Purpose & Strategic Importance
Listening to communities is a key part of accountability. A strategic plan that is not based on an analysis of humanitarian risk and does not take into account the views of communities risks being irrelevant to the very people the National Society is meant to serve.
Activities & Decisions
What to understand from communities
- Whether the National Society is trusted by communities.
- If its services are seen as relevant and good quality.
- Where there are unmet needs that the National Society – or others – should address.
Ideally, branches will already have an ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders. Where this does not exist, the National Society should create new opportunities to connect — especially with groups it may not usually engage.
Data collection methods
- Interviews and focus groups.
- Complementary use of national or local data on vulnerabilities.
Principles
Principles for engaging communities
- Respect the dignity and experiences of individuals and communities.
- Be aware of power dynamics and avoid putting anyone at risk.
- Avoid creating false expectations that the National Society cannot fulfil.
Examples & Learning
Argentine Red Cross
“In our previous strategic planning process, community needs were reported through the branches. This time, we used a project to collect data directly from selected communities, in coordination with the branches. It helped us create a strategic plan that’s much closer to the realities on the ground.”
— National Coordinator of Management and Planning, Argentine Red Cross
