Centre for Communication and Social Change Awards 2014

The Centre for Communication and Social Change is looking for outstanding and innovative individuals and organisations using communication and information and communication technology (ICTs) in communities to create meaningful change and facilitate social, economic, and technological development. The Award exists to recognise 'unsung heroes' that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to using communication to transform and empower marginalised communities. It was established to recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations to the theory and practice of communication for social change (CSC).

The objectives of the award are to:

• recognise knowledge generation and major theoretical innovations in the field of communication for social change;
• acknowledge innovative and practical communication and social change projects that have contributed to grassroots-level sustainable development; and
• appreciate the contributions made by individuals and organisations whose moral courage and extraordinary commitment to communication for social change expands the boundary of this field.

The award consists of a $AUD 2500 prize and a travel package to participate in the award ceremony in Australia. Each year, two awards will be presented: one to an individual and one to an organisation/institution. Those awarded can be either practitioners/activists working the field, or theorists.

Winners in the two categories will be selected by an independent jury comprising senior academics, media representatives, and development assistance experts, based in Australia.

In selecting the Award winners, the CSC Award Jury will consider both significant contributions to the theory of CSC and notable achievements in applied communication practice. The theoretical and practical work of award nominees should reflect and/or be directly relevant to key CSC themes. The CfCSC four key themes are participatory development communication, media and empowerment, ICTs, and social change and communication for transdisciplinary R4D (research for development). The CSC Jury will also consider the pioneering contributions made by theorists and practitioners, as well as the long-term sustainable development impact of their work, communities impacted, commitment made, applicability, and timeliness.

Click here for more information about the award.