Community Early Warning Systems (CEWS) Facilitator Training
Community Early Warning Systems help communities better understand local risks and take timely action to protect lives, livelihoods, and assets. Through community-led monitoring, analysis, and sharing of risk information, residents can receive clear and actionable alerts that support early preparedness and response.
This five-day training is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding and practical application of Community Early Warning Systems. Through interactive sessions, group work, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore the four core pillars of early warning systems and learn how to support their application at community level.
In Person Training | Barbados | September 14 - 18, 2026
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will explore key concepts, terminology, and tools related to Community Early Warning Systems, while applying learning through case studies, exercises, and practical examples.
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The training will support participants to develop action plans, identify barriers faced by different community members, and design warning approaches that are inclusive, accessible, and connected to local needs.
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Participants will also map key stakeholders, decision-making structures, and community partners to help strengthen governance, sustainability, and links between community and national early warning systems.
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By the end of the training, participants will be better prepared to facilitate learning with communities and support the practical application of Community Early Warning Systems at local level.
Key Learning Topics
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Foundations of Early Warning Systems: Introduces key EWS concepts, principles, and terminology through discussion and interactive exercises.
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Pillar 1: Risk Knowledge & Community Assessment: Focuses on identifying hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks using community data and an inclusion lens.
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Pillar 2: Monitoring and Warning Services: Covers hazard monitoring, forecast information, and triggers for timely early action.
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Pillar 3: Dissemination and Communication of Warnings: Explores clear warning messages and trusted communication channels to reach at-risk groups.
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Pillar 4: Preparedness and Response Capabilities: Examines response capacities, resource mapping, and gaps to support timely local action.
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Governance, Partnership, and Sustainability: Supports stakeholder mapping, local governance planning, and advocacy for sustainable EWS.
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Practical Application & Plan Consolidation: Brings all modules together into a practical Community EWS Action Plan.
Participant Criteria
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Experience implementing community-based disaster risk reduction or climate projects.
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Experience facilitating group discussions and using participatory methods with diverse community groups.
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A basic understanding of Early Warning Systems and community assessment tools.
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Strong teamwork and communication skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
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Must commit to leading a Community Early Warning System process in their home country after the training.
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Must have support from their National Society leadership to rollout community activities.
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Must be fluent in written and spoken English and fully available for all 5 training days.
Required Online Courses
Before attending the CEWS Facilitator Training you must complete the below online courses and submit your certificates via email to kearell.neils@ifrc.org. If you have already completed these courses there is no need to redo them, simply email your certificates.
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For more information about this training contact:
Kearell Neils
Research (Learning & Knowledge Management) Officer
Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Reference Centre
International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies