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. 

On the transfer, co-founder Victoria Martin expressed her pleasure to see this work continue under Wits' leadership, knowing that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction. 

As Wits, we honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades and look forward building from that strong base. This includes co-founders Warren Feek (1953-2024) and Victoria Martin as well as La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA), which continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com with links to The CI Global site. We are also eager to forge new partnerships and entertain new ideas as we consider how best to contribute to social and behaviour change in our rapidly evolving environment.

If you are joining the International Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Summit in Panama, please join Wits and CILA on Monday, 22 June, to share your thoughts and suggestion for the relaunch of the Communication Initiative. We will be in Pacifica 5 from 12-1:25 for the Refuel, Reflect, and Renew Lunch Series: The Communication Initiative: celebrating a driving force for Communication for Social Change and the way forward. We will reflect on the legacy of Warren Feek and family in creating the Communication Initiative, consider the contributions of CI over the years and then turn our attention towards the future in this dynamic session. 

If you are unable to join us in Panama, we still want to hear from you. Please contribute your thoughts by following this link: https://redcap.link/CommunicationInitiative2026 or reaching out to ci_surveys@commint.com. 

You can also follow the QR Code:

 https://redcap.link/CommunicationInitiative2026

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Avian Influenza Hotline Protocol - Operator's Training Manual: Information and Skills

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Developed for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Avian Influenza Program by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), this avian influenza (AI) hotline operator’s training manual explores how to share information about avian flu for hotline callers. The manual has two parts: part one focuses on specific information about AI, as well as most frequently asked questions. Part two of the manual deals with interpersonal communication skills needed by hotline operators during telephone calls. The tenets of confidentiality and complete and accurate information for callers are the basis for the training. This manual is accompanied by a training of trainers and facilitator's manual.

The manual outlines a four-day training. Each session is described through: objectives, materials needed, activities, which include question sheets and fact handout sections. An observation checklist and reproducible certificate of completion are included.

The workshop includes:
Welcome and Overview Introduction to Avian Influenza Avian Influenza In-depth Information Introduction to AI Hotline in Ghana Hotline Call Protocol Hotline Operator Skills Working with Different Resources Practice AI Hotline Interaction Final Role Plays and Closure

Publishers

Number of Pages

126

Source

AED Global Health Currents newsletter, October 30 2008.