ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

1.10. a. Levels of Engagement
(Source: Ninnette Eliasov)
Session Title
Session Objectives
Duration of Session
Resources
Training Materials
Levels of Engagement
Explore advantages and disadvantages of different types of partnerships
between development actors and communities (from least empowering
to most): inform, consult, participate, partner, own
Learn about tools to foster transparency in partnerships
25 minutes
Flipchart paper
Markers
Levels of Engagement Chart
Introduction
The development field is complicated and relationships can be confusing. The term partnership has
become used very loosely. In spite of good intentions, there is often a lack of transparency particularly
around budget and program design. Community partners are often informed (or at best consulted)
about projects that have already been designed months before from the outside based on a scant
‘needs assessment’. These may be offered as ‘community owned’ but the community often has less
power or knowledge about the process. It is not surprising that many externally driven programs are not
as successful or sustainable as they could be. People also sometimes feel manipulated or used and may
get tired of participating. This can bring a feeling of apathy.
This tool can assist community members (and partners) to be clear and honest about what type of
engagements they are proposing and gauge how empowering this will be for the community. It can also
assist community members to make decisions about how they want to engage with others and to
negotiate for more beneficial relationships. It is particularly helpful at the beginning of a networking or
partnership-building process to clarify the level of engagement. It can also be useful to assess
relationships that may be breaking down and gain clarity about what is going on. The intention is to
encourage true transparency and to shift relationships from less to more empowering possibilities which
serve community interest. The tool may help a group to discuss possible advantages and disadvantages
of a particular relationship and to decide whether they should pursue it or not. It can also assist role
players to monitor and review the relationship and how it may shift over time.
Below you will find two activities that demonstrate different levels of engagement between the
predominant development actors.
Activity 1: Levels of Engagement
Instructions
Ask for a volunteer from the group to come up with you. Ask this person to (gently) push you around. Be
reactive. In other words if they push you to the left you go left, if they push you back, you move back.
You are not doing much just reacting to what they are doing. Then ask the person to come and try their
luck again. This time you are prepared. You decide which way to move, whether you allow them to push
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