In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Nepal under the Youth 4 Humanity initiative, We for Change launched the Go Safe - A Disaster Preparedness Campaign to foster community resilience and promote safety awareness. This campaign is designed to engage individuals in developing essential safety skills, disaster preparedness, and response tactics through hands-on training, community-centered activities, and a dynamic social media campaign. By empowering participants with practical tools and knowledge, Go Safe seeks to create a network of informed Safety Leaders who can champion disaster readiness within their communities.
Project Overview
Go Safe is a comprehensive disaster preparedness initiative that combines Safety Skills Bootcamps, GoBag workshops, and digital outreach through a social media campaign. The campaign is driven by a mission to instill a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, making safety practices accessible and empowering individuals to become advocates for resilience in their communities.
Key Project Components
1. Safety Skills Bootcamp
The first component of the Go Safe campaign was the Safety Skills Bootcamp, aimed at selecting and training a dedicated team of Safety Leaders. Recruitment began through an application launched on We for Change’s social media platforms, inviting individuals passionate about making a difference in their communities. After a careful selection process based on motivation and potential for community impact, 10 Safety Leaders were chosen to participate.
These Safety Leaders received an intensive, hands-on training program developed to enhance their knowledge in first aid, risk assessment, and disaster preparedness. The bootcamp involved experienced facilitators who provided in-depth guidance and practical skills for disaster response. The training concluded with a one-day intensive workshop, equipping Safety Leaders with branded materials such as T-shirts, notebooks, and safety kits, reinforcing their team identity and commitment to community safety.
2. GoBag Creation Workshop
The next phase focused on educating community members about the importance of emergency preparedness. Safety Leaders conducted GoBag workshops to raise awareness about critical items to include in an emergency kit, or "GoBag." These sessions educated participants on essential items needed during a disaster response, encouraging them to prepare for potential emergencies. To support this effort, We for Change designed and distributed a customized DR3 (Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery) brochure that offered an easy-to-follow guide on creating a GoBag.
These workshops were monitored continuously to ensure participants were building their GoBags successfully, and support was provided for any challenges faced. The initiative helped participants understand how a well-prepared GoBag can be a vital resource during an emergency, promoting a sense of readiness and self-reliance within the community.
3. Social Media Campaign
To expand the reach of the campaign and engage a broader audience, We for Change launched a social media campaign focused on disaster preparedness. The campaign included weekly trivia posts covering critical safety tips and disaster response practices. A highlight of this campaign was a podcast series featuring experts in safety and disaster preparedness, who shared practical insights and personal stories to inspire a culture of readiness.
Logistics and Guest Selection: Experts from diverse backgrounds were invited to participate in the podcast series, providing audiences with valuable knowledge on safety strategies and community resilience.
Podcast Recording: Each episode was carefully recorded, with guests sharing actionable advice, stories, and perspectives on disaster readiness.
Video Editing and Post-Production: Post-production efforts ensured the podcasts were both engaging and informative, featuring high-quality video and sound.
Promotion and Dissemination: The podcast episodes were promoted across social media, allowing We for Change to amplify the campaign’s message and reach a global audience.
Expected Outcomes
The Go Safe campaign is designed to leave a lasting impact, empowering participants and promoting safety within the community. Key anticipated outcomes include:
Empowered Safety Leaders: The campaign trained a core group of Safety Leaders who can continue to advocate for disaster awareness and safety measures within their communities.
Increased Community Awareness: Through GoBag workshops and DR3 brochure distribution, community members gained practical knowledge on emergency preparedness, helping them feel more secure and prepared.
Broader Engagement and Awareness: The social media campaign, including the podcast series, reached a wide audience and emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness on a broader scale, reinforcing proactive safety practices.
The Go Safe - Disaster Preparedness Campaign represents a strong commitment to community resilience and disaster readiness. By training individuals and empowering Safety Leaders, We for Change is fostering a network of disaster-ready communities prepared to face future challenges. This campaign underscores the vision of a safer, more prepared society—one where individuals at all levels of the community can respond to unforeseen events with confidence and competence.