POPULATION INFORMATION FOR POLICY MAKERS

At the project"s outset, WHR will host a seminar for representatives of 15 of its affiliates on alternative communications techniques such as public relations research and writing, building organizational networks, and use of communications media. Relevant case studies of North and South American activities will also be evaluated. Participants will take a total of 90 observation tours throughout LAC countries and the United States. These discussions will help participants redesign their information/communication (I/C) strategies to meet respective national needs. A second seminar will be conducted to assess new skills and methodologies. With help from SDC, WHR affiliates will implement national I/C programs based on country-specific background papers on population issues such as national demographic trends, the impact of population on development, contraceptive knowledge and prevalence, and misunderstandings concerning population. With the help of six mailing lists, this material will be transposed into booklets, pamplets, etc. and distributed to 10,000 leaders in each country. In addition, 120 seminars will channel information to another 2,400 leaders. To gain an accurate perspective of local climates, FP"s will assess leadership attitudes, conduct public opinion polls, and collect local baseline data from existing sources. Six annotated bibliographies of population research and policy analysis will be published. Mass media programs, radio, television, posters, etc. will further build grass roots support. Finally, four public relations units will be established within selected WHR affiliates to organize and offer technical assistance in public relations to local citizens and political leaders.