1. Engage in policy dialogue and resource allocation
...otherwise risk funding may go to protect infrastructure and not reach vulnerable communities
Use Red Cross Red Crescent influence to advocate for adaptation funds, not only to cover the protection of infrastructure (too easy a default opportunity for political and administrative actors), but to make sure funding finds its way to vulnerable people and communities to help them adapt to new circumstances.
Photos: Danish Red Cross 1

2. Engage in policy dialogue and resource allocation
Inclusion of vulnerable groups and communities in the global goal on adaptation, strengthening resilience and contributing to sustainable development
Early Warning Systems in a manner that informs climate services and supports decision making
Use Red Cross Red Crescent influence to advocate for adaptation funds, not only to cover the protection of infrastructure (too easy a default opportunity for political and administrative actors), but to make sure funding finds its way to vulnerable people and communities to help them adapt to new circumstances.
Photos: Danish Red Cross 2

3. Exercise … ROLE PLAY Split into 2 groups
1 group will be “District / Branch level”
1 group will be “National level”

4. Exercise … the situation: NATIONAL level
You have checked the Government’s draft “Climate Change Strategy” and noted that it may be a bit weak on “adaptation for vulnerable people”
… you noted the coming strategy and plans may be weak on early warnings and more “climate smart” disaster preparedness to new extreme flood/drought events. – you have something to offer as auxiliary to your government!
Your National Society has now been invited to attend a meeting in the Government’s “climate change commission” (along with other stakeholders)
… and you are now working with your Secretary General to prepare for the meeting, where you want to:
ensure a permanent National Society seat in the advisory group to the “Climate Change Commission”
promote a clear focus on climate-smart disaster preparedness and attention to early warnings in the final “CC Strategy” and the follow-up implementation plans (= drawing on NS expertise) 4 4 4

5. Exercise … the situation: Branch/district level
You have reviewed the latest draft “District Development Plan” which you think does not adequately address the adaptation needs of local communities – according to what you learned in recent community VCAs.
In 2 weeks time, your Branch Chairperson has been invited to participate in a District Development Committee meeting
… and you are now helping the Branch Chairperson and senior volunteers to prepare for the meeting, where you want to:
Showcase the insights regarding changing local risk patterns and ideas for climate-smart risk reduction actions needed at community levels
Offer the assistance and expertise of the NS Branch (and HQ etc.) to help improving the draft District Development Plan so it better addresses considering changing risks (and become “climate smart”) 5 5 5

6. Role play: Convince your NATIONAL Government
Form teams (National level) – split yourself in 2 groups: 1 team = Red Cross / Red Crescent 1 teams = government representatives
Role: “RC team”
Plan how you will argue for a permanent NS seat in the “CC advisory group”
List five specific things your NS could offer to help the Government: practical ideas that would fit into a “good CC Strategy”
Plan how you would argue for more attention to early warning and disaster preparedness in the coming plans
Role: “Government team”:
Prepare yourself to meet RC as officials from the CC Commission:
Why is may be difficult for you to have NS and other CSOs supporting the commission?
Why would you (maybe not?) want to include the adaptation aspects (EWS, DP) in CC Strategy? 6 6 6

7. Role play: Convince your DISTRICT government
Form teams (District staff) – split yourself in 2 groups: 1 team = Red Cross / Red Crescent 1 teams = District Development Committee
Role: RC District Branch
Plan how you will use your detailed community knowledge to
convince the DDC that the District Dev Plan needs to be more “climate smart” – not business as usual
The NS can be a valuable partner in planning and implementation of “climate smart” solutions
Role: District Dev. Commission
Prepare yourself to meet RC as officials from the DDC:
Why is it difficult for you to consider climate change in local planning?
Why would you (maybe not?) want to draw on NS experience in CC adaptation? 7 7 7

8. 5 minutes (secret) preparation time
Both sides (NS & Gov): prepare for a “realistic” dialogue – and practice your arguments
After 5 minutes preparations: two role plays with the “Other” teams as observers (HQ observes Branch Role Play, and vice versa)
Red Cross Red Crescent teams:
Leave the room and plan your roles and arguments
Government teams:
Stay in the room: prepare for how you will receive the RC guests – and set up the meeting table/room
Let all ”non-players” view the ”role play” and provide constructive criscsism to the players after end of session