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CHAPTER 4: DETERMINE INITIAL ACTIVITIES

Private sector networks worldwide conduct a wide variety of activities and programs for disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. These activities are of varying importance in different contexts. However, there are a set of core activities we recommend all networks consider at the beginning of creating a network to ensure early success. Networks should continue to update and refine these activities on an ongoing basis to maintain their success.

 

Constructing the network's work plans and National Action Plans, gaining inclusion in key coordination bodies, and prioritizing needs correctly are all critical to cement your future activities.

 

The resources in this chapter will help you answer the following questions

  1. How do I prioritize the needs I identified in Step 2 into a set of initial programmatic priorities?

  2. How do I construct a first-year work plan for the network and how do I measure success?

Considering the key needs in your context and your capacity, answer the following:​

  1. How do I assess my members' resilience and disaster preparedness?

  2. How do I gain inclusion in the national disaster management structure?

  3. Why do I need a National Action Plan and how do I develop one?

  4. How do I map private sector capacities and resources?

  5. How do I track private sector contributions to emergencies?

  6. What trainings should I develop for my members?

  7. How do I develop my communication strategy?

9. How do I develop my communication strategy?
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<<KEY PRINCIPLES FOR COMMUNICATION>>

 

A strong communication strategy will help ensure that members understand the importance of DRM, the network's activities and value proposition, are able to participate to the fullest extent, and derive the greatest value from network participation. It can also ensure that members have access to the right information during and after a crisis.  Finally, frequent and open communications will help the network build a reputation for transparency and credibility.

 

While there are many different ways to communicate with members and external stakeholders, there are a number of common practices across CBi member networks and a set of key principles to bear in mind when formulating your strategy.

 

Key principles for effective communication include:

  • Transparency: strong and direct communication

  • Simple: methods should be easy to use

  • Speed: connect with members quickly and effectively in an emergency

  • Involvement: inclusive of all members and partners

  • Mutual understanding: all members should be able to learn from each other

  • Accessible format: the methods should be accessible to all members. For example, if internet access if limited for many members, relying on online methods will be insufficient

  • Multi-modalities: don't limit the network to one communication approach, utilize multiple modalities to enhance transparency and effectiveness

 

Example communication approaches can include:

  • Websites

  • Social media (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Youtube etc.)

  • News articles (e.g., TV, newspapers, radio, online)

  • Internal web platforms

  • Apps

  • Videos

  • Monthly newsletters

  • Regular 'content' calls

  • Emergency communication plans

  • Viber/Whatsapp group

  • Email updates

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<<DEVELOPING A NETWORK WEBSITE>>

 

CBi recommends that all member networks invest the time and resources to develop a network website as a central means to communicate the network's value and activities to current and prospective members and partners.

 

Examples of key information or topics to include in a network's website are:

  • Organizational details

    • Introduction to network history and mission

    • Governance structure and key organizational bodies (industry groups, etc.)

    • Membership base, size and key private sector champions

    • Introduction to network leadership

  • Details on activities

    • List of current projects or activities

    • Examples of past projects by region / type

    • Hazard/risk data by region

    • Upcoming events

  • Introduction to local humanitarian actors

    • Local disaster coordination mechanisms or activities and key points of contact

    • Emergency contact numbers

  • Disaster management resources

    • Information on disaster management, business continuity plans, etc.

    • Links to local-language / locally relevant trainings or resources

    • Newsletters

  • Value proposition/reasons to get involved

    • Articulation of why and how to get involved

    • Examples of network activities or impact case studies

  • Ways to contribute

    • Links to donate (financial or in-kind)

    • Requirements for membership / application forms

 

A few examples of successful network websites are:

 

<<COMMUNICATION METHODS USED BY OTHER NETWORKS>>

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Examples of some additional methods that CBi member networks use to communicate are:

  • The Humanitarian Private Sector Platform for East Africa not only has a public website and produces regular network newsletters, but also have a private web platform for members and stakeholders

  • Fiji's Business Disaster Resilience Council developed a Viber group for its members during a recent cyclone to enable members to communicate during the emergency and coordinate response activities

  • During the Ebola response, the Ebola Private Sector Mobilization Group (EPSMG) set up regular information calls to share the latest updates and information about response activities

  • Turkey's Saglam Kobi created a Turkish-language introductive video (subtitled in English) explaining the history purpose, and impact of their private sector network and posted it to YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWHvs2dLEz4&t)

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