How can community partnerships be responsive to changing needs?

It's important to get an understanding of what is actually happening on the ground. Many times, the Executive Orders will cover the broad problems, will overlook the actual issues effecting the community. So its important to have recent applicable data to go based on.

If you are no there, you cannot predict the situation on ground proxy, you have to as question repeatedly to really know how the situation affects the community, what challenges the situation pose, how can the situation be curtail, what measure could be taking as palliative measures to bring comfort, all these put together will help to make an informed decisions.

Assessing the situation is all about grass roots and engaging with the people you are wanting to assess. No one has a better insight than the community individuals, organisations, agencies and elders of who their community is and what social change they are looking for. True asset based community development means more than consultation it means co-design using strengths based initiatives and resisting the temptation to overlay government and other experts ideas on how social change and design takes place.

Communication and collaboration cannot be overemphasized in Community Development, the affected people in some situation might not even be aware of the danger the situation is possing and how to manage it, like Climate change adaptations and resilience, you have to visit the affected communities to access the impact, let them know the situation is already leaving with them, sensitize them to desist from tree felling, bush burning, prohibit wood to charcoal product, encourage farmers to plant tress as well as the children and youth, you will need community leaders, community association, age grade, religion outlets as well as civil society organization and NGOs to collaborate with, once that is set at the grass root level.

Engagement is about learning shared experiences. This cannot effectively be achieved without respect, confidentiality and understanding that narrative stories are peoples own stories that can only be shared with permissions by the owner of those stories in their chosen format. Listen and learn and grow to reach a broader world view and perspectives of other prior to any sharing for a mutual understanding.

One way we find this data to adapt and innovate is by using measurement-based care and assessments to ensure we are getting our communities' feedback directly. By having input and knowledge about what is working and what is not working, we can make informed decisions about our next steps will be to offer ongoing, up-to-date changes to our services, programs, and collaborations.

Nothing stays the same, overtime if we do not adapt and innovate programs we will cease to stay relevant. One example is with the changing way we consume media and advertising. Depending on the demographic you serve using a mix of delivery is always recommended, but always take the time to periodically check in with users to confirm your not missing the target.

A great way to adapt and innovate is through collective impact. When we have shared experiences and perspectives we take on a broader world view and can therefore more easily pivot and create social changes in response to emerging trends and issues. Expectations must be clear and roles and responsibilities for a collaborate approach and shared vision to meet all stakeholders needs and shared commonalities.

Dashboards and other data collection will help monitor and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of programs year long. As well Regular look backs after events will also help identify areas that need more attention.

Acknowledging successes as well as failures will help revitalize initiatives and partnerships. Word of caution some people thrive with public celebration/acknowledgment and others this will have a negative effect, make sure to evaluate this before proceeding with personal acknowledgements.

Dealing with changing community needs is not a solo act. Unleash the Community Chorus to Navigate Changing Needs. Pulse of the People: Dive deep, not just with words, but where hope takes root and dreams blossom. What ignites their soul? Listen with open hearts, not just ears. Seeds, Not Skyscrapers: We nurture communities, not concrete structures. Their stories guide our path, like resilient vines weaving through change. Let's embrace quick wins and course corrections. Data & Dialogue: Let data be our compass, not our shackles. It points us towards checkpoints, but lived experiences guide the path. Encourage dialogues where empathy resonate with evidence. #VineIsFine #SeedsNotSkyscrapers #StatAttackIsTheNewSharkAttack