Polio
Polio eradication action with informed and engaged societies
Polio
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Digital in a Community Context - Added Value

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Best wishes and many thanks for highlighting your interest and/or experience in community participation when joining The Communication Initiative Network. On the theme of digital media in a community context I would welcome you sharing your strategic insights and experiences on the analysis and issues below in support of the work of others.

There has been a lot of conversation about the impact and added value of digital technologies relative to Development goals. The argument is that there are some key intrinsic "values" or capacities in the digital technologies that help to accelerate progress on key development goals. For example, they support:

  • Much improved peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and networking, including, of course, South-to-South relationships - a democratisation of knowledge in real time
  • Greatly enhanced local social organisation through the social media and networking technologies
  • A wider and more diverse range of "voices" as part of the important dialogue and conversation in local settings
  • The removal of physical distance as a factor for community engagement and action - everyone involved does not need to be in the same place
  • Greater equality as the qualities of the digital technologies can "cut through" social norms and customs that can hamper the participation of some sections of communities

Well, that is the theory! But from your experience and analysis what is the reality? Are the digital media living up to their promise? Has the reported widespread (is that correct?) availability and use of mobile phones and other digital technologies helped to advance community participation? With a consequent impact on local development issues, goals and priorities? 

Many thanks for sharing your insights.

Warren