XplanaZine

Effective Stabilization Requires Technology-Enhanced Teamwork
Roles
– Team initiatives (invited by “at-risk” host country): implementation, training, curriculum and materials development, security technology and procedures, culture briefings, language and geographic briefings / training for non-host country team members
– Host country military and civilian groups: joint operations will help achieve goals through mission-critical assistance, technology, techniques, training, coordition, skills transfer, access to computing / web resources.
– Humanitarian aid partnering: community development, socio-demographic data, association-building, democratic processes, information management
– Consultant(s): design, development, administration of web-enhanced elements, coordination between host country, U.S. ngo-military-private-sector initiatives, and aid & economic development projects; assure access to computing / web resources and training in use; find low-cost, “appropriate technology” solutions. Cultural bridging. Identify “umbrella organizations” for various tasks, including safety net rebuilding.
Tasks
-1- Train “at risk” non-government organizations / government / civilian groups in a joint initiative to build Army Corps of Engineers & National Guard-type capacity to map, track, and repair infrastructure, including but not confined to
-a- border region bridges, roads, electricity off-the-grid capacity (generators, other sources)
-b- multi-use warehouses — agri-products, small manufacturing, as well as preparedness inventories for emergencies
-c- back-up transportation, electricity and water resources;
-2- Develop a useable & low-cost, accurate & up-to-date database of key socio-demographic and resource items. This would have a web-enhanced side for maximum colloboration. (see “Repairing Safety Nets” white paper on directories and community barter programs)
-3- Initiate expanded community mobilization and support programs in key areas, which would include developing associations that could be multi-use neighborhood security associations, highly trained with protocols and procedures — for security / stabilization functions as well as health, education, and resource management functions. (see “Repairing Safety Nets”)
-4- Integrated analysis of mission statements of not-for-profits, non-governmental organizations, religious groups and political organizations in order to understand their mission (and avoid misunderstandings)
-a- Posting of news and relevant information about each group so that they have an opportunity to present themselves as they see themselves, without fear of misrepresentation, racism, or hate
-b- Individual group profiles and general categories, with an idea of the general history of each meta-group.
-c- Research and analysis of international connections, security issues, the types of fund-raising activities that may accompany their outreach activities
-d- Financial transaction support through online banks, online funds transfer entities (westernunion.com, paypal.com, etc.) to help with initiatives to build resources, develop commercial ventures (for example, museums may wish to set up virtual gift shops)
-e- Understanding Fraud, Risk / Law Enforcement Issues Projects could include setting up online casino and an online auction service to understand how illicit organizations can mimic or co-opt the original intent of bona fide community-building organizations. Investigate money laundering patterns, possibilities
-5- Exploring how association-building and community mobilization can be a stabilizing force, esp with military - civilian cooperations. Improve service, build loyalty.
-a- Improved logistics
-b- Social safety net construction. (see “Repairing Safety Nets”)
-6- Training Manual and Procedures Library
-a- Collaborative — with specific responses & applications for local use
-b- Originals from international partners
-c- Joint exercises — questions / adaptations from all team members, guided by umbrella organization & consultant
-7- Private-Sector Strengthening with Commercial Partners
-a- Identify commercial and technical support services needed to help the country maximize production and profitability
-b- Maintainance items and programs to help host country achieve higher operational efficiency: infrastructure, corrosion control, gas conditioning, electricity power station maintainance, roads / bridges
-c- Agri-business partnerships — rural production, processing, export/import of equipment, processed products, etc.
-d- Logistics / transport — equipment, technical assistance, spare parts
-e- Investment in financial services, credit, etc., with equal focus on rural and urban regions
-f- Online banking; e-commerce, with focus on regional / rural access, as well as in urban centers
-g- Micro and small business — manufacturing / service / traditional women-directed enterprises