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How to work with Civil Society
How to Work with Civil Society has been developed to help country teams to develop practical ways of working with civil society. This full-length version of the resource has many hyper-links to further resources including case studies, detailed analysis, papers and databases. Nobody has all the answers about how to work with civil society, so this resource will be a living tool. Users can contribute their own ideas and experiences as well as comment on the information provided . We are also establishing a centre of knowledge on civil society to provide expert advice.
Civil Society is an important partner for DFID and plays a key role in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the elimination of poverty. Civil Society offers citizens and communities the space for debate, association, critical reflection and action. It therefore has the potential to be a key factor in creating or enhancing an accountable environment in which poverty reduction can take place.
There is no blueprint for working with civil society. There is a need for clear goals, objectives and priorities. Donors have to start with a careful analysis of the local social, economic and political context and then put their work with civil society within that specific context. Civil society does not necessarily benefit poor people and is not free from hierarchies, patronage and unequal power relations. Our work must be designed to minimise the risks of reproducing divisions within society. Donors need to be realistic. Social change takes time, and the redistribution of power and wealth rarely goes unchallenged. Working with civil society demands strategic thinking and must be grounded in a thorough analysis. The following need to be addressed: