As the DEC is unable to respond to all the crises and emergencies that occur regularly throughout the world, its members have to be confident when an appeal is launched that they can make a difference and spend public donations effectively.
Appeals are therefore reserved for major disasters and emergencies that cannot be dealt with by the usual coping mechanisms within affected countries and where DEC member agencies are in a position to respond quickly and effectively.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) draws on many years of experience to plan and deliver each appeal, striving to ensure that the relevant support reaches the people who need it as quickly as possible.
Member agencies share vital information in the period leading up to an appeal launch which enables the DEC Secretariat and Trustees to assess the gravity of the disaster or emergency, and the probable level and effectiveness of any collective response.
The DEC Secretariat ensures information-sharing and joint monitoring of “at-risk” countries, enabling members to benefit from each other’s knowledge and to better prepare to help people.
During an appeal, the DEC carefully coordinates and facilitates communications to ensure the public receives clear, consistent messages in order to achieve widespread publicity and generate maximum income from donors.
