Beneficiary Communication People need information as much as water, food, medicine and shelter. Information is aid.

Module four: messaging for beneficiaries Information needs will change over the course of the program cycle so its important to build into your plans regular monitoring of information needs and channels. Likewise information could be provided when new initiatives begin or we are exiting. Maintaining two way information flow is the goal. Careful monitoring of information to and from communities and programmes needs to happen throughout the programme cycle.

Module four: messaging for beneficiaries Information needs will change over the course of the program cycle so its important to build into your plans regular monitoring of information needs and channels. Likewise information could be provided when new initiatives begin or we are exiting. Maintaining two way information flow is the goal. Careful monitoring of information to and from communities and programmes needs to happen throughout the programme cycle.

Module four: messaging for beneficiaries When considering communication with affected people the stakes change. Communication should be: Short, simple In language that is easily understood In formats that are understood – e.g. verbal, written, pictorial Repeated as many times as possible Consistent and accurate.

Module four: messaging for beneficiaries Consider in your message: WHAT people need to know to ensure safety for themselves and family. WHO is delivering that assistance in Red Cross Red Crescent WHY Red Cross Red Crescent is delivering assistance and for how long? WHERE people can obtain this assistance? HOW they could get this assistance?

Challenges to communication during a disaster An emergency can impact: concentration the amount of new information that can be taken in and understood the amount and complexity of detail that can be absorbed the length of time a person can focus for decision-making ability weighing up possibilities and risks dealing with complex ideas and outcomes planning and prioritizing actions

Communicating for AtB Handout at FedNet at https://fednet.ifrc.org/en/resources-and-services/external-relations/beneficiary-communication/ Measurement of Communication. Qualitative Quantitative Using images of people in your communication Respectful Maintaining dignity