2.3. Building trust and sustainable social mobilization for collective action
Trust is foundational to social mobilization and sustained community participation. This area emphasizes strategies that foster mutual respect, transparency and shared goals between communities, service providers and authorities. Building on local knowledge, inclusive dialogue and asset-based approaches, this area aims to strengthen collective capacities to identify and act on shared challenges. Trust building is both a process and an outcome that enables communities to organize, advocate and collaborate effectively in addressing the social determinants of health equity.
Examples from SIMASHE
Trust building in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Trust-building at all levels has been a key principle of the CONNECT Initiative for social mobilization and collective action. For example, one community developed a strategy for equitable water access through trust building and negotiation with households, to ensure that poorer households were also able to connect to the water pipe.
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Examples from related work and initiatives
Leveraging urban governance through trust building and community engagement in Pasig City, Philippines: Within the framework of the WHO Urban Governance for Health and Well-being initiative, Pasig City has developed a strategy for urban governance that is grounded on building trust and engaging communities for collective action. The city is steadily strengthening participatory planning by actively engaging youth councils, civil society organizations and grassroots leaders in shaping local development plans. This ongoing process aims to ensure that diverse voices are included, priorities are aligned, and collaboration across sectors becomes a norm. With progress continuing, Pasig is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, sustainable and community-driven approach to health and well-being.
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Key intervention activities
SIMASHE is continuously seeking examples related to this area of work including activities for:
- facilitating community dialogues to promote shared understanding and collaboration.
- supporting inclusive processes that prioritize the needs of populations in conditions of vulnerability.
- applying asset-based approaches to mobilize community strengths and leadership.
- implementing trust-building initiatives across households and local networks.
- supporting negotiation and consensus building for equitable access to services.
- strengthening long-term community organizing around health equity priorities.