Supporting communication for development with horizontal dialogue and a level playing field: The Communication Initiative

Abstract

This article describes The Communication Initiative (The CI), a network of those using communication to foster economic and social change in communities around the world. Network members access information and collaborate with each other through any of three knowledge websites–one with a worldwide overview and focus, one with a focus on Latin America, and one with a focus on Africa–and their associated electronic newsletters. These online spaces are components in a broader process that the author terms ‘horizontal communication’, which is central to providing a non-judgmental, level platform for accessing the information and interactions that are important to those actually practising communication for development. Drawing on this approach, The CI has engaged 50,000-plus people from 184 countries over the past seven years; the author outlines the elements that have been central to this success.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deborah Heimann

Deborah Heimann is the Director of Editorial Policy and Content within The Communication Initiative. She has worked with The CI, in an editorial capacity, since its first year of existence. Previously, Deborah was a theatre director and producer of television commercials in New York City. Her work as a theatre director focused primarily on the development of new plays, collaborating with playwrights through the many stages from initial reading to final production. Her interest in collaborative work and facilitation of creative sharing drew her to the goals of The CI and continues to keep her interested and engaged in the work.