Community Mobilisation aims to improve the quality of life of all in the community. But does it have a scientific understanding of the process for empowerment through the animation of the vulnerable communities? 

In 2020, Caritas India and India Social Institute, Bengaluru conducted an assessment study to analyse and compile experiences, processes, knowledge generated, methodologies deployed, inputs given to developing skills and capacities, and outcomes realized in improving the quality of life of the communities, over a period of time. 

Two publications, an assessment report, namely “Development as Community-Led Journey: Learnings from Community Mobilisation Processes,” in English and “Development Anchored in Community Intelligence: A Handbook for Community Mobilisation” in 9 languages were the outcomes of the study were published.

A “Two-Day National Conference on Community Mobilisation,” was jointly organized by Caritas India and Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru on 10-11 November 2021, at Indian Social Institute, Bengaluru to explore opportunities and develop strategies for the effective use of the Handbook on Community Mobilisation, jointly by the academia and social work practitioners as resource material to build the social work knowledge base for training students of social work departments, and NGOs/CBOs.

There were 70 participants in the conference comprising academia, development practitioners (both from national and international level), civil servants, and social work students. 

“Community Mobilisation is not an unfamiliar concept, but community mobilisation anchored on community intelligence is a new paradigm,” said Fr. (Dr.). Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India while sharing the purpose and dynamics of the conference. He said that.’ In today’s context of a triple dilemma i.e., 3Cs- Covid, Climate, Conflict, it requires our special attention. He also talked about ‘Animation’, which was defined by Caritas India as “an awakening and action-oriented process, aimed at social transformation, specifically for the poor and marginalised. 

Archbishop Peter Machado, Archbishop Bengaluru, released the assessment report. In his address, he said that Community mobilisation is very important. Because, God has created us to live together, serve together, and mobilise together. Living together as a community gives us security and safety. Therefore, we must know each other, love each other, and serve each other as a community.  

Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura, Chairman of Caritas India, released the Handbook on Community Mobilisation. In his address, while referring to Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, which talks about universal aspiration on fraternity and common friendship, he said that we need to focus on coming together for the common good as no man can live in isolation. He further said that the sine qua non of any effective community mobilisation process should be – being accountable, transparent, good governance, responsive decision-making, and participation.  

Mr. S.M. Vijayanand, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, gave the keynote address. He spoke on different aspects of community mobilization and said that in community mobilisation, it is important that the community analyses the issues concerning them, reflect on them and take action. He also raised a few challenges concerning community mobilization, such as, why do we mobilise the community and for whom; how to address the cynicism of the people who have been exploited for years; how to restore democracy in the context that we’re losing the culture of debate and discussion, dissent, and disagreement.  

Dr. Joseph Xavier SJ, Director of Indian Social Institute- Bengaluru, who was leading the research and instrumental in the development of the handbook made a presentation on the same.  

Mr. Peter Seidel, Desk Officer of Caritas Germany virtually attended the workshop and informed that the handbook is an informative and useful tool that is already being used by Caritas Germany.

There were 3 panel discussions i.e., ‘Relevance of Handbook for Social Work Students’, ‘Relevance of Handbook for Social Work Practitioners’, and Building alliances among Colleges /Universities and Social Work Practitioners.’ The eminent speakers in these 3 panel discussions were: Prof. Johannes Kniffki, (Professor of Alice Salomom University for Social Work, Berlin, Germany), Prof. Janki Andharia (Dean- School of Disaster Studies, TISS, Mumbai), Dr. Kiran Thampi (Dept. of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, Kerala), Prof. Babu Mathew (National Law School, Bangalore, Karnataka), Dr. Jose Antony (Dept. of Social Work, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala), Dr. Gladson Xavier (Professor, Dept. of Social Work, Loyola College, Chennai), Ms. Christy Abraham (President, Advisory Board, CBR Forum), Mr. G. Senthil Kumar (Executive Director, CRS, New Delhi), Mr. Lukose Vallatharai IAS (Retd. Labour Secretary, Bangalore), Mr. Peter Seidel (Desk Officer, Caritas Germany), Mr. Percy Patrick (Development Practitioner, Scotland), Prof. Sanjai Bhatt (President, National Association of Professional Social Workers in India, University of Delhi), Dr. Jonas Richard (Head of Dept. of Social Work, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru), Dr. Sr. Jeesa Grace CMC (Principal, Sneha Sadan College of Special Education, Kerala), and Dr. Augustine Lourdu (Dean, School of Social Work, St. Joseph’s college Autonomous, Bangalore).  

All the participants appreciated the handbook and particularly the professors of various colleges and universities present at the conference showed their willingness to use this handbook as reference material for the students and also to introduce it as a part of the curriculum in the Social Work Department. A Working group, consisting of 8 members, from academicians, social work practitioners and students was constituted to take the process further- who would prepare training modules that would benefit the students, professors, and NGOs/CBOs.