Remember, one person can carry multiple roles A mother: • is a rights holder as she looks for food to feed her children. • is a moral duty bearer responsible for providing food for her children. • is an influencer, as she may also be part of a poverty action group that is lobbying for the provision of adequate and affordable food. A police officer: • is a rights holder as an employee of the government. • is a legal duty bearer, responsible for protecting the safety of the community. • is an influencer, as they may also coach the regional rugby team. Initial discussions You now have an idea about who you would like to meet for this next layer of engagement. By engaging more deeply in the community, people will begin to feel as if their voices are valued, and you will learn more about the community and its dynamics. While the initial interaction with community leaders was formal, you can begin to be more relaxed with these discussions. Think about the most appropriate context for them - where and how they occur will make a difference to the value of the interaction. As an outsider, you may encounter shyness or even suspicion. People may want to protect the reputation of their community or fear reprisal, and so be reluctant to raise issues that are sensitive. People may also tell you what they think you want to hear. Some of the questions you could ask yourself at this early engagement stage are: • What is the best group make-up - people in groups or on their own? How many people in each grouping? Single-identity groups (such as women or young people or government representatives) or mixed-identity groups? • When should you meet and how much time should you allocate - balancing the need not to waste people’s time with not wanting to rush the conversations. • Where should you meet - in people’s own contexts or on neutral ground? • How will you represent yourself? Your NHRI may be viewed as an outside organisation coming to tell the community what they should know and do. • Are there community events you could attend which could communicate your interest in the community and what matters to them? Your first meetings will be introductory, and it may be valuable to organise follow-up discussions, if you sense it would build trust in you and deepen the discussions. As you learn about the community, the power dynamics at play and how relationships are enacted you will identify others to meet with and will adapt your engagement. No matter what kind of community you are engaging with, people are giving up their time to meet with you. You can communicate your gratitude by acknowledging that with food, by covering travel costs, or whatever else is appropriate. APF HRCLD Guide 36