Interactive Discussion

From Felipe Gutierrez on Communication and Awareness Raising

On February 26th, our Communication for Social Mobilization & Political Impact Group held a roundtable discussion with our Brazilian partners working on GIA’s Southern Amazonas – Northern Rondônia focal mosaic.  
 
Six amazing institutions (COIAB, IEB, KANINDÉ, IDESAM, OPAN and WWF) joined our “bate-papo” on “Communication and Awareness for Social Mobilization and Political Incidence in the Amazon.”
 
This initial dialogue allowed participants to reflect on their experiences (challenges and opportunities) and share a great pool of innovative tools and strategies to advance this important agenda. Here are some examples:
 
-Combine forces through cross-scalar networks and partnerships, such as the BR-319 Highway Observatory or Rede Juruena Vivo;
 
-Offer training and work together with citizen communicators (like indigenous leaders and youth), and influencers through social media campaigns;         
 
-Collaborate with national and international journalists and news agencies, as well as public prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies; and by
 
-Taking advantage of technology by developing and using podcasts and smartphone apps, among others.
 
Our discussion also focused on the effectiveness of communication strategies moving beyond awareness raising, and how to monitor their actions and progress.   
   
Recommendations included the necessity to speak to diverse audiences and understand diverse biases, experiences, shaped values and worldviews.   
 
Some questions for our community of practice and learning discussion:
 
So how do we reach diverse audiences for social mobilization and political incidence in the Amazon? What tools do we have? What is working and what is not? How to move forward. We’d love to hear your thoughts.