The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
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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Published 26 years ago
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American Indian Tobacco Education Network - USA

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The American Indian Tobacco Education Network (AITEN) consists of dedicated people and agencies seeking to enhance general health relating to tobacco use by American Indians. Their mission is to promote, support and protect the health, traditions and cultural values of American Indians as they related to sacred tobacco use and commercial tobacco abuse.
Communication Strategies

An educational campaign targets American Indian youth, communities are assisted in mobilising the elimination of tobacco, developing messages and activities through WITHEPATTS, a multicultural youth advocacy centre was established, collaboration with other ethnic networks allowed for a youth advocacy conference. Mini-grants are also provided for local tobacco control support programs.
Development Issues

Health, smoking, tobacco control, youth, education, ethnic communities
Key Points

Pro-tobacco influences are countered with educational campaigns aimed at American Indian youth, reducing youth access, and supporting other anti-smoking projects throughout California. AITEN encourages American Indian communities to be innovative in developing strategies that best reach their members, and promotes the AITEN mission of respecting the sacred use of tobacco and discouraging commercial tobacco use.
Partners



American Indian Tobacco Network, WITHEPATTS, California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section.