The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
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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Published 15 years ago
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Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC)

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This North American non-profit organisation draws upon information and communication technology (ICT), advocacy work, and training in an effort to build sustainable systems that ensure full access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. The member organisations work together to develop self-reliance amongst all communities with regard to obtaining their food and to creating systems of growing, manufacturing, processing, making available, and selling food that is regionally based and grounded in the principles of justice, democracy, and sustainability.
Communication Strategies

CFSC uses a blend of training, networking, and advocacy to further the efforts of grassroots groups to create effective solutions to the food security crisis. The organisation provides the following programmes and services, which are described in more detail on the CFSC website:

  • Policy advocacy and organising - For example, CFSC advocates for federal policies that promote community food security and provide resources for community-based initiatives. Also, CFSC sponsors the California Food and Justice Coalition, which has developed and is advocating for a state policy platform.
  • Education and networking - Each autumn, the CFSC hosts a 3-day conference featuring activities such as interactive workshops, how-to short courses, field trips, and opportunities to taste local foods. Also, CFSC trainers offer participatory, action-oriented workshops that can be tailored to local needs on an array of community food security issues. For instance, information and assistance are available to groups working in low-income communities who are interested in conducting community food assessments.
  • Online newsletter, listserv, and publications - CFS News features profiles of projects, tips and resources, analysis, and Coalition updates. The COMFOOD listserv facilitates information sharing and networking. CFSC has published a variety of guidebooks and reports, such as an information kit with surveys for farmers and food service directors, and a planning guide to assist organisations with preparing annual grant proposals. A visitor to the website might offer proposals for such initiatives as CFSC's Farm to College Program, which organises workshops and conferences across the United States to bring together "student greening groups" that develop educational materials and programmes on sustainable agriculture and the benefits of eating locally produced foods in college dining halls.
  • Resources and support are available to CFP grantees and others interested in conducting programme evaluations.
Development Issues

Hunger, Natural Resource Management, Environment.

Sources

CFSC website.

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http://www.foodsecurity.org/images/backsm.jpg