Which phase is characterized by the community members taking part in planning and evaluating programs?

The phase characterized by community members actively participating in planning and evaluating programs is the Sustenance and Strengthening Phase. This phase emphasizes the importance of involvement from the community to ensure that programs are relevant, effective, and sustainable. During this time, there is a collaborative approach to assessing the needs and strengths of the community, leading to more targeted and beneficial program development.

In this phase, community members are not only involved in the planning process but also play a crucial role in evaluating ongoing initiatives. This helps identify areas for improvement, reinforces accountability, and fosters a sense of ownership within the community. Such active participation is vital for sustaining programs over the long term, as it encourages commitment and motivation among community members to maintain the initiatives that they have played a part in creating and refining.