|
How does change happen? . . . in local communities, in businesses, in non-governmental organisations or even in global networks the issues are the same. At the heart of them is communication, shared knowledge and shared understanding.
I’ve worked with large and small organisations, in community and corporate situations, and I have a body of experience in how communications can help people work together, and in how new digital media can be a valuable part of this process. The locations and applications are diverse – from global PLCs to disaster-affected villages; but the principles are surprisingly similar.
I work with groups who really want to make a difference. You will find case studies and illustrations on this site - as well as resources which reflect the fact that I am also researching more effective use of communications in communities to achieve change.
Theory into Practice: Building a network and galvanising a global team to reduce the global impact of disasters
The Global Network for Disaster Reduction (www.globalnetwork-dr.org) is my current project. 400 participating organisations in 50 countries collaborate in this action network. Our main programme to date has been collaboration to produce a community level perspective and report on the realities of Disaster Reduction at the 'frontline' where billions of people live, work, and contend with natural disasters - many of them climate driven.
The programme is entitled 'Views from the Frontline' and has made a major impact on the UN's own ten-year programme on disaster reduction. Margareta Wahlstrom, the UN's special adviser for disaster reduction, said:-
“Views from the Frontline shifted the agenda at GP-DRR 2009 (the UN biennial conference on Disaster Reduction) towards a focus on execution of the Hyogo Framework (The UN ten-year programme) at the local level”
The network is a dynamic and exciting example of what I call an 'action network' in development. Some of the learning from its development is included in a paper I produced for ISCRAM 2010, which you can read here
Got to get out more . . .
Too long sitting at a computer does your head in. I regularly get out into the field to get my feet on the ground, most recently working on a participative video in Ethiopia. Here's an account of an earlier road trip . . . Views from the TanZam Highway.
talking about different reactions to images is one way people start to learn from difference. What's your take? whatisit@terrygibson.org
click here
The small print: See legal details of the business here
|
