RESOURCE MOBILIZATION Col Dr Vijay Deshpande

Definition: An economic or productive factor required to accomplish an activity, or as means to undertake an enterprise and achieve desired outcome. Three most basic resources are land, labor, and capital, Other resources: energy, entrepreneurship, information, ex pertise, management, and time.

Financial resource : Expenditure on education :Teacher’s salary Human resources :Teachers pre-service training Requirements for teachers profession, profile & qualification : Student Teacher ratio : Teacher shortages :Teacher’s professional development Material resource :Physical infrastructure :Educational resources Time resource :Class time :Class size :Post class time :Extra curricular activities :Student attendance

Resource Mobilization : refers to all activities involved in securing new and additional resources for your organization. It also involves making better use of, and maximizing, existing resources. Why is resource mobilization so important? Resource mobilization is critical to any organization for the following reasons: Ensures the continuation of your organization’s service provision to clients Supports organizational sustainability Allows for improvement and scale-up of products and services the organization currently provides Organizations, both in the public and private sector, must be in the business of generating new business to stay in business

Every employee acts as an ambassador for your organization. Step 1. An Organizational Approach Many organizations employ an individual or a team specifically for the purpose of mobilizing resources. However, all employees from office assistants to board members can contribute to this task. Every employee acts as an ambassador for your organization. Resource mobilization opportunities often present themselves unexpectedly. Preparing your team to make the most of such opportunities is useful. Your team should be encouraged to develop a resource mobilization mindset.

Developing a Resource Mobilization Strategy Step 2. A vision statement is a declaration of an organization's objectives, ideally based on economic foresight, intended to guide its internal decision-making. A mission statement is a statement which is used as a way of communicating the purpose of the organization. Objectives When you have identified your Vision, Mission and Values you will need to sit down as a team and come up with your organizational objectives. Implementing these objectives uses resources, so ultimately you will be asking for help to cover the cost of implementing these objectives. You will need to work out precisely what resources your organization will need to achieve each objective. The Vision, Mission, Value and Objectives should form the basis of your strategic plan.

Step 3. Organizational Health and Needs Before you begin to apply for funds you should undertake a rigorous assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your organization Knowing which areas of your programme require further support or development will help you target resources accordingly Needs Your organizational budget and strategic plan should address the health of your organization along with its Mission, Vision, Values and Objectives. Your budget and Resource Mobilization Strategy should include the costs needed for the implementation of the plan. Try to anticipate unforeseen costs that might arise as you implement the programme. Once your budget, timeline and Strategic Plan are complete, you can look at Resource Mapping so as to meet the needs of your organization's plan

Step 4. Resource Mapping and Tracking In order to start mobilizing new resources for your organization it is important to map your current resources and where you get them. This will also help you decide your resource mobilization priorities. Checklist: Current Resource Mobilization Status of your Organization The following questions will help you reflect on the current status Does your organization usually receive resources as one-time or as repeat requirements? Do you acknowledge second-time or special major requirements ? Now you need to consider how they might be improved. Remember the basic principle that it is best to diversify sources. A variety of sources diversifies risk and helps prevent dependency.

Resource Tracking What is it doing right now? Where do you envisage it in your time table? For how long is it available?

Step 5 Identification There are many ways in which you can identify new resources. Internet research: Using a search engine can be an effective research tool. Existing networks: Very often there will be potential resources your organization has already communicated with, who are not yet providing any direct support. It is often useful to audit your current stakeholder contact list to see if there are any fresh approaches that can be made. Board of Directors / Trustees: Often your board members hold jobs in companies that may be able to provide pro-bono services; they may even be able to arrange employee giving programmes for your organization. Involve your board in your strategy and plans and encourage them to think about how they can approach their own networks to help with the Resource Mobilization Strategy.

Step 6 Communication Methods Website One of the most efficient ways to communicate about your organization and its achievements is through a website. A website is available 24hours a day and is often the first port of call for potential supporters. Newsletter / Updates A widely distributed newsletter or regular email with updates including stories from the field, pictures and a clear layout is another way to communicate with stakeholders Publications Brochure & other Publications Industry grapevine