Characteristics of the Mobile Application:

1. Supported Languages English, Spanish, Portuguese (PT & BR), Romanian, Slovak, Arabic, Haitian Creole and Bulgarian.
2. Can operate both online and offline (offline maps should be previously downloaded)
3. Compatible with Apple and Android devices
4. Secure data storage
5. Geo-referencing

Requirements to download the Stoplight Mobile app Android:

• Min. Version: 6.0+
• Download Size: 50mb
• Device Storage: 500mb
• RAM Memory: 4GB (6GB+ recommended)

Requirements to download the Stoplight Mobile app iOS:

• iOS/iPadOS 12.4+
• Download Size: 50mb
• Device Storage: 500mb

Characteristics of the Web Platform:

1. Accommodated by Amazon Web Services
2. Has been created under an Open Source model

Browser support: Different web browsers render web pages slightly different. This means that web pages may look different and may not even work in different browsers. The purpose of this Browser Support Specification is to define what browsers are supported and the grades of support.

• Google Chrome latest
• Mozilla Firefox latest
• Edge latest
• Safari latest
• Internet Explorer NOT SUPPORTED

On average, for the 50-indicator Stoplight, effective surveys are completed within 40 to 60 minutes. However, the duration can vary based on the context and the individual completing the survey. The quality of the results tends to improve when sufficient time is allocated to conduct the survey thoroughly, present each indicator, and address any arising questions. The more familiar families are with the Stoplight process, the higher the quality of the data collected.

The survey serves as a crucial initial step to activating individuals’ agency by fostering reflection and bringing awareness of their personal conditions. It also allows for personal engagement by each participant, and permits ownership of each person’s individual development journey.

Some indicators allow participants to address them directly and independently. However, other indicators involve structural changes that are beyond the immediate influence of families. While families and communities can advocate for these changes, the ultimate action must be taken by third parties.

The foundation of the program lies in its indicators, which need to be relatable, relevant, and aspirational, among other qualities. Developing these indicators requires a time commitment. While quick adaptations are feasible under some circumstances, typically, it takes between 3 to 6 months from the initiation of a collaboration to the availability of the survey on the platform.

The Poverty Stoplight is fundamentally a participatory tool, making the early involvement of survey users in the adaptation process crucial. This means that participatory research, focus groups, and other models of engagement are essential for creating and validating the definitions of indicators. This approach ensures that the perspectives of those experiencing poverty are genuinely considered in establishing local definitions of poverty.

The implementing organization bears the primary responsibility for the adaptation process because they are most familiar with the local context. Key steps in this process include reviewing indicators previously used, conducting fieldwork to grasp local definitions of poverty, and developing a comprehensive list of indicators. This list should include definitions, justifications, the three levels (extreme poverty, poverty, non-poverty), names for the indicators, names for in the life maps, and associated images. The Stoplight team will monitor this process closely and provide ongoing feedback to ensure accuracy and relevance.

A successful adaptation of the Poverty Stoplight requires the involvement of a diverse range of actors from both within and outside the organization. Key stakeholders include the organization's operational and research staff (where applicable), future users of the tool (diverse types of families experiencing poverty), local poverty experts, and local researchers or measurement specialists. To effectively incorporate their insights and expertise, this involvement should be organized through structured forums such as roundtables, workshops, and focus groups, among others.

The Stoplight team will review indicators and provide feedback before they are uploaded to the survey platform. Members of the Methodological Committee share friendly feedback on the indicators, but do not "approve" surveys. Generally, it is up to the partner whether to incorporate this feedback or not. The only exception is: (see next point).

The Stoplight team mandates certain essential characteristics for each survey to ensure consistency and integrity across different implementations. These mandatory characteristics include: (1) the indicators need to measure poverty and be inclusive, non-offensive, and considerate of diverse perspectives; (2) all indicators need to be defined at 3 levels: extreme poverty, poverty and non-poverty; (3) each indicator requires a clear justification/definition; (4) all indicators must have unique names and unique and aspirational life map names; (5) while the exact definitions and levels can vary depending on the partner’s context, the core Stoplight indicators must be included in every adaptation; (6) images for all levels of indicators must adhere to minimum ethical standards.

As of now, there are no certified indicators. The ultimate decision on whether to use a specific indicator rests with the partner organization. While we can provide examples of indicators that have been used in the past, this should not be seen as an endorsement of those indicators. It’s crucial for partner organizations to understand that the indicators shared for adaptation purposes are not necessarily exemplars of best practices. The selection of indicators should be tailored to fit the specific context and needs of the communities they serve.

The Poverty Stoplight is a versatile tool that has been adapted and utilized by a wide array of organizations across various contexts, including companies looking to enhance employee engagement and well-being; Multilateral organizations seeking to implement development programs; Small, local NGOs focusing on specific issues like maternal health, food security, agriculture, and mental health in diverse settings ranging from the U.S. to Tanzania; Large international organizations with programs across the board.

If you are in search of a method to improve the well-being of your employees, clients, or beneficiaries, or if you require an intuitive and participatory assessment tool, the Poverty Stoplight may be the ideal solution for your needs.

Contact us to explore the possibility of becoming a distributor, or what we call a Hub, for the Poverty Stoplight methodology in your region. We are keen to expand and strengthen our network. Historically, partners who first adopt the methodology themselves are most successful in promoting it.

Here are some criteria for becoming a Hub:

• Organizations should have a broad network and proven experience in their field.
• There must be a department or a dedicated staff member able to commit at least 80% of their time to leading the implementation and distribution of the Poverty Stoplight.
• The organization should have the operational capacity to survey at least 500 people annually.
• Hubs are expected to pay an annual fee and participate in monthly meetings.

If your organization meets these criteria and you are interested in making a significant impact in your community, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can work towards eradicating poverty in a meaningful and sustainable way.

The Poverty Stoplight recognizes that no single organization can tackle all 50 indicators effectively, which is why it promotes an integral community approach. This strategy allows organizations to identify local solution providers and collaborate to address specific needs. Your organization can provide direct intervention in areas where you have expertise, typically covering 1-6 indicators at any given time.

Additionally, you may consider the following actions:

• Research and compile information on strategies individuals can employ to address their poverty-related issues, and share this valuable advice with families.
• Utilize community-level data gathered through the survey to forge alliances and partnerships that benefit your beneficiaries. For instance, we have seen organizations successfully negotiate discounts with healthcare providers for their beneficiaries.

By focusing on your strengths and leveraging community resources, your organization can play a crucial role in a larger network aiming to alleviate poverty.

Poverty and deprivation manifest differently across various contexts, making the adaptation of the Poverty Stoplight survey not just allowed and encouraged, but a fundamental part of the training for becoming a Poverty Stoplight partner.

Partners can begin administering surveys after signing an agreement, attending an in-person training session, and completing the adaptation of the indicators. While this process can be completed in as little as two months, most partners opt to take additional time for thorough planning and to adequately prepare their beneficiaries for the survey.

Many of Poverty Stoplight's Special Projects utilize the tool to monitor and evaluate their ongoing programs. By conducting the survey every 6 to 12 months, organizational leaders can track the progress and outcomes for their target populations, observing the changes from "before" to "after."

For instance, consider an organization that runs a year-long job training and life skills program. They can administer the Poverty Stoplight survey at both the start and the end of the program, allowing them to assess and demonstrate the effectiveness of their services.

Poverty Stoplight partners participate in a comprehensive 5-day, in-person training either in their own city or at the Poverty Stoplight Headquarters in Asunción, Paraguay. This training marks their initial integration into the Poverty Stoplight community, where they collaborate directly with Headquarters staff and learn exclusive solutions and strategies for poverty elimination. The sessions focus on transferring knowledge about the Poverty Stoplight methodology, the supporting technology, and the essential know-how required to run a successful program. This immersive experience equips partners with the tools and insights needed to effectively implement the Poverty Stoplight in their contexts.