User:Vtaylor/CEC work in progress/Getting Started

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 * = GETTING STARTED =

Documents Included in this Getting Started Module

 * [source%20pages/sta-cyc.htm The Mobilization Cycle], the process of strengthening a community; 8k
 * [source%20pages/sta-clr.htm Clearing the Pathway], getting clearance from the authorities; 9.2k
 * [source%20pages/sta-awr.htm Raising Awareness], without raising expectations; 8.4k
 * [source%20pages/sta-unit.htm Unity Organizing], bringing the whole community together; 7.1k
 * [source%20pages/sta-pub.htm Public Dialogue], how to conduct a public meeting; 7.8k
 * [source%20pages/sta-cha.htm Challenging the Community], resistance produces strength; 8.2k
 * [source%20pages/sta-choo.htm Community Chooses Action], community choice means community participation; 7.9k
 * [source%20pages/sta-org.htm Organizing for Strength], better organization means more strength; 8.9k, and
 * [source%20pages/sta-tm.htm Starting the Mobiliser], Guidance for the trainer of mobilisers; 27.3k
 * Key Words for Getting Started, notes on our terminology

Your first actions before the community goes into action
In the previous module you saw some of the things you need (as a mobilizer) to do and learn in order to get prepared. In this module you will read about getting started, yourself.

You do not get the community into action until you take action to prepare it for action. Your getting started phase is the community's getting prepared phase.

For some mobilizers, the authorities are seen as the "enemy" or "opposition" and see their task as organizing the poor communities to oppose those "oppressors."

That may be an appropriate approach in some situations, and is often seen as "[key/key-c.htm#Civic civic engagement]" rather than as "[key/key-c.htm#SParticipation community participation]."

The methodology in these modules (developed mainly in Africa) sees the bringing of those authorities on side is more likely to lead to sustainability and a consistent national policy and programme of poverty elimination.

After raising awareness among the authorities, and getting any necessary [source%20pages/sta-clr.htm permissions] for you to do your work, your next task is to raise awareness among the target community or communities that you want to mobilize and strengthen.

[source%20pages/sta-awr.htm Raising awareness] among the authorities mainly means (1) explaining your goals and (2) methods, and (3) convincing them that they can benefit from your success.

Remember that you will find resistance to social change, and often those with the most vested interests are among this target group.

After you get any needed clearance to do your work, the community must be prepared ([source%20pages/sta-awr.htm awareness raised], [source%20pages/sta-unit.htm unity improved], [source%20pages/sta-pub.htm information accurate], [source%20pages/sta-choo.htm priority action chosen]).

[source%20pages/sta-awr.htm Raising awareness] among the target communities means explaining your goals and methods, and also means taking positive steps to prevent the raising of unrealistic expectations.

Ensuring accurate information and interpretation will be your biggest concern here.

This module shows you how to get started.

Last update: 2008.07.22

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