The value of the NGO Network can be just what we need to bridge the lack of communications gap within the governments emergency action plans. 

The Non-Government Organization (NGO) Ally

One of the untapped resources that should be utilized heavily is the NGO network within regions where emergency response is needed.  The NGO stakeholder network is most likely the same groups that would be called upon by the public at large to assist above and beyond the government during times of crisis.  Most NGO groups are able to function without bureaucracy and red tape.  In fact, during times of emergency preparations, many of these groups already have programs in place to handle a variety of issues. 

Issues such as mass migration; critical care; emergency response first responders; legal aid; human rights; asylum; refugee care; etc.  These issues are much more manageable by seeking assistance from our local NGO groups. 

Communications are the most useful form of working with the NGO stakeholders.  Having a clear, constant avenue of information and access makes these stakeholders key members during any community crisis. 

The Department of Homeland Security has openly encouraged maintaining strong contacts with all NGO groups.  One particularly favored option is called the “working group meeting”.   In San Diego, officials have long realized the key role of stakeholder working groups in providing a mechanism for the exchange of information, ideas and feedback in ensuring efficient and effective operations at the sectors and ports of entry.  Stakeholder Working Groups continue to be an excellent way to allow for meaningful dialogue with leaders from all of our local border communities.  Through this successful venue, agency policies and procedures are informally shared.  This same relationship also allows for quick resolution and direct response to community concerns/issues. 

Although currently specific to Customs and Border Protection, maintaining strong community relations with NGO groups and other community groups, would be extremely beneficial to all government agencies.  In addition, tribal affiliates are provided with routine stakeholder information (non-sensitive) prior to each working group meeting.  Tribal governments clearly benefit from being involved in working group meetings.

During the implementation last year of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), agency managers provided critical training to a variety of community groups in order to heighten the level of compliance in obtaining WHTI accepted documents.  The agency has maintained significant efforts to support the complete implementation of WHTI, including deployment of RFID equipment.  This has included a well advertised outreach to the public.  Efforts were taken to ensure significant outreach presentations were conducted all over the region at a variety of locations, such as: Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, Tourism Bureau, etc.  Numerous training presentations were conducted including the local Native American tribal leaders. 

All over San Diego, Customs and Border Protection works closely with carriers, brokers, and importers that comprise the industry presence, working to move people and goods through processing. In addition, supply chain partnership programs have significantly increased collaboration between the agency and industry partners.  Continued cooperation among stakeholders is essential to better secure the region. This kind of cooperation among partners is necessary to meet stakeholders’ needs as well. The stakeholders in the region include agencies, organizations, and external groups with specific expectations regarding the flow of people and goods through the border.

Agency managers work very closely with local authorities at the ports of entries and sector offices. The state, local, and tribal governments have distinct expectations that affect operations. As a result, interaction between the agency and these stakeholders is very constructive and consistent.

The strong partnerships with the community have been extremely helpful in gaining support for a variety of sensitive issues.  Managers work closely with all local chambers of commerce in providing updates to changing environments within operational areas of responsibility.  These groups include San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce, Calexico Chamber of Commerce, and members of the surrounding trade and business communities.

Finally, the area NGO stakeholders know and understand the vital importance to having access to DHS leadership.  It is in these critically important relationships where effective community centric issues are handled so well.  In the San Diego area, numerous groups are represented within the NGO community.  Groups such as:

Legal Aid Society

Jewish Family Services

ACLU

AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association)

AFSC (American Friends Service Committee)

Catholic Charities

Neighborhood House

American Red Cross

During emergency preparations, having the immediate channel of communications with the NGO community groups, will clearly benefit the agency involved and the general public.  I strongly believe that by shutting doors of cooperation and communications, we will be forced to manage alone, leaving local officials overwhelmed and unable to provide the kind of substantial care needed during a legitimate crisis.