Communication Toolbox: Practical Guidance for Program Managers to Improve Communication with Participants and Community Members

Published by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), this Communication Toolbox offers practical guidance for programme managers who want to communicate more effectively with project participants and community members. Designed for emergency and development interventions, the toolbox focuses on communication about a project’s progress as a way to improve accountability to communities. This toolbox was inspired by CRS' experience in Haiti, where the agency observed that relatively simple, low-cost activities that promoted transparent communication substantially improved programme effectiveness. Interventions that did not emphasise the importance of sharing information with communities often faced challenges in implementation.

The toolbox includes of the following contents:

• Introduction
• Template: Develop a communication plan in nine steps
• Facilitator's notes: How to work with staff to develop a communication plan
• Worksheet: Choose which communication methods to use
• Tips: Implement your communication methods
• Tips: Include communication responsibilities in job descriptions
• Handout: Why develop a communication plan?
• Case study: How a resettlement program in Haiti used a communication plan to improve results
• Checklist: Standards for communication in emergency situations
• Checklist: Standards for communication in development programs