Advice for amateur aid workers
Whether you’re a civilian moved by the plight of refugees on television, or happen to live close by when a natural disaster strikes, here are some ideas to consider when deciding what role you should play in a crisis.
Don’t rush into (or out of) a disaster: Traditional aid organisations are used to building and keeping up relationships with vulnerable communities before, during and after a crisis strikes. If grassroots groups want to make a real impact, they also need to do their research about the community they’re focusing on and make the contacts. NGOs typically work with the expectation they’ll be in a community for a minimum of three years and plan funding accordingly. Mike Noyes, head of humanitarian response, ActionAid UK, London, UK @MikeNoyesUK @ActionAidUK
Prepare for emotional strain: When I set out I expected I would see things in refugee camps that would be extremely difficult to deal with. But now I’ve been working with refugees for several weeks around the clock there is definite emotional pressure I did not foresee or really know the best way to deal with it. Libby Freeman, founder, Calais Action, London, UK @calaisaction
Don’t overlook advocacy and policy needs: While it’s frustrating when change doesn’t look like it’s happening quickly enough, don’t underestimate the work going on behind the scenes to try and create a sustainable solution. For grassroots groups or volunteers with limited funds, advocacy is often not seen as immediately important as aid but it’s an essential part of any project that seeks sustained improvement. Gareth Walker, international programme manager, Doctors of the World UK, London, UK @DOTW_UK
Spend locally: In the recovery period after a crisis like a natural disaster, get the economy started by buying as much locally as possible rather than spending time and effort moving goods long distances. Mike Noyes
Don’t run from constructive criticism: Don’t view aid professionals as interfering busy bodies who want to disempower you. Instead, make the most of their experiece. Mike Noyes
Collaborate with others: Those leading grassroots groups often feel overwhelmed by the sudden media attention and huge public donations they attract, but then also feel lost when their cause is no longer on the media agenda and funding is harder to come by. If newer groups wants to be sustainable and avoid the burnout of their volunteers they need to share the burden of the response with other groups. Poppy Hardee, programmes manager (UK/Europe), RedR UK, London, UK @RedRUK
Advice for NGOs
Veterans of the aid industry are often skeptical of newcomers, but development professionals can learn a lot about how to channel the public’s goodwill from grassroots groups.
Communicate clearly what you don’t want from the public: We have had offers of maths lessons (so long as it is in half term) and high-heeled shoes. We need to spend time explaining why these offers are not suitable, so well intended but inappropriate help does not take away from our ability to respond. Gareth Walker
Acknowledge the way we deliver aid is changing: We are seeing the evolution of a humanitarian system where response efforts will come from people who normally do other things, but mobilise when disaster strikes. We’ve all seen UPS and DHL offer logistics support during disasters, but we should be more open to offers of help from other corporate organisations. For example, when I was in Haiti a UK-water company lent us a skilled engineer to get some treatment centres running. Mike Noyes
Support groups that can take the risks: We don’t have to get our plans approved through as many people as big organisations do, so we use civil disobedience as an important part of our work. For example, by offering advice to citizens who want to help move refugees across borders. This challenges regular citizens to confront their own ideas of what they think is legitimate or necessary. Anna Weissenfels, project lead, Escape Aid, Peng! Collective, Berlin, Germany @Fluchthelfer_in
Encourage flexibility: Moving to Sea Watch from MSF, I have been impressed by the speed of people’s action. Sea Watch was born in december last year, the boat bought within weeks, and made ready for use in three months. This all came from a team without a professional aid or logistics background. Frank Doerner, MD and emergency coordinator, crew II, Sea Watch, Berlin, Germany @seawatchcrew
Use the internet for callouts: When the media started publishing reports about Calais, many people wanted to help but didn’t know where to start. Lots of Facebook pages now efficiently channel people to volunteer groups specific to their skills. Ali Ceesay, project manager, Children of Calais, Brighton, UK
Offer amateurs a reality check: We often get approached by people planning aid convoys and I feel it is our duty to give them a reality check of the security situation and dissuade them. I have personally known people who entered a conflict zone (Bosnia, 1993) and within hours been killed, and I always wonder should I have done more. We try to outline the challenges people don’t anticipate and direct them towards other opportunities to volunteer with us or other agencies. Imran Madden, head of humanitarian department, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Birmingham, UK @madden_imran @IslamicReliefUK
Read the full Q&A here.
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