Reaching the Tribe(s) here, in your Neighborhood
I was re-reading our GTN Safety and Security manual for foreign missionaries and realized that this section on situational awareness is GREAT for thinking about how you and I approach and how we appear to not-yet-believers around us here in our towns. Live the mission where you are planted friends! -C
Chapter 2 Developing Situational Awareness (excerpt from the Gtn Missionary Safety Manual)
An awareness of your surroundings, your neighbors and potential threats is the first step in reducing your vulnerability. This section will aid you in developing a continuous and conscious awareness of your area of work or visit and the people you serve.
Know the Region’s History
Research your area of service through conversing with knowledgeable people or through reading materials that provide information about the history of the region. This research will give you an understanding of issues such as:
o The identity and ethnicity of opposing groups.
o Religious dynamics and traditions.
o Attitude towards foreigners.
o Political situation.
o Identity and strength of authorities (particularly the military).
o Geographical characteristics.
Knowledge of such information will not only increase your security awareness, it will make a favorable impression on those you serve. A friendly rapport with the local inhabitants may provide a mantle of protection against danger should a future local crisis endanger your life.
Know the Region’s Culture
Cultural misunderstandings often make crises abroad more intense than similar situations in one’s home country. The following list will aid you in observing cultural factors and practices that may make the difference between igniting or fueling animosity and maintaining peaceful accord with those whom you serve and work.
o Politeness – What are the basic rules of politeness and decency?
o Greetings – How and when should you say “hello”?
o Respect – Who should be shown respect and how? (for instance, the use of “tu” and “vous” in French)
o Body Language – What gestures are rude? How should one sit? Is eye/body contact acceptable?
o Physical contact – What is expected – shaking and holding hands, kissing, embracing?
o Space – What is personal or public space?
o Appearance – What is the appropriate dress code?
o Gender – What are the attitudes about women? What are ways of showing respect to either gender?
o Age – Are elders respected? Are there different ways of greeting young and old?
o Time – How punctual are you to be? What does “now” mean?
o Loyalty – Is loyalty respected? Is nepotism common? Is non- conformity allowed?
o Decision-making – Are decisions made by individuals, by group, or seemingly by no one?
o Hierarchy – Is the hierarchical structure authoritarian and well- defined or participative and loose? Is it democratic or anarchic?
o Risk-taking – is it frowned upon?
o Emotions – Are emotional expressions acceptable?
o Relationships – What are the rules for socializing outside of work?
o Social Practices – Is waiting in line the norm? How should you call for attention?
o Disagreement – Should one express disagreement openly? Is saving face more important than frankness?
o Attitude to nature – What respect is shown to animals, trees and watering places?
o Law – Does law exist in the formal sense? Is it respected?
In addition to knowing the culture, know the specific community in which you serve.
o Understand local customs, religions, traditions and taboos.
o Identify the hostile groups within the civil population.
o Know the vulnerability of civilians.
o Understand the sovereign rights and sensitivities of the host government.
o Know the relationship between local authorities and groups, and know how effective their control is.
o Know and respect the local curfew.
o Be familiar with main roads; use a map.
o Know traffic regulations. Do not drive fast. Do not sound your horn.
o Know the areas prone to have criminal activity.
o Know what situations might lead to tension and confrontations among civilians. React with caution and stay away from such situations.
Build Community Relations
Experienced field staff members understand the value and protection provided through building positive rapport and good relations with the local population. Their lives demonstrate a proven principle: “The best mantle of security is good people doing good work and living good lives.” In the event of a crisis, your vulnerability can be replaced by a buffer of neighbors committed to your safety.
Consider these steps to build positive community relations:
o Interact often with your neighbors. Listen to them.
o Frequent the local social gathering places (cafes, parks). Include your family in these outings.
o Introduce yourself to and build rapport with the local authorities or power brokers.
o Involve yourself in community activities (apart from your work).
o Do not be aloof or isolated.
o Learn the local language and practice it with the locals. Laugh with them at your language faux pas and your cultural blunders.
o Be seen.
o Avoid being drawn into relationships that might carry personal obligations or expectations you cannot meet.
o Avoid being seen as taking sides in a local conflict.
