Wanted 100 NGOs working with local Aboriginal people and their communities

Are you curious about how your NGO gets the delicate balance DAGED and? GEDDA. Hmmm not sure about what DAGED or GEDDA is?? Read on and learn what you can so you can decide if you want to assist my research on how NGO’s tap into local Aboriginal voices.??

In the ??community sector ?work, especially when working with Aboriginal communities, decision-making isn’t just about choosing the best course of action; it’s about how that decision is made.

In my? view there are two contrasting and at times competing ?frameworks. The first is ?GEDDA (a community-centred approach grounded in Aboriginal knowledge).? The second is ?DAGED (a top-down, rapid-response model from Western practices), offer valuable insights into decision-making styles.

Understanding these two approaches reveals the strengths and challenges each brings to building sustainable, culturally respectful relationships in community-based work, particularly in sensitive areas like supporting Aboriginal ?people and their families. ?

Understanding GEDDA - A Community-Centred Approach

The GEDDA model, widely used across many Aboriginal communities, prioritises inclusivity and collective decision-making. This framework begins by gathering insights directly from those impacted, incorporating feedback throughout the process. It ensures that decisions reflect collective values and address the community’s unique needs. This method supports trust-building and nurtures long-term relationships, which are essential for effective community work.

As an example, ?in a GEDDA-informed project, an NGO working with Aboriginal young people would engage the community from the outset, conducting consultations to gather their needs, evaluate the options collaboratively, and maintain ?open channels for community feedback.

Each stage of the GEDDA decision-making process values Aboriginal practices and perspectives, creating a process that reflects community voices.

Exploring DAGED - A Top-Down Decision-Making Model

DAGED, by contrast, focuses on quick, centralised decision-making. Leaders assess criteria, determine the best course of action, and proceed swiftly, adjusting as new information arises. This approach can be effective for urgent issues, providing the speed needed to address immediate challenges. However, it may risk missing out on crucial cultural perspectives if decisions are made without input from those most impacted.

In a DAGED-informed project, the same NGO might design and implement a program for Aboriginal youth without extensive consultations, relying on expert input instead. While this model enables rapid action, it can inadvertently sideline community voices, limiting cultural alignment and the likelihood of community support.

Why Community-Centred Decision-Making Matters

Community-centred approaches like GEDDA offer deeper engagement, helping NGOs create projects that are culturally aligned and respectful. By focusing on inclusivity and the community's voice, GEDDA fosters trust, builds sustainable relationships, and ensures decisions resonate with those they impact. This is especially crucial in Aboriginal communities, where shared decision-making is integral to cultural practices.

In contrast, while DAGED’s efficiency can be beneficial for fast-paced environments, it risks limiting cultural insights and community buy-in. Without the foundational trust that comes from meaningful engagement, projects can struggle to gain community acceptance or achieve long-term success.

Balancing GEDDA and DAGED for Long Term Sustainable Outcomes

For NGOs, balancing GEDDA’s community-centred approach with DAGED’s efficiency can lead to a culturally sensitive yet responsive framework.

Starting with GEDDA’s focus on community needs and then applying DAGED’s rapid-action principles can create a hybrid model that meets both immediate needs and long-term community goals. Here’s how this might look in practices with four simple steps:

1. Start with Community Consultations Dedicate time to gather input from community members, listening to their needs, values, and insights. This sets a solid foundation for culturally relevant decision-making.
2. Engage the Community in Evaluation Involve the community in assessing potential solutions, ensuring the approach aligns with their perspectives and expectations.
3. Decisive Action with Flexibility Implement solutions quickly, using DAGED’s action-oriented steps while remaining open to adjustments based on community feedback.
4. Reflect and Adjust Continue gathering input after action has been taken, maintaining the GEDDA commitment to reflection. This allows the NGO to adjust strategies as needed and keep building on the trust created.

Combining the strengths of GEDDA and DAGED helps NGOs create programs that respect cultural values, address community needs, and remain adaptable to new challenges.

Embracing these lessons strengthens community partnerships, ensuring that decision-making becomes not just a process but a pathway to shared goals and lasting change.

Are you curious about how your NGO navigates the delicate balance DAGED and? GEDDA to listen to the voice of your local Aboriginal community ?

Click on the link https://forms.office.com/r/fzNVrVKCE8 and get some feedback on your current approach.?

Thank you in advance

Anny