WASH Committees

The WASH Committees are ad-hoc organization formed during emergencies composed of members from the affected community. Local leaders are elected and chosen to oversee and facilitate implementation of various WASH interventions and give the affected community a platform to participate and have a say in addressing WASH issues/ vulnerabilities affecting their community.

The WASH Committees are formed soon after an emergency as the need arises to coordinate different WASH efforts being conducted by humanitarian actors in various camps or evacuation centres. The objectives of the formation of WASH committees are the following: 1. Provide a platform and voice for affected communities and vulnerable groups to have access and participate in the implementation of WASH services and humanitarian action. 2. Empower the affected communities and vulnerable groups to address WASH issues and quality of WASH services. 3. Facilitate the delivery of WASH services. 4. Act as co-managers/partners in WASH program implementation 5. Advocate to address rights gaps. Summary of what the WASH committee does during a response: 1. Organization and leadership 2. Local policy making 3. Capacity building 4. Advocacy and communication 5. Vulnerability reduction 6. Planning, coordination and action Targeting the most vulnerable Humanitarian actors must able to see from the veils of community structure who are the most vulnerable and give them the opportunity to sit in the WASH committees this with the approval and consent from the members of the affected community. Women, the elderly, youth and those with disability should have representation and should not be overshadow by exiting powers. Steps 1. Make necessary courtesy with the barangay or camp leaders and discuss your humanitarian action for WASH.

2. Present the issues in WASH necessary to communicate the needs and rights of the affected population- explore existing WASH organizations.

3. Work with the barangay or camp to organise and community assembly. During the community assembly: Present your organization and why the organization is working in the camps. Streamline personal expectations and ask the expectations of the community. Present the different WASH issues in the community e.g. diarrhea, solid waste Solicit what needs to be done to address these issues. Evoke what core-values a member of the WASH committee should have. Present why there is need to for vulnerable groups to have a voice in the committee. Ask the community who needs to sit in the committee. Solicit their consent and agreement based on the core-values they've presented. Present the members of the WASH Committee.

4. Organise initial meetings with the WASH Committee. 5. Organise an election of officers. 6. Build their capacity on WASH. 7. Meet regular, plan to address WASH issues and conduct necessary WASH activities. 8. Monitor, evaluate and learn together. 9. Document the process during meetings/activities.