wasn’t as active as we might have thought in the beginning. But in general, everyone from the network is can initiate such groups and use the Forum to find like minded people.  
 
O Improved search function
 
We are always happy to hear recommendations ofother platforms / fora that you think have a very helpful search function.
 
Best regards, 
Franziska

Dear all,

A small survey was conducted, during the search for new co-moderators in December, to collect some opinions about the SuSanA discussion forum. Applicants for the co-moderator positions were requested to give strengths, weaknesses and about the SuSanA discussion forum. A total of 90 people took part. We have now analysed their responses and conclude the following:

STRENGTHS
The main strengths that have been noted for the SuSanA online discussion forum are:
• It is a great resource that can be tapped by anyone who has access. There is knowledge sharing and experience sharing from the experts who are in the forum.
• The advantage is that, with the different expertise that is shared in the platform, there is a lot of professionalism and central reference point for WASH professionals.

• There is inclusivity in the forum as the diversity of people (members and partners) causes a lot of Equity and Social Inclusion leading to interaction and a safe space.
• It is a global platform which is free and accessible for all.

• It is educative and transparent. A lot of accurate information has been shared including case studies and references.

WEAKNESSES
The main weaknesses that have been noted for the SuSanA online discussion forum are:
• Lack of awareness and visibility.

• Lack of interaction
• Lack of responsiveness once posts are made. Fewer posters. Few topics discussed.
• Lack of diversity in participation. Mostly professionals engaging. No students/ academics working. Not totally represented young professionals.

• IT based platform. Therefore, there is limited reach especially for people who lack internet connectivity.

SUGGESTIONS
The main suggestions that have been noted for the SuSanA online discussion forum are:
• Not many people had specific suggestions for the forum but rather have asked for additional activities, such as
o Add podcast sessions. This will encourage live interactions.
o Webinars, seminars, workshops, conferences and events should be encouraged to have people interacting. These could include face to face meetups. An online chat platform should also be considered.
o The discussion forum should have more social media presence e.g. on WhatsApp and Instagram
o Secretariat to work with regions. Increase regional presence and have all regions represented.
o Fewer working groups.

• Easier search engine for better user experience. This could entail change of website landscape and improved interaction page.
• Create more awareness about the forum. This should include having visibility materials that can be shared. Engage in awareness especially in rural areas and in least developed countries. The discussion forum should be advertised more to encourage more participation.
• Reorganize interest groups for targeted participation. These could be done by involving new target groups. For example, getting school children involved on the forum.
• Encourage more active conveners of Working Groups.

Some specific suggestions (given as direct quotes):
• “Celebrating the members who have written the most posts, or have the most karma points, or have received the most likes that year (perhaps an award, certificate)”

• “There is need to decide if the forum should be dedicated to only sanitation issues, if not, a deliberate effort must be made to bring water issues forward.”

• “One would expect SuSanA to establish a platform for local members to meet occasionalyl at country level. I would expect SuSanA to engage more members in participatory activities Vis-a-via across local community or country level lines.”



Thank you for the feedback we have received. We (the Forum moderators and the SuSanA secretariat) will discuss the findings in our regular meetings and see whether any of them can be addressed within the available budget. Many of the suggestions cannot be easily addressed as they would require additional resources (like more podcasts and webinars) but they can be added onto our wish list for future funding cycles.

However, we will work on the Low-hanging fruits (easy to implement) which could include:
• Targeted participation. This will include trying to reach out to professionals who have not been active in the forum and also integrating new ones (e.g. students, academicians and journalists)
• Creating more awareness of the forum through our networks.
• Celebrating active members in one way or another
• Having a discussion about the forum’s actual focus (sanitation) versus a broader approach for the entire WASH sector.
• Improvements to the search function – could be possible if we understood what is being asked for exactly?

Thank you so much for your input. Looking forward to more feedback from all of you.

Regards

Charlotte and Elisabeth
(forum moderators, in collaboration with the SuSanA secretariat)