Advocacy & CommunicationSampark

Sampark Network in knowledge era

Sampark means Blend of Journalism & Activism Strong grass root links An organisation based on the triumvirate of Information,

Communication & Advocacy An advocacy model that emerged out of the efforts of

socially conscious journalists and pragmatic activists A Public Interest Advocacy & Communication Resource Organization based in Mumbai

Sampark believes that

Social change is always relevant But provocative agitations are not..

Patient persuasion can break the strongest resistance & advocacy is the modern science of persuasion..

Sampark

Works across NGOs, political parties & media organisations

Initiates dialogue with all the stakeholders Gathers factual information Analyzes & frames issues Facilitates capacity building Orients, communicates, advocates

Sampark

Media is booming An urgent need to demystify media is

perceived. On the other hand, haze about ‘grass

root’ in the perception of the-metro-priority-media needs to be cleared.

Sampark

Thinks that the challenge before the stakeholders in

development sector is in being progressive without negating tradition, and embracing the ‘grass root’ without being orthodox

it is a walk on the tightrope we possess tools such as appropriate

communication & advocacy capabilities that strike a balance and prevent a fall.

Sampark

Provides capacity building programmes For the activists Training in advocacy skills Training in communication skills Training in documentation skills Training in campaign designing Application of RTI Act Application of NREGA Orientation to the mainstream media

Sampark

Plays role to make alliances between Journalists & activists Policy makers & NGOs Opinion makers & volunteers NGOs working on the same issue in

different geographical locations Professionals & social workers

Sampark & MNHSince 1996, we are advocating the issue of Maternal &

newborn Health (MNH) Care in Maharashtra.We have made efforts to project & resolve this issue by

lobbying with all the four pillars of democracy Legislature Executive Judiciary Media

Sampark & MNHAnd following happened An arm of Government machinery was formed to deal with the issue

exclusively. GR was issued to make it mandatory to count & report the number of

child deaths. MNH Mission was set up to handle the issue. Since 2001, the issue was discussed in each assembly session which

resulted in formation of a State level committee. Our intervention in suo moto case on MNH in Mumbai HC resulted in

formation of a committee of activists to monitor government’s efforts to prevent child deaths & malnutrition.

(Three of the Sure Start partners including Sampark are members of the HC appointed committee)

Mainstream media was appropriately oriented about the MNH issue in all its aspects.

A strong public opinion was generated on the MNH issue.

Sampark in Sure Start

Contributes in capacity building of Lead Partners for

advocacy for urban MNH care sensitization of local media on urban

MNH issues Providing information support to lead

partners and consortium members

Sampark in Sure Start

Contributes in Arranging training workshops for all

partners in advocacy, campaign designing, documentation and communication.

Orienting local media persons on MNH & related issues and organizing partners’ interface with media at each site

Sampark in Sure Start

Shall make contributions to Strategise advocacy plan Identify, document and disseminate cases and other processes Publish, broadcast & telecast success stories in media