Community Mobilisation Manual (Advocacy Expert Series)

This guide was adapted from training materials utilised by Pact Tanzania and grew out Pact's experience in implementing the Tanzania Advocacy Partnership Programme (TAPP) and Pact's work with faith-based institutions. According to the guide, community participation does not happen by itself. It must be stimulated, encouraged, and facilitated. This book is addressed to those who are seeking tools, ideas, and approaches to facilitate the mobilisation of communities around a cause.

 

This "how-to" book is intended for community mobilisers in Tanzania who want to stimulate social change in a community to work towards poverty eradication, good governance, and increased transparency. The manual identifies key steps in the community mobilisation process; it also stresses the role and responsibility of the community leader or coordinator of an activity, community networks, and other civil society groups, including groups of local citizens. It contains information about preparing to mobilise, including knowing your goals and your target. It discusses recognising, articulating, and assessing the problem. It further explores accessing support, and provides information about some additional resources.

 

While non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are the primary indended user of this manual, it is expected that the guide will be used by a wide range of organisations, community animators, and other representatives from civil society. This manual is designed to present the information in a simple and straightforward manner, but it does not have all the answers or steps regarding community mobilisation and action in Tanzania. Readers are encouraged to seek a variety of sources to learn more about community mobilisation and development in Tanzania. This guide is one of a six-part series that aims to form a comprehensive resource on conducting advocacy in Tanzania.