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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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Updates: The What Works? Summit - Nusa Dua, Indonesia, April 16 - 20, 2018

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This is the thread that will update interested people on news and new developments related to the SBCC summit, What Works? to be held in Nusa Dua, Indonesia April 16th to 20th, 2018. As news comes through we will let you know about developments such as abstract submissions, registration, programme, keynote speakers online communities, and much more. Please do use the comments facility to ask questions, seek clarification and make suggestions.   

Comments

Submitted by Warren Feek on Mon, 09/25/2017 - 15:57 Permalink

Best wishes - we have included you here given your interest in the next Social and Behaviour Change Communication Summit. This Summit will be held in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, April 16 to 20, 2018.

The major themes are Shifting Norms, Changing Behaviour, Amplifying Norms; WHAT Works? 

Please click on "Please review and comment through REPLY here" above and reply or use the comments facility to ask questions or issues, or make suggestions.

We will use this thread to update interested people as planning for this Summit evolves.

As an FYI there is a summary of the Summit at this link. 

Please do share this note with any people in your team, organisation and/or network who may be interested. They can join the SBCC Summit and Update community here -  through the register and log in block to the right of the image.

With many thanks - happy to answer any questions - Warren

I am happy to have had my abtract on incentivizing community health volunteers accepted for poster presentation. Hopefully, this will generate debate on #What Works and its contribution to Social behaviour change communication.

Geofrey Tanui

Community Health Officer,

Save the Children International

Submitted by Warren Feek on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 12:32 Permalink

Hi – just a quick update to let everyone know that the process is now open for the submission of abstracts for sessions at the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Summit - "Shifting Norms, Changing Behavior, Amplifying Voices: What Works?" featuring Entertainment-Education be held in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, April 16th – 20th, 2018. In case you need a quick refresher on this Summit you can see an overview here. The link to the Abstracts submission process is at the top of that page. 

If you have ideas for "Comm Talks” (like a Ted Talk), skills workshops, oral or poster presentations and/or panels please do submit through the Abstracts submissions link. 

Happy to answer any questions or issues. Best wishes and thanks for considering and possibly submitting an abstract.

Warren (and on behalf of the Secretariat for the Summit)

Submitted by Warren Feek on Sun, 10/08/2017 - 16:51 Permalink

Hi - an FYI that the closing date for Abstracts Submissions (link here) for the What Works? SBCC Summit with a focus on changing behaviours, shifting norms and amplifying voice (overview here) has been set for November 27, 2017.

"The Summit will be organized around three overarching themes: 1) What Works, 2) Making Sense of the Field Now, and 3) Voice and Agenda Setting. Abstracts and concept notes for the Summit sessions will be submitted by theme. Formats for presentations include:

Oral or poster presentations
Preformed panel discussions
Comm Talks (similar to TED talks)
Multimedia video showcase
Skills building workshops"

Most happy to answer any questions.

Submitted by Warren Feek on Sun, 11/12/2017 - 17:19 Permalink

Best wishes - trust that all is well. This is just a quick update related to developments with the What Works? - Shifting norms, Changing behaviours, Amplifying voice SBCC Summit to be held in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, April 16 -20, 2017. I hope the notes and links answer teh questions we have received. Please let me know of any remaining issues. And when you communicate this Summit through your social media please use #SBCCSummit - thanks.

1. Early bird registration - The early bird registration for a reduced conference fee closes December 15, 2017

2. Abstract submissions - Most of the content at the Summit will be participants sharing their knowledge, insights, skills and experiences. In order to identify that knowledge to share we are asking for abstract submissions. The presentation options include Oral or poster presentations, Preformed panel discussions, Comm Talks (similar to TED talks), Multimedia video showcases and Skills building workshops. Abstracts submissions close November 27, 2017

3. Abstracts guidance and support - To support your abstracts submissions JHU CCP organised 3 webinars, one each in French, Spanish and English. You can access those presentations and the dialogue from each webinar at this link.

4. Sponsorships and abstracts - Please note that in order to be a candidate for one of the limited number of sponsorships available to attend the Summit you will need to have an Abstract selected.

5. Abstracts reviewers - In order to select the best abstracts that will determine the presentations at the  Summit the organisers are seeking to identify a group of Abstracts reviewers. At this link there is further information on the reviewer process along with access to the google doc through which you can express your interest or recommend others.

6. Communicating the Summit through your platforms - Can we please ask you to communicate this Summit within your organizations and to your partners and networks. The overview of the Summit is here with the links to registration, abstracts, Summit site, etc. Please do excerpt the language most relevant to your context and interests.

7. Hashtag - if you are communicating through your social media platforms can we please encourage you to use the hashtag #SBCCSummit

Thanks - please let me know if there are any issues or questions.

Submitted by Judith Nalukwago on Mon, 11/13/2017 - 05:14 Permalink

SBCC experts and practitioners are encouraged to submit abstracts and concept notes that highlight their experiences and evidence drawn from SBCC programming and implementation in different contexts to show what Works. The summit premised on three intersecting themes requires SBCC practitioners to share experiences on what works and lessons drawn from what did not work, as well as innovations for future scale-up. The themes include:

1. The What Works Theme:

This principal theme of the conference will focus on what works in shifting norms, changing behaviors and amplifying voice. The abstracts designed to shape the principal agenda of the conference will be explicitly focused on this theme. Presentations, sessions and posters will be encouraged to present not only their work and results, but also to reflect on what worked (what was it about their theory of change, their approach, their innovation or creativity, their capacity to adapt, formats, etc.) in enabling them to achieve their objectives; what did not work; how they know what worked; and whether their impact was sustainable.

2. Making Sense of Now Theme:

A series of panels and debates will be organized to better understand the current state of SBCC in relation to current development challenges, and to reflect on how SBCC is organized and conceptualized.

3. The Voice and Agenda Setting Theme:

Generate a series of conversations looking to the future.

 

Read more: http://sbccsummit.org/about-the-2018-summit-2/conference-themes/

 

Deadline to Submit abstracts: Monday, November 27, 2017 11:59 PM EST

Dear Colleagues,

If all goes well would you join me and my colleagues at the SBCC Summit (#SBCCSummit) - Shifting Norms, Changing Behaviour, Amplifying Voice: What Works? - where we will be talking and presenting on the following accepted abstracts:

1.    

Oral Presentation: When the Drone Flies, Models Mutate: In 2016, UNICEF launched an innovative study to use drones to transport laboratory samples from a peri-urban health facility to a central laboratory. This presentation postulates that while innovations proliferate in the field of development, SBCC/C4D must equally innovate to better respond; and particularly to leap-frog new technologies. This requires rethinking our models and approaches. 

2.    

Poster Presentation: Rebranding Culture for Social Accountability; the Case of Bwalo Forums in Malawi: The poster demonstrates the power of using indigenous modes of community dialogue to increase citizen voice for social accountability in health. The overarching idea that emerges is that using cultural forms expression as citizen voice can improve service provision and promote positive behaviors.

3.    

Comm-Talk: Whose Quality Anyway? - An account of personal experiences in implementing entertainment-education: One of the concepts that the communication expert in both development and marketing is obsessed with is quality. In this talk I claim that as communication experts we need to be ready to sacrifice our models of appreciation (deliberately putting at bay our preconceptions of what defines quality) to accommodate those of our ‘audiences’. 

4.    

Comm-Talk: Mist in the Backstage- An account of personal experiences of working with secret forces in community mobilization: Participation of secret societies tends to overwhelm ideologies and standards of expert practitioners to an extent that participation itself becomes questionable. This Talk experientially explores the importance of involving indigenous knowledge and skills with no expert interference. However, it raises questions of the extent to which participation needs to be accepted; especially when we don’t know what happens in the background when secret societies participate.

2018 INTERNATIONAL SBCC SUMMIT: Shifting Norms, Changing Behavior, Amplifying Voices-What Works. #SBCCSummit 

Submitted by Judith Nalukwago on Mon, 11/13/2017 - 05:18 Permalink

Registration is OPEN and abstracts are being accepted for the International Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Summit featuring Entertainment Education (EE), April 16-20, 2018 in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. The Summit is organized to better understand what works in shifting social norms, changing behaviors and in amplifying the voice of those who have most at stake in the success of development efforts.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone with an interest in furthering their knowledge of SBCC, especially:

• Practitioners
• Researchers
• Academia/Students
• NGO staff
• Donors
• Ministry staff
• Vendors/Exhibitors
Note these important deadlines:

Abstracts due: November 27, 2017 11:59 PM EST

To help guide prospective applicants through the abstract submission process, webinars were held in English, Spanish and French. Webinar presenters reviewed conference themes, explained abstract components and provided useful tips to help SBCC and EE professionals submit competitive abstracts. Recordings of those webinars can be found on the sidebar of the Summit’s website.

Early Bird Registration Deadline: December 15. Registration must be PAID by this date to receive the discount.

Rates are as follows:
Middle-to-low-income countries: $300
High-income countries and donors: $525

Regular Registration deadline: March 1, 2018.

Rates for those who register after December 15 are as follows:

Middle-to-low-income countries: $325
High-income countries and donors: $575

Additional Ways to Participate in the SBCC Summit

Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to highlight your organization’s priorities and approaches as well as engage with key partners, stakeholders, and the expanding global network of practitioners. Learn about the different sponsorship levels.

Exhibit at the Market Fair
Exhibit space is available on the ground floor of Nusa Dua Convention Centre.
Sign up now. Space is limited.

Host an Auxiliary Event
Space is available for individuals or organizations to hold events at the Convention Centre outside conference times. Read more.‏

Register TODAY!

The 2018 SBCC Summit is a perfect opportunity for networking and sharing prcatical experiences from different communication and development practitioners. It brings like minded professionals and we are looking forward to an enriching experience. I have submitted abstracts and hope to have an opportunity to present if selected.

I do remember from my secondary school period,when my headmaster would always prompt us to take opportunity of any situation. He used the symbol of opportunity as a bushy hair man at the forehead and baldness at the back. If you lose to hold on to the front, disaster falls on you.

Let us try and take the opportunities which abound in international conferences, and let us enjoy it, there is more in multicultutral and multidisciplinary learning.

Submitted by aventh on Fri, 11/24/2017 - 22:48 Permalink

The deadline for abstract submissions for the Shifting Norms, Changing Behavior, Amplifying Voices: What Works? 2018 International Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Summit featuring Entertainment-Education has been extended. Abstracts for oral presentations, poster presentations, pre-formed panel presentations, TED Talk-style “Comm Talks” and concept notes for skills-building workshops will now be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on Monday, December 4.

Submitted by aventh on Mon, 12/04/2017 - 23:12 Permalink

Yesterday’s abstract deadline for the International SBCC Summit resulted in high traffic to the submission website, causing some to be unable to log in and submit their abstracts. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate everyone's patience. Because of this, the deadline to submit abstracts in all categories has been extended to Wednesday, December 6, 11:59 PM EST.
 
Although the deadline is extended, we do encourage you to submit your abstract as soon as possible to make sure it uploads smoothly.

What this means:
If you have successfully submitted an abstract, you have until December 6 to edit or amend it.
If you have NOT submitted yet, you will have two more days to do so.
 
Helpful tips:
Avoid using Internet Explorer; there is a known issue when using this browser.
Firefox is the best browser to use when submitting.

More tips on how to submit an abstract available at this link.

All submissions must be in English, Spanish or French and will be acknowledged on receipt. For more details regarding each type of submission, further requirements and more information about the Summit and its themes, click here
 
Remember, if you register before December 15, you will receive a 10 percent discount!

Submitted by aventh on Wed, 12/13/2017 - 02:18 Permalink

Early bird registration for the Summit ends this Friday, Dec. 15, at 11:59 PM EST.
 
Act now to receive these rates:
Middle-to-low-income country residents: $300
High-income country residents and donors: $525
(Note: If you register at the early bird rate, registration MUST be paid in full by Dec. 15).

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. A 10 percent discount will be applied to all of the attendees registered as a group. (Note: Organisations must coordinate their registration efforts and submit as a group in order to receive the discount).

Please contact info@sbccsummit.org with any questions.

Submitted by aventh on Wed, 12/13/2017 - 04:45 Permalink

Highlight your organisation and your work at the SBCC Summit with various Sponsorship opportunities

Depending on your level of sponsorship, you can obtain a range of benefits, which can include an exhibition booth, logos on conference materials/communications, or a one-hour panel. To find out about the different sponsorship levels and sponsorship opportunities, click here

Submitted by aventh on Thu, 01/18/2018 - 08:15 Permalink

Greetings from The CI Team and we hope 2018 has gotten off to a good start for you. 

To start off the year, here just a few updates on the SBCC Summit. 

We received 1,269 abstract proposals from 95 countries. This is double the amount received for the previous SBCC Summit in 2016. Two-thirds of the submissions came from low- and middle-income countries, with a third of all abstracts coming from Africa. These are currently being reviewed and applicants will be notified in the next few days. 

308 people have formally registered so far and more registrations are expected from people and organisations whose abstracts have been accepted.  So do reserve your space today. Only three more months to go!

Click here for more information, including a link to a country breakdown of the abstract submissions received. 

We look forward to updating you again soon.

#SBCCSummit

Abstract accepted for 2018 SBCC SUMMIT !!

“Audience centered communication strategies, the bridge to sustainable results”

Centre for Communication Nigeria has carved out a unique niche of expertise in strategic SBCC on health and social issues in Nigeria and Africa.

We were all challenged to develop abstracts, and I began to ask my self and narrow down on likely possible topics to write on.

In discussions with colleagues, an idea was crystallized when my colleague (Nike) said what about communication strategies? I started pondering on it and developed an abstract.

Looking forward to sharing and learning new things from SBCC practitioners at this year’s SBCC SUMMIT .

A grateful heart !!!!!

With record number of abstracts submitted for the upcoming SBCC summit comes greater opportunities for learning and sharing what's happening in the field of SBCC. Looking forward to great conversations from around the world. 

#SBCC Summit: What Works? Shifting Norms, Changing Behaviours, Amplifying Voice

Looking forward to share new innovations we have been using to increase uptake of sexual reproductive health education and services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in the upcoming SBCC Conference. 

The SBCC  conference will indeed be a great platform for all researchers and top professionals in the field of SBCC to share experiences, challenges and take accountability of the different theories and approaches. Hope to be part of this great  movement. 

What Works? Shifting Norms; Changing Behaviours; Amplifying Voice - #SBCCSummit

As the days draw close, i look forward to a memorable expreince sharing with other SBCC experts on how best we can put SBBC at the forefront of all health intervations including influencing governement policy, i believe such benchmarks will go along in strengthening the health sector across the world. 

Submitted by prekan2000 on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 13:04 Permalink

#SBCCSummit

Abstract accepted for 2018 SBCC SUMMIT !!

“Audience centered communication strategies, the bridge to sustainable results”

Centre for Communication Nigeria has carved out a unique niche of expertise in strategic SBCC on health and social issues in Nigeria and Africa.

We were all challenged to develop abstracts, and I began to ask my self and narrow down on likely possible topics to write on.

In discussions with colleagues, an idea was crystallized when my colleague (Nike) said what about communication strategies? I started pondering on it and developed an abstract.

Looking forward to sharing and learning new things from SBCC practitioners at this year’s SBCC SUMMIT .

A grateful heart !!!!!

Submitted by aventh on Mon, 01/22/2018 - 06:11 Permalink

The International Social and Behavior Change Communication Summit Steering Committee will award a limited number of scholarships to attend the 2018 Summit. Scholarships will cover Summit-related costs, including round-trip airfare, Summit registration, lodging, airport transfer and a stipend of $350 USD to cover incidental costs (e.g. visa, meals, local transport, etc.). In order to quality, one of the criteria is some level of contribution to an abstract that has been submitted and accepted. Click here to find out more.

Some useful guidance on finding sponsorship from other sources will also follow shortly.

Submitted by SWATI_kNOwfear on Mon, 01/22/2018 - 23:11 Permalink

We are very pleased that our abstract titled, “Piloting an intervention model, kNOw Fear, for making rural public spaces safe for women and girls”, was accepted as a POSTER Presentation for the 2018 International Social and Behavior Change Communication/Entertainment Education Summit, April 16-20 in Nusa Dua, Indonesia.

We look forward to sharing insights from our project and engaging in meaningful discussions with other participants. 

Submitted by joan on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 04:32 Permalink

I look foward to learning more from the participants of the #SBCCSummit in Indonesia in April 2018. I will also be showcasing a poster presentation of how male engagement is advancing women empowerment in Kenya and how it is important to ensure the social and cultural communication practices are used to promote the empwerment of women.

What Works? Shifting Norms; Changing Behaviours; Amplifying Voice - The SBCC Summit

We are neighbors, and should see ourselves as such. What affects one affects all.As long as this relationship exists, we should help each other to show the mutual co-existence can work. We are all equal,two friendly individuals with common interest ,but with different sexual functions. The community sees us as human beings, and we must help each other. The creator shows concern for us, let us do same.

Submitted by joan on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 23:45 Permalink

What works in shifting social norms and changing behavior and amplyfiying voice is the question a look forward to exploring during the #SBCCSummit in Indonesia. One of the things I have seen working in Kenya is including men in women empowerment program to do so.

Involving audiences in the materials development process (through action media) increases ownership of SBCC materials by the target audiences. Working with the target audiences to develop their own materials through participatory action methods is also very effective in identifying and addressing the social context and barriers to behavioural change.Such campaigns are therefore more likely to be successful, as compared to those that don’t involve audiences in the materials development process. Expect to learn more at the 2018 international SBCC Summit. #SBCCSummit

Submitted by pthordeg on Wed, 01/24/2018 - 03:12 Permalink

I am so happy to share the acceptance of our abstract entitled “TesticularSelf Examination Among University Students: Application of Integrated Behavioral Model” for the 2nd International SBCC Summit.

Although we didn’t get the chance for Oral presentation, I am sure we would have the opportunity to share more about our work and discuss with audience of the summit during the poster presentation session.

I am looking forward for attending the summit and sharing the experience with communication experts around the world. #SBBCSummit.

What Works? Shifting Norms; Changing Behaviours; Amplifying Voice - #SBCCSummit

Submitted by pthordeg on Wed, 01/24/2018 - 03:31 Permalink

#SBCCSummit

Winning the Sponsorship Award of the 2nd International Social and Behavior Change Communication Summit will be the best opportunity that the participants would have to share their work, reflect on what works and learn from different experts and academician around the globe. #SBCCSummit.

I look forward hearing the winning of this scholarship award.. 

Submitted by AsiimweBrian on Sun, 01/28/2018 - 13:35 Permalink

As the days draw close, I can't wait to share my experiences of using various SBCC intervations to scale up reproductive health knowledge and services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women . # SBCC conference 

I am eager to hear from other SBCC proffesionals at the #SBCCsummit about;

  • How their interventions have effectively enabled them to provide youth friendly services to young people in peri urban and rural areas.
  • How have they met and approached the exisiting myths and misconceptions against young people receiving Modern contraception from their parents, teachers and local leaders.

And share highlights from our internvetions for young people to increase their uptake of SRH information and services in PSI Uganda and other organisations in Uganda.

It will be interested to identify chanllenges in the SBCC use and how we succeed to meet them. In my experience, assessment, monitoring  and learning help us to identify some gap and solve its. I'm really looking forward to discover differents challenge et succeed througt SBCC in developping countries, including yours. 

I'm  interested to various SBCC intervention to Scale up RH Knowledge and service amoung Girl and Women. Il will be great to include male, too. IN Mali, Benin, Niger, etc Men are barriers to women Reproductive health various SBCC intervations to scale up reproductive health knowledge and services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women. Hoping to discovers pertinent interventions of SBCC to solve health'sdifficulties. We are scaling up a intervention from Benin to Mali which shift social and gender norms for family planning use. 

Submitted by everlyn.matiri on Sun, 01/28/2018 - 21:31 Permalink

I am delighted to take part in the forthcoming SBCC/EE summit as this will give me the opportunity to learn new innovative ideas, theories and evidence based strategies and approaches for effective implementation of Social and Behavior Change Communication for improved public health interventions. i look forward to present several papers during this conference.

Submitted by aventh on Mon, 01/29/2018 - 05:24 Permalink

The SBCC Summit organisers have posted some useful guidance on how to raise funds to attend the SBCC Summit in Indonesia in April 2018.  It offers some tips on how to make the case within your organisation, as well as outside your organisation - for example, with funders who may already be supporting some of your organisation's projects.  Guidance includes a Talking Points document, as well as a template letter for potential sponsors. 

Ciick here for more information.

Wishing you lots of success with your fundraising endeavours! 

The CI Team

Submitted by ruthie on Tue, 01/30/2018 - 11:41 Permalink

Please join me at The 2018 International Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Summit scheduled to hold April 16-20, 2018 in Indonesia where I will be presenting three presentations on the impact of SBCC on programming.

The Entertainment Education has been utilised on the political scene in Uganda by our politicians. And there was a noticeable increase in information uptake and positive attitudes towards holding the government accountable.

I am eager to share more about how this worked here and learn how other countries have been able to utilise in their health sector. What are it's advantages and it's limitations? How have they measured it?

#SBCCSUMMIT #Whatworks #EE

According to The Addis Declaration;

SBCC is multidisciplinary. The problems we tackle are complex, requiring multiple methods, perspectives and solutions. No one discipline, not even SBCC, can solve these problems alone. We need to involve other disciplines in our work and also infiltrate other disciplines because we have a lot to offer – and to learn. We must train ourselves to speak the language of other professions and specializations.

Been reading up on The Addis Declaration. Very profound and enlightening. #SBCCSummit #WhatWorks

Get it here,

Profile picture for user bashbalga

The multi-disciplinary nature of SBCC is a true refletion of our world where barriers are being removed daily, identity being mutated and definitions becoming more vulnerable to serious scrutiny. Our world as it was known some dcades ago has changed dramatically. So also is various disciplines as they drop previous toga and take on new apparels. We are now in a world where 'Multi' becomes the singsong. Multi-tasking, muti-sectoral, multi- media and multi disciplinay among many others. The beauty of this development is that it opens up the space for more actors and makes us joint stakeholedr in changng our world for the better.