Many people would like to shift to a community-led approach but are not sure where to start.
The good news is that we have gathered together a set of easy-to-use tools to help you to develop essential skills. While the Guide will provide a thorough grounding in a community-led approach overall, the tools below offer practical principles and activities that can be adapted to local environments anywhere in the world.
However, the tools are intended to be only a starting point. The best way to acquire the skills needed to use and support a community-led process is through direct experience and reflection.
Tools for facilitators
For community practitioners and facilitators specifically, there are some specific skills that can be practiced. Facilitating a community-led approach requires the ability to listen deeply, act with humility, manage conflict, empathize with others, understand power structures, and ask the right questions.
Our Toolkit contains nine tools for facilitating community-led work. Each may be used individually or in small groups, and requires 60–90 minutes to complete.
Tools for learning
Our Toolkit also has a set of learning tools, to help practitioners learn about children's lived experiences and the views of local people, which also building deeper levels of trust and respect.
Tools for managers
Our Toolkit also provides a selection of tools specifically for managers, funding partners and government staff. These both invite reflection and answer a host of practical questions.