'What works and why in community-based anti-corruption programs'

What works and why in community-based anti-corruption programsInvesting in support for volunteers also paid off for a number of programs. Evaluations of TextbookCount noted improvements in the process when volunteer monitors were given training that clearlydefined their roles. The Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness has a successful rate of retainingvolunteer facilitators, attributed to its commitment to support and look after volunteers.Many organisations noted the outstanding contribution of key individuals (staff or volunteers) pavedthe way to successful outcomes. In some situations it was the passion, commitment and technicalcompetency of these individuals who overcame challenges and without whom, other conditions wouldhave become far more critical. Still, the success of these programs was always due to the humanresources factor plus other factors being in place. No program succeeded on the basis of outstandingstaff or volunteers alone. There were consistently other critical factors in addition to having the bestteam available.• Providing space for communities to take the leadConsultation with communities and fostering community support was not only an essential prerequisitefor success, it is one of the fundamental premises of a community-based program. However there wasan added factor for programs that can be described as ‘community-led’ (Committee of ConcernedCitizens, MKSS, and Bismarck Ramu Group). In these case studies, the implementing organisationhas stepped back and given the community control over the scope and direction of the program. Theactivities varied, governed by the priorities and concerns of the community. Giving communitiescontrol over the program’s decision making, a centrepiece of these organisations’ mission, became acritical factor to their programs’ success.• Adopting a positive profileThis may at first seem frivolous in light of the seriousness of corruption, but many programs indicatedthe importance of profiling their activities and anti-corruption messages in a positive manner.Predominantly programs working with children and young people, and some activities encouragingactivism amongst communities to prevent corruption embraced a positive profile. This was reflected inan action-orientated approach that gave people simple tools to prevent corruption with (Civic Clubs,Textbook Count) or promotion of the widespread benefits for a society that upholds civic values,respects human rights and creates social equity (Ethics and Sport, Children’s Movement for CivicAwareness). It was evident that a positive, constructive message was especially important forattracting and motivating children and young people.• Demonstrable successA number of programs who ran small pilots or trials before expanding their activities noted that theability to demonstrate a previous achievement was a contributing factor to the success of the scaledupprogram (Committee of Concerned Citizens, Textbook Count, Advice and Information Desks,Report Card Monitoring, Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres). It was noted that demonstrating anachievement on a small scale increased the opportunity for donor support and could also improverelationships with local government. Demonstrating success, even in a limited area, boosted theconfidence of program coordinators, staff and volunteers, and also encouraged other communities orgroups to join the activities, or replicate the program in their locality.• Involving youth as anti-corruption campaignersWhile every program tried to reach out and involved young people, some programs actually dependedon the involvement of young people as anti-corruption campaigners to mobilise and liaise withcommunity members (Textbook Count, Interfaith Coalition, Pesantren Anti-Corruption Networks,Committee of Concerned Citizens and others). Incorporating a specific focus or activity for youngpeople in local anti-corruption program was seen as beneficial for the overall program (youth bringing- 36 -