Social mobilization lies at the heart of community-led development, particularly in rural areas. It forms the foundation for sustainable progress by empowering people to recognize their challenges and collectively work toward solutions. Rural Support Programs (RSPs) play a critical role in this process, fostering grassroots organization, participation, and capacity building.
Community Organization (CO) Formation
At the core of social mobilization are Community Organizations (COs)-small groups of 15-25 community members formed to unlock collective potential. These organizations serve as the first tier of the mobilization process and are central to ensuring active community participation in development activities.
Key functions of COs include:
- Household-level development planning
- Capacity building and training programs
- Initiation of savings and microcredit schemes
- Execution of micro-investment projects
CO members meet regularly-bi-weekly or monthly-to discuss plans, review progress, and resolve issues. These interactions strengthen social capital and promote a shared development agenda, enabling communities to contribute their own resources (e.g., savings or labor) or seek external support as needed.
The Role of Social Mobilizers
Social mobilization is an ongoing, adaptive process requiring dedicated facilitation. Trained Social Mobilizers are crucial to this effort, providing continuous support, guidance, and oversight.
To ensure effectiveness, the Sindh Rural Support Foundation (SRSF) has adopted a three-tier social mobilization structure that decentralizes decision-making and enhances community support mechanisms.
Village Organizations (VOs) and Local Support Organizations (LSOs)
As part of its second-generation approach, SRSF builds on the CO model by establishing Village Organizations (VOs)—umbrella bodies that bring together multiple COs within a village. Typically, each CO nominates two representatives to the VO.
Objectives of VOs:
- Enhance the capacity of CO activists
- Promote participatory decision-making on resource use
- Ensure at least 80% of village households are CO members
- Strengthen coordination with NGOs and government agencies
VOs are further federated at the union council level into Local Support Organizations (LSOs). LSOs represent a broader collective of communities, enabling stronger advocacy, resource mobilization, and institutional linkages with external partners and government bodies.
Reaching the Extreme Poor
To ensure inclusivity, SRSF employs a Poverty Scorecard, developed by Dr. Mark Schreiner, to identify and prioritize households in the lowest income brackets. These households are given special focus for mobilization, ensuring that even the most vulnerable are included in the development process.
Community Resource Persons (CRPs)
Community Resource Persons (CRPs) are trained activists selected from within existing COs. They play a frontline role in expanding outreach by:
- Facilitating the formation of new COs, with a special focus on women’s groups
- Providing support and mentorship to new members
- Promoting leadership and skill-building within their communities
In villages where at least 70% of women have been mobilized into COs, Women’s VOs are formed. These organizations are eligible for a Community Investment Fund (CIF), used to support the poorest and most vulnerable women in their communities.
Impact and Vision
SRSF’s social mobilization strategy fosters community ownership, equity, and long-term resilience. By organizing individuals into structured tiers of representation-COs, VOs, and LSOs-rural communities are empowered to define and direct their own development. This model not only addresses immediate needs but also builds the foundation for sustainable, community-led transformation.