This guide is intended to help civil society organizations (CSOs) plan and act during a crisis, which is defined as an unexpected situation that impacts the lives of many citizens in a country or region. CSOs are typically more familiar with local circumstances than government agencies or emergency relief organizations and can therefore contribute to more effective solutions to problems caused by crises. Since many of the issues that a crisis creates require “collective action” solutions, this guide focuses on steps CSOs can quickly undertake in the aftermath of a crisis and emphasizes the need for coordination between institutions, organizations, and individuals. Only through working together can societies recover from crises and emerge more resilient.

The guide will assist CSOs in understanding a given crisis, planning a course of action, ensuring the flow of critical information, and fostering solidarity and cooperation among relevant stakeholders. The guide also recognizes that an organization has a responsibility to protect staff members and prevent overwork that might lead to exhaustion, mental or physical illness, burnout, or general discord. Recommendations for addressing staff wellbeing are found throughout the guide