WITH WHOM Decisions

From Peacebuilding

(Working With Local Authorities)

Contents 1 Purpose 2 Time 3 Participants 4 Materials 5 Process

Purpose

To explore issues and challenges emerging from decisions about working with local authorities in conflict settings.

Time

60 minutes, more if necessary.

Participants

At least 6 (forming two triads). This activity works better with larger groups.

Materials

• Flip chart papers;
• Markers;
• Papers;
• Pencils;
• Masking tape.

Process

I) Introduce the activity with a brief on working with local authorities who control the areas where aid is provided (2-3 min.).

Example: A constant challenge to aid in conflict settings is how to work with the local authorities who control the areas where aid is provided. Often the authorities -whether civilian or military - are part of the conflict. Their interactions with aid are shaped by their desire for power and military/strategic advantage. They exert their control through suppression and violence (or the threat of violence). They exploit the labor and wealth of communities for their personal power. Their claim to authority over the communities under their control is questionable.

(Adapted from Anderson, Mary B. (ed.), Options for Aid In Conflict: Lessons from Field Experience, Cambridge: CDA Inc., 2000, p.79)

II) Divide the plenary into groups of the same size and invite groups to seat around separate tables. Each participant’s task within the groups is to think silently and come up with a story from her experience illustrating the issues, challenges or successes related to decisions about working with local authorities. Remember, each participant has to do this silently – no interaction at this stage.

III) Then ask each participant to pair up with another participant from a different group and share their stories.

IV) After sharing, ask participants to return back to their original tables and invite each participant to share both of the stories they now know. The group’s task is to listen all the stories and identify the common themes emerging between them. Distribute flip chart pages and markers and ask them to take note of common themes.

Example: You are facilitating a workshop with 20 participants. You divide the plenary into 4 groups with 5 participants each. After having everyone thinking silently at her story, you invite each participant to pair up with a member of another group. When they return back to their groups, each participants shares two stories (no need to tell which one is theirs). Each group has now the chance to listen to 10 stories and can identify common themes.

V) Ask participants to stick their flip chart pages in a specific section of the room and invite all to walk the gallery.

VI) Discuss common themes emerged.

Note:

You can complement the discussion a the VI step of the process by introducing finding from the Do No Harm experience. Refer to Anderson, Mary B. (ed.), Op. cit., pp.79-84.

Source:

The background content for this activity can be found in Adapted from Anderson, Mary B. (ed.), Options for Aid In Conflict: Lessons from Field Experience, Cambridge: CDA Inc., 2000, http://www.cdainc.com/publications/dnh/options_for_aid_in_conflict_lessons_from_field_experience.php p.79-84.

The template for the activity has been adapted from the original design of Sivasailam Thiagarajan. The activity – originally named One To Ten - is briefly introduced in January 2007 Issue of Thiagi GameLetter, http://thiagi.com/pfp/january2007.php