Assessment, retrospection, and course correction are not just words; they embody the essence of leadership, championing, and pioneering. In every facet of life, from personal growth to business success, the journey towards improvement begins with assessment. Whether it’s evaluating performance, reviewing products and services, or reflecting on our own actions, assessments serve as the guiding compass towards growth and excellence.

For social development and humanitarian organizations, serving communities to the best of their abilities remains paramount. Understanding the organization is fundamental to this endeavor. It requires deliberate efforts to grasp where we stand today and how we can improve tomorrow. As part of the Caritas confederation, upholding the values of compassion and a preferential option for the poor, as outlined in Catholic Social Teachings, is crucial. This commitment is realized through maintaining the standards of Caritas and shouldering responsibility towards the communities we serve.

Aligned with Catholic values and the commitment to localization, Caritas India, in collaboration with CRS, has extended the EMPOWER approach to new Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSSs). These partnerships, strategically positioned in critical areas such as conflict-prone Manipur, adapting Mizoram, flood-enduring Assam, and landslide-threatened Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, underscore the commitment to reach those most in need.

In tandem with mitigation efforts, reinforcing organizational structures and capacity-building endeavors are equally imperative. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of organizational readiness to respond to emergencies, Caritas Internationalis Management Standards (CIMS) Assessment alongside the Organizational Review Tool (ORT) in all four DSSS. Led by Dr. John Arokiaraj, accompanied by Ms. Monisha Majumdar and steered by Mr. Anjan Bag, Caritas India played a pivotal role in supporting the DSSS to review its standards and best practices.

The application of CIMS tools garnered a positive response from stakeholders, including Archbishops, Bishops, Diocesan Directors, Governing Board members, and staff, who unanimously recognized Caritas India’s leadership in professionalizing organizations and enhancing effectiveness while maintaining a Catholic identity and inclusivity.

“We truly believe that this will strengthen our organization in the face of changing government regulations and help us build our capacities to better serve the communities through projects that are not only localized but also crafted by the people themselves through inclusive processes,” said Fr. Michael Sossai, Director of ZEP (Zoram Entu Pawl, Mizoram).

Fr. Soni emphasized the newfound clarity on ensuring staff safety in conflict areas, while Ms. Bidya praised the engaging and productive nature of the assessment session.

Furthermore, staff members from Gana Seva Society, Bongaigaon, highlighted the newfound focus on organizational needs and requirements, expressing confidence in delivering more timely, effective, and efficient emergency responses.

These testimonials underscore the significance of periodic reviews and assessments in ensuring organizational functionality. With evolving regulations and heightened donor expectations, empowering grassroots organizations becomes crucial to securing funding aligned with community needs.

Rev. Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling Diocese echoed appreciation for the EMPOWER approach, expressing hope for the sustainability of Anugyalaya and confidence in spearheading preparedness initiatives with Caritas’ support.

In conclusion, the commitment to supporting organizations in developing perspective plans and strategic documents signals a collective dedication to fostering sustainable growth and community resilience.