3 Community-led Services
Remunerating community outreach workers Community outreach workers should always be remunerated for their work. However, certain approaches may be problematic: for example, paying community outreach workers for each individual they persuade to come to the clinic or drop-in centre for services can distort demand and lead to coercion. Less coercive and more effective incentives include phone credit, non-monetary gifts, leadership opportunities and recognition that is not linked to the number of sex workers who are brought to the programme. Offering the chance to participate in national or international trainings and meetings, where possible, may also be an effective way of recognizing outstanding community outreach workers.
Table 3.1 shows the various activities for which community outreach workers may require remuneration.
Table 3.1 Remuneration of community outreach workers
Resource spent by |
|
|
community outreach worker |
Remuneration |
Rationale |
Time on outreach( includes time for travel, meeting with sex workers, reporting, planning further outreach)
Salary
Agree upon a rate that is acceptable to community outreach workers and feasible for programme sustainability. If possible, rates should be set consistently across state and national programmes.
Time on extra training |
Stipend |
Hours spent in training are lost work time, and programmes should recognize that community outreach workers have another job and personal obligations that cannot be fulfilled when they are in training. |
Travelling between venues, for referrals, training, etc.
Mobile phone airtime
Mobile phone batteries
Bus, train, taxi charges, as required
Mobile phone airtime( predetermined is usually best)
Chargers, access to power and safe charging
It is usually most efficient to map travel routes and fix travel allowances for groups of community outreach workers depending on the requirements. They should be given travel stipends in advance on a routine basis( since most may not be able to pay first themselves and then wait for reimbursement).
Whether using text messages or limited talk time, community outreach workers should be remunerated for on-the-job phone use.
Community outreach workers need their phones for outreach, and phone battery chargers should be made available at agreed-upon charging locations.
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