The Red Cross Red Crescent is uniquely well placed to connect communities.

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 Reputation 

The Red Cross Red Crescent is known and respected as an impartial humanitarian actor. We have a solid reputation both locally and globally, and National Societies have established strong connections with many entities at many levels. This reputation can be leveraged to attract others to common interest platforms and potential partnerships. In many cases, community leaders and even local government authorities are not in a position to start resilience processes  on their own, or may lack the experience or resources to do so. Staff members  of a National Society can take on new responsibilities to accompany, engage and connect communities.

 

 

 Proximity 

National Societies and their branches develop close and long‑standing relationships with the communities they serve. In addition, many Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers live in vulnerable communities, so making use of their services should be encouraged because they know their community’s vulnerabilities and potential, can help communicate these issues to other actors, and can contribute to developing locally driven solutions.

 

 

 Long‑standing engagement 

Unlike nongovernmental organisations, National Societies have a permanent presence in their countries. This enables them to make long‑term commitments (an essential factor in the coordination  of multi‑stakeholder processes), gradually build communities’ competencies, and empower them to convene stakeholders themselves.

 

 

 Connecting may also contribute to advocacy 

The laws, policies or practices of a powerful actor - such as a government authority or a private company - may cause harm to others. When communities present their perspective, indicating that many people want the bad practices to end, and suggesting how the party responsible could benefit such reform, communities may not only protect their interests but also acquire confidence and new skills. This is called advocacy because it involves voicing objectives desired by a group of people, not just one individual.