Improving communication, engagement and accountability in all we do.
Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is an approach to Red Cross Red Crescent programming and operations. It is supported by a set of activities that help put communities at the centre of what we do, by integrating communication and participation throughout the programme cycle or operation.
CEA is the process of and commitment to providing timely, relevant and actionable life-saving and life-enhancing information to communities. It is about using the most appropriate communication approaches to listen to communities’ needs, feedback and complaints, ensuring they can actively participate and guide Red Cross Red Crescent actions. CEA supports those involved in programmes and operations to adopt innovative approaches to better understand and engage with people and communities and help them address unhealthy and unsafe practices. It maximizes the Red Cross Red Crescent’s unique relationship with the community to help them speak out about the issues that affect them and influence decision and policy-makers to implement positive changes.
What is CEA?
Minimum actions
The CEA Guide
The CEA Toolkit
Recent additions to the CEA resources library
This poster provides information on a Red Cross hotline with the relevant telephone numbers, opening hours, available languages and more.
This illustration provides simple ways people can take care of themselves.
This illustration provides information on what medical needs and additional health services the Red Cross provides, as well as other ways to get more information.
CEA in Action
In focus: World Radio Day
Radio is a powerful tool to engage and help affected communities across the world. Read more about our work.
In focus: Ebola
Community engagement has been central to responding the Ebola emergency in West Africa and to keep communities safe and the virus contained.
In focus: Migration
Virtualvolunteer.org helps migrants find local support and provides tips on how to keep safe and healthy.
In focus: TERA
The TERA system provides life-saving information when and where it is needed during an emergency or crisis.
News stories
The Mexican Red Cross, in partnership with UNICEF, is using a new, innovative social monitoring tool designed to increase community participation and address issues that are important to them.
Tropical Cyclone Donna swept across the top of Vanuatu last week as a Category-4 storm, increasing to Category-5 as it tracked south between Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
After a year living at Nea Kavala camp, that was all the time Saleh had to throw everything into a bag and give hugs and goodbyes to his friends and fellow Hellenic Red Cross volunteers before rushing off to catch the bus.