Development action with informed and engaged societies
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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California Tobacco Control Programme

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The approach of this state programme was to create social norm changes within the state of California in respect to smoking habits and health issues. 61 local health departments have created their own local programmes, grants reach community based programmes, and programmes are supported over 1,000 school districts in the state.
Communication Strategies

This multi-media campaign used paid radio, television, billboard, and print advertising, using public relations. A clearinghouse of print and audiovisual materials remains, technical assistance and training for local sites occurred, and a Helpline are important aspects of the programme. Advocacy created a smoke-free indoor workplace law.

Development Issues

Smoking, Youth.

Key Points

The social norm change model is based on the fact that thoughts, values, morals, and the action of others are tempered by the community. By indirectly influencing current and potential tobacco users through the creation of a social milieu and legal climate, tobacco use will be made less desirable. This programme uses a collaborative grassroots approach to create a statewide infrastructure and is accomplished by creating a state-level office and several statewide and regional programmes that serve an array of decentralised local programmes.

Partners

The State of California, Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee (TEROC), local health departments, community groups.