Community Initiatives in the Dominican Republic

This component, closely related to the Community Disaster Preparedness Workshops developed using the materials produced by the Red Cross, brings together NGOs and community groups to define their hazard-related problems and prepare a community "emergency" or action plan. Once this groundwork is laid and actual vulnerability reduction opportunities have been considered, the community may contact the DDMA for assistance in carrying out a particular activity.

The general procedure after a workshop is held is as follows:

• the community committee fills out a short form on the back of the Community Initiatives (CI) brochure
• the CI Coordinator reviews this, then meets with the committee to facilitate the proposal preparation process
• a form is filled out and approved by a local engineer which lists the tools and supplies needed to carry out the project
• a resource list is drawn up (with costs, where available) and contributions from the community and other sources are secured
• a work plan is prepared and the formal request is submitted to the DDMA by the facilitator or local NGO
• the proposal is reviewed by an engineer at CII-Viviendas to verify the plan [from this point, the process should take no more than 45 days]
• a summary proposal with attachments is presented to the DDMA review committee for final approval
• if approved, a Results Contract is signed

The communities are required to contribute at least 50% of the total value of the project, so involvement and "ownership" are fundamental to the projects. 

Project Matrix