A Community Action Team (CAT) is a group of volunteers who work together in their community to address issues of concern. CATs bring local people together to discuss problems and find solutions at the community level. They can reach more people than outside organizations and provide sustainable action over time. A CAT starts with 5-10 community volunteers who meet regularly to plan community events. CAT goals should promote gender equality through activities like gender sensitivity training and educating about HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence. CATs increase male participation to end issues like HIV and gender-based violence through outreach, education, alliance building, and advocacy. Starting a CAT involves relationship building through one-on-one conversations and inviting members through personal networks and community

1. Community Action Team (CAT) • volunteers who join together to do something in their community about an issue of concern for them • brings local people together to discuss, learn and solve community problems • is active in creating change at the community level