Final answer:
CITs should be kept regularly updated on current events and new information that may impact their community programs, involving and engaging stakeholders to ensure program success. Involvement and commitment from stakeholders are key and CITs must work proactively to maintain engagement levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Community Information Technicians (CITs) should be involved in regular updates about information related to their program. Considering that CITs play a crucial role in the communication and implementation of community programs, it is essential that they remain informed about current events and new information that may impact or relate to their field of work. For example, if there was a debate or a hearing relevant to the content of a substance abuse prevention program, CITs should be provided with a comprehensive review of the event to understand how it might impact their program's strategies and community outreach.
Moreover, when a topic relates to local stakeholders in the community, it is important that CITs consider the perspectives of these stakeholders as essential to the success of programs. Involvement of stakeholders like religious leaders, politicians, and local business owners is often fundamental to the successful implementation of a program. As seen in the mini-case study, when there is a lack of interest or commitment from the stakeholders, it can adversely affect the outcome of the program, therefore CITs must work proactively to engage them and keep them informed.
Feedback mechanisms, such as conducting interviews with key stakeholders to obtain feedback, can highlight the engagement level of stakeholders in the program. If stakeholders are not well-informed, this could lead to a lack of quality feedback, thus adversely affecting program efficacy. Continuous sharing of relevant information with CITs and stakeholders can ensure a level of knowledge and engagement conducive to the program's success.