Global Alliance - Meeting Agendas, Notes and Papers

My apologies that these are a little late coming. Humma (UNICEF) had these prepared very quickly after we finished the meeting. I had some follow up meetings post-Summit and then managed to break a few ribs - a direct result of refusing to believe the aging process! 

1. The notes from the Alliance meeting in Nusa Dua on April 19th can be accessed and the file downloaded at this link or as an attachment to this comment when you view it online. 

2. The agenda for that meeting - can also be downloaded as a file at this link or an attachment when you view this comment online.

All comments most welcome.

Thanks - Warren

To: Participating organisations - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Hi folks - a couple of quick questions for your below concerning the meeting pattern for the Alliance. Please reply by email in the context of below and we will compile the responses. This will be helpful for the full Alliance meeting on Wednesday May 23rd at 10 am EST.

1. Proposed schedule for full Alliance conference calls - 3rd Thursday in every month at 10am EST commencing June 21st, 2018 (initial meeting remains Wednesday May 23rd at 10 am EST). Plus please see 5 below related to the next in-person meeting for 2018

2. Proposed schedule for Evidence and Impact cluster conference calls - 2nd Tuesday in every month at 10 am EST -  commencing Tuesday June 12, 2018

3. Proposed schedue for Policy Engagement cluster conference calls - 2nd Wednesday in every month at 10 am EST - commencing Wednesday June 13, 2018 

4. Proposed schedule for Alliance Infrastructure cluster conference calls - 2nd Thursday in every month at 10 am EST - commencing Thursday June 14, 2018

5. Propose that an in-person meeting of the full Global Alliance be held in the context of the High Level Political Forum process in New York, on the morning of July 18th, 2018 (8-30am to 12-30pm) immediately following the HLPF. 

Thanks for replying by returm email with your responses - Warren

AGENDA: Full GLOBAL ALLIANCE Conference Call

Wednesday May 23, 2018 at 10 am EST TO 11-30AM EST

Call-In numbers follow below.  

AGENDA (all times are EST)

10-00am - Convene call (Warren)

10-00am - Quick round of people and orgs on the call

10-05am - Meeting Chair commences the meeting (Rafael Obregon - UNICEF)

10-05am - ITEM 1: AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE - Update on progress with the formal document to be distributed soon from UNICEF for signature (Rafael) - with time made available for any  questions and clarifications. (You can access the draft Agreement to Cooperate here under Attachment)

10-20am - ITEM 2: POLICY ENGAGEMENT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration by the full Alliance (Rafael as convenor of that cluster). As background please see the notes from the Policy Engagement cluster on Feb 17, 2018 and background on ECOSOC  

10-35am - ITEM 3: EVIDENCE and IMPACT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration. (Should be led by Susan Krenn but she has a conflict - she will try to join at 11am - so Warren will step in). As background please see meeting notes from the May 16th meeting of the Cluster and the work in progress to develop the Evidence and Impact survey amongst Alliance participants.

10-50am - ITEM 4: INFRASTRUCTURE - Update on initial discussions by this Cluster (Lisa Hilmi), The core principles and direction from the consultation and interim group phase can be reviewed at this link.

11-00an - ITEM 5: OPEN DISCUSSION - an opportunity for organizations involved to raise and questions, issues or opportunities related to the development of the Alliance. As Chair Rafael to provide a summary at 11-25am

11-30am - Meeting close

CALL IN NUMBERS

SKYPE URL Address - https://meet.unicef.org/cbondanza/0DMSYLFJ

Join by phone

Conference ID: 676290028
 
 
United States : +16467571480                       
Switzerland : +41225083200                                                 
United Kingdom : +443300102423                  
Jordan : +96265509679                     
Panama : +5073017399                                                  
South Africa : +27879403508                                              
France : +33176542732                     
Netherlands : +31705680050                            
Australia : +61730628687                  
Brazil : +556136860910                                        
Italy : +390552033399                     
 

Conference ID: 676290028

NOTES

Full GLOBAL ALLIANCE Conference Call

Wednesday May 23, 2018 at 10 am EST TO 11-30AM EST
 
 
Participants

BREAKTHROUGH - Sohini Bhattacharya and Urvashi Gandhi
GLOBAL FORUM FOR MEDIA DEVELOPMENT - Anne Marie Hammer

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL MARKETING ASSOCIATION - Patrick Cook
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CCP - Elizabeth Serlemitsos and Doug Storey

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS - Brett Davidson
SAVE THE CHILDREN - Antje Becker-Benton and Paula Valentine
SOUL CITY - Sue GoldsteinUSAID - Hope Hempstone

USAID - Hope Hempstone (with apology from Kama Garrison)
UNICEF - Rafael Obregon, Vincent Petit and Carla Daher

WARREN FEEK and ADELAIDA TRUJILLO

Apologies: Minga, BBC Media Action, IAMCR, ICA, Gates Foundation

Warren convened the meeting, and Rafael chaired the discussion.

AGENDA ITEM 1: AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE

Rafael pointed out two key points; a formal letter from UNICEF’s Director of the Programme Division will be sent to the designated signatories of each alliance member. The letter will acknowledge each partner’s engagement and decision to join the alliance, and request the formal signing of the agreement. In addition, the intention is to have all members sign the same letter of agreement. Rafael and Warren will coordinate how to do this. Rafael asked that each member provides the name and contact information of the individual the letter should be sent to. Some partners on the call immediately provided that information.
 
Action point: All members to confirm re who in their respective organizations will sign the letter.

AGENDA ITEM 2: POLICY ENGAGEMENT
 
Rafael reported on this cluster’s discussion held last week - notes are at this link. As it had been stated in the preliminary action plan, an immediate action point is to engage in the HLPF through a non-official event that will introduce the alliance. It’s been suggested that the event take place on July 18th, at the end of the HLPF events, to allow for more planning time. In addition to introducing the alliance, the event will provide an opportunity to share key outputs from the work being undertaken by the Evidence cluster. In addition, this event will be preceded or followed by an in-person meeting of alliance members. Anibal Gaviria, former mayor of Medellin, is a potential speaker as his experience in Medellin could lend itself well to the HLPF focus on cities. Adelaida (CI) reported that Gaviria is interested and available. Adelaida also suggested to engage the Colombian Ambassador to the UN as a potential member state sponsor of the event which will raise its profile, and consequently of the alliance.
 
Action points:

Rafael to follow up with Adelaida re engagement of Colombia’s ambassador and Gaviria’s participation.
Rafael to convene second call of the cluster next week which will focus directly on the planning of the event.

AGENDA ITEM 3: EVIDENCE and IMPACT

As Susan Krenn was unable to attend this call, Warren stepped in to report on the Evidence and Impact work. He recapped the Evidence and Impact Cluster  meeting notes from May 16th which can be reviewed at this link.  Also referenced was the background note on the High Level Political Forum - at this link. 

The main focus of the discussion was on the sort term proposal concerning a survey of the Alliance partners to identify the evidence and impact that they can consider compelling der Issues and questions that energed include the following (with reference to the notes from the small group planning the survey - can be reviewed here). 

1. The time frame for the surevy was considered a bit long - reduce to two or three weeks for Alliance responses. 
2. There was a discussion concerning whether to have a drop down list of metholdogies or allow people to enter their on descriptions.
3. A point was raised that what is considered "compelling" could be context specific - we were asked to take that into account with the language in the introduction and the questions.
4. The relationship to the HLPF process was stressed - it will be an important document for that policy work. 
5. For this short-term survey it was requested that "grey" literature be permitted. 

Action: There was agreement to proceed promptly with the survey process when the survey itself was complete and ready

AGENDA ITEM 4:INFRASTRUCTURE

Rafael reported on behalf of Lisa Hilmi, CORE Group, the cluster lead. Currently this is the smallest cluster as it only includes Rafael, Lisa Hilmi, CORE Group, and the CI. Rafael summarized key points of the cluster’s discussion, especially on the following:
 

1. There would be short and medium goals/plan that we need to set.
2. The topic of a Strategic plan was brought up, with specific activities that link to the focus areas; This would be the short term plan and as things progress, a longer term plan could be developed
3. Definition of principles
4. There needs to be short and medium term goals, as well as a discussion on the legality, bylaws, governance beyond the Steering Committee and 25 members, accountability mechanisms for goals that are set
5. Branding/Identity issue - We could easily have consultations over an identity with a couple of options drawn up by a consultant prior to the HLPF
6. Resources and funding, including “minimum funding for the first year”.
7. Patrick asked about what should be prioritized – Rafael responded that both sets of issues need to be given equal attention – governance, bylaws, workplan, etc., and resourcing – financial and human- for the first year.

 
Rafael reiterated the need to bring in more members to work on this cluster – Sue Goldstein tentatively offered to join, but has to check with Soul City; Patrick Cook, ISMA, and Brett Davidson, Soros, offered to help starting in July. Patrick aid that ISMA has shifted from an association to an alliance model, and that experience could be helpful.

 
Action point – Sue, Patrick, Brett to confirm they will join the infrastructure cluster starting in July.

 
On the resources issue, Brett also added that once the Alliance defines more clearly its financial and human resource needs they might be in a better position to offer some level of in-kind support. Rafael also mentioned that starting in July a UNICEF staff member will dedicate a percentage of his/her time to support the functioning of the alliance.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 
On AOB, Antje suggested that the monthly calls of the Alliance take place on TH or Wed. Warren will send a doodle poll to check on members preference, but Wednesday has been proposed as an option. Also, some ideas were put forward to ensure that in future calls, to the extent possible, all members engage in the discussion.

 
Action points: Members to confirm preference for monthly calls.

 
Rafael thanked everyone, and invited those members that have not yet done so to consider volunteering for one of the clusters.
 
 

AGENDA - FULL GLOBAL ALLIANCE MEETING - THURSDAY JUNE 28TH - 10 AM NEW YORK TIME

Call-In numbers follow below.

CHAIR - Rafael Obregon (UNICEF)

AGENDA

10-00AM - Convene Call (Warren)

10-00am - Quick round of people and orgs on the call

10-05am - Meeting Chair commences the meeting (Rafael Obregon - UNICEF)

10-05am - ITEM 1: AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE - Update on progress with the formal document (Rafael)

10-15am - ITEM 2: POLICY ENGAGEMENT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration by the full Alliance (Rafael as convenor of this cluster).

1. Progress related to High Level Political Forum event
2. Other policy engagement opportunities
3. Long term thinking on the role of the Alliance with Policy Engagement
4. Other

Background documentation includes:

Notes - POLICY ENGAGEMENT Cluster meeting - June 19, 2018

Draft Concept note - The Global Alliance and the HLPF

10-35am - ITEM 3: EVIDENCE and IMPACT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration. (Susan Krenn as convenor of this cluster)

1. Progress with Alliance participants survey - compelling data
2. Progress - parameters for longer term most compelling evidence process
3. Progress - Global Alliance SBCC Evidence Review process
4. Other

Background documentation includes:

Notes - EVIDENCE AND IMPACT Cluster meeting - June 20, 2018

Survey: Global Alliance: Compelling Evidence and Impact Data - What do you use or quote? - Please complete by June 30, 2018 if not already done

Survey: Global Alliance: Focus and paramaters for long term compelling evidence work - please complete by June 30, 2018 if not already done

10-50am - ITEM 4: INFRASTRUCTURE - Update on initial discussions by this Cluster (Lisa Hilmi as a key contributor)

1. Progress - Principles on which to build the Alliance organizational framework
2. Progress - By-laws development
3. Update - Integrated work plan and budget document (assigned to Warren)
4. Update overall possible organisational models (assigned to Rafael)
5. Other

Background documentation includes:

Meeting Notes - INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER - JUNE 21, 2018

Core ALLIANCE Organisational Principles - Redraft

11-00an - ITEM 5: OPEN DISCUSSION - an opportunity for organizations involved to raise and questions, issues or opportunities related to the development of the Alliance

11-30am - Meeting close

CALL IN NUMBERS

SKYPE for BUSINESS
https://meet.unicef.org/cbondanza/WMQNQWGC

Join by phone

Conference ID: 60875573
 
 
United States : +16467571480
Switzerland : +41225083200 
Hungary : +3617909400 
United Kingdom : +443300102423
Jordan : +96265509679  
Panama : +5073017399 
Cambodia : +85523260206  
South Africa : +27879403508 
Bulgaria : +35924928220  
Denmark : +4578793993 
France : +33176542732 
Netherlands : +31705680050 
Australia : +61730628687  
Brazil : +556136860910
Belgium : +3228080292
Greece : +302112340307  
Italy : +390697632494
Italy : +390552033399 
Albania : +35544548424
Moldova :  +37322893037  
Georgia : +995322422802 
Ukraine : +380443922163 
Austria : +43720775772 
Turkey : +902127055614  
Thailand: +6623049399
Serbia : +381114410154 

Conference ID: 60875573

Please let us know if you need other numbers

NOTES - FULL GLOBAL ALLIANCE MEETING - Thursday June 28th 2018

10-05am - Meeting Chair commenced the meeting (Rafael Obregon - UNICEF)

10-05am - ITEM 1: AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE - Update on progress with the formal document (Rafael)

1. High Level Political Forum event 
2. Other policy engagement opportunities
3. Long term thinking on the role of the Alliance with Policy Engagement

Notes:

a. Still awaiting the names of people to send to from some of the organizations
b. Stressed sending the letter of agreement to someone senior in the organisation
c. Rafael will do some individual follow-ups

10-15am - ITEM 2: POLICY ENGAGEMENT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration by the full Alliance (Rafael as convenor of this cluster).

Notes:

a. Confirmation of Federico Restrepo as presenter. Has been instrumental in the development of the city of Medellin. Federico has confirmed his availability and interest. A meeting is planned for next week to orient and brief. 

b. There will be a further presentation on one of the other SDGs, most likely Water and Sanitation. Rafael will follow up with the WASH section in UNICEF New York.

c. There is balance in gthe 2 presentations - Medellin is public policy and WASH is sectoral and programme

d. For both linkages are made to theSocial and Behaviour Change Summit

e. Outreach will take place across all of our networks. 

f. The venue will be the Millennium Hotel in New York. 

g. James asked about the formal HLPF process. The response was that we were too late to be fornally engaged. So for this one we are in the margins. 
 
h. Lisa asked about he target group - who to attend? who do we want there? The response was that we were after a combination of Country Mission staff, UN agencies and civil society organisations engaged in the HLPF process.

i. Rafael raised the issue of to other possible fora - eg the UNGA, World Bank Meetings. Not just a UN focus. Need to explore other fora and opps. Will circulate in next few days. 

10-35am - ITEM 3: EVIDENCE and IMPACT - Update on the strategy being developed and identification of issues for consideration. (Susan Krenn as convenor of this cluster)

1. Progress with Alliance participants survey - compelling data
2. Progress - parameters for longer term most compelling evidence process
3. Progress - Global Alliance SBCC Evidence Review process
4. Other

Notes:

a. Updates have been posted across all of these developmentss

b. Alliance participants survey - response is still low - so extended to June 30th, 2018 . Expect a flood of responses in next few days!

c. Parameters - what was important re collecting evidence - recirculate the link again

d. A small working group has been formed to look at the longer term evidence and impact strategy. This group has met a number of times. An initial draft has been developed with the preliminary ideas how a review process would take place. This sub-groupp is meeting weekly.

e. Potential was noted for using the SDGs to frame the other areas of the work of the Alliance. For example related to any advocacy process.

f. Ketan asked abiut gathering research and evaluaiton data from the range of languages. This was agreed and noted.

g. James asked about the link between the policy engagement work and the evidence initiatives. This was also agreed - the impact data would/could be powerful policy engagement material. 

h. Rafael stressed the importance of getting started with a  compilation of most compelling data overall.

i. A suggestion was made to organise the evidence around the SDgs themesleves. This will be considered by the Evidence and Impact Cluster.

10-50am - ITEM 4: INFRASTRUCTURE - Update on initial discussions by this Cluster (Lisa Hilmi as a key contributor)

1. Progress - Principles on which to build the Alliance organizational framework
2. Progress - By-laws development
3. Update - Integrated work plan and budget document (assigned to Warren)
4. Update overall possible organisational models (assigned to Rafael)
5. Other

Notes:

a. Lisa outlined that work has taken place on some of the key foundational elements for the infrastructure of the Alliance.

b. That this cluster was now transitioning to the details of the governance document, for example the by-laws that will govern who the Alliance is run.

c. This will work will include examining how other similar Alliances have operated at that detailed level

d. A workplan is also being developed for the initial one to two years - this will be done after the HLPF process in New York has concluded.

e. Discussion moved to questions of ethics.

f. Tom raised the possibility of developing a code of ethics for SBCC - something that may buttress the by-laws themselves

g. James stressed that 2 things were really needed (a) an ethical code and (b) the equivalent of a hypocratic oath - eg “the work we do is for the publics we serve’ - a do no harm principle.

h. It was agreed that a sub-committee would be formed within the Infrastructure Clsuter to focus on ethics.

i. Tom agreed to lead and convene that cluster.

j. IAMCR highlighted that the idea of working on ethics was part of the discussion re their role in the Alliance

k. Sue G raised a major concern about how Southern orgs can participate more fully. She felt that at present they were very much the poor cousins who can commit time but have no funding travel to travel to the North for meetings etc.

l. Alternate North and South meetinsg were suggested, though difdicult to get around the UN meetings all being in the North.

m. Rafael - looked at the issue in previous discussions - alternating meetings North and South and piggy-backing on regional .

n. Lisa highlighted that a core principle of the overall Alliance was 50% Southern orgs. This makes it really important that the process matches the core organisational principles.

o. Some kind of equalizaton travel pool was suggested. 

11-30am - Meeting close

Participants:

Tom Jacobsen
Sue Goldstein
Susan Krenn
Urvashi
Rafael Obregon
James Deane
Charlotte Lapsansky
Lisa Hilmi
Ketan Chitnis
Antje Becker-Benton

Warren Feek (Secretariat)

To; The Global Alliance for Social and Behavuour Change - Informed and Engaged Societies

From: Warren

Hi - attached please find the draft agenda for the Alliance Meeting on Wedensday, July 18th 9-30am to 1pm New York time. We will also attach to the email reminder that will be sent soon. It is draft - all comments very welcome.

PLease also see this communication just sent re this week.

Warren (and on behalf of Rafael) 

To: Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Informed and Engaged Societies

Hi folks - just a quick update that the notes from the Alliance meeting on July 18th will come to you tomorrow. I made a deciison to make these very extensive as so much was covered. so, taking more time than expected. Will send tomorrow.

To: Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Informed and Engaged Societies

Best wishes - attached (when you click "Please click to review, comment and access any attachments" in this email - will remember to attach this time!) are the notes from the Alliance meeting convened in New York on July 18, 2018 after the HLPF event. These notes are much more detailed than for the regular monthly call. Please do review and let me know any areas missed or ones that require additional details or correction. As an FYI based on these notes and the Cluster meetings we are putting together a draft Oct 1 2018 to Sept 30, 2019 plan and budget. So please do let us know any corrections or further ideas.

Thanks - Warren

To: Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Hi folks. Tomorrow I will develop and send the agenda for the Global Alliance meeting on Thursday August 30th at 10 am New York time.

If you have any specific items that you wish to include in this agenda can you pleasae send to me by reply email by noon NY time on Tuesday August 28th.

Thanks - Warren 

Agenda - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change – Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Thursday 30th August 2018 at 10 am New York time

 Chair: Rafael Obregon (UNICEF)

1.    Introductions – make sure that everyone on the call knows each other (Rafael)

2.    Agreement to Cooperate

Update on progress on the send of this for consideration and signature (Rafael)

Questions and suggestions

 
3.    Evidence and Impact Cluster (Chair – Susan Krenn)

a.     Update on progress with the work of the Cluster (Susan)

b.     Specific update on Alliance participating orgs survey - Global Alliance: Compelling Evidence and Impact Data - What do you use or quote?  (Warren)

c.      Specific update on the longer term process to identify the most compelling impact data (Susan and Doug)

 
Questions and suggestions

The notes from the most recent Evidence and Impact Cluster meeting with updates and decisions on these items can be reviewed at this link

The full Evidence and Impact Cluster thread can be reviewed at this link

4.    Policy Engagement Cluster (Chair – Rafael Obregon)

a.     Update on progress with the work of this Cluster (Rafael)

b.     Reflections on the High Level Political Forum initiative (Rafael)

c.      Identification of main policy engagement and influence opportunities (Rafael)

 
Questions and suggestions

 
The notes from the most recent Policy Engagement Cluster meeting with perspectives and decisions on these items can be reviewed at this link

The full Policy Engagement Cluster thread can be reviewed at this link
 

5.    Infrastructure Cluster (Chair – Lisa Hilmi)

a.     Update on progress with work of this Cluster (Lisa Hilmi or substitute as Lisa has a Board meeting that could clash – iiuc)

b.     Branding (Patrick Cook)

c.      Ethics (Tom Jacobson)

d.     Operating procedures and bylaws (Lisa Hilmi)

e.     2 page explanation (Patrick Cook)

f.      Web presence (Rafael Obregon)

Questions and suggestions

The notes from the most recent Infrastructure Cluster meeting with decisions related to these items can be reviewed at this link

The full Infrastructure Cluster thread can be reviewed at this link

 
6.    Alliance - 2018/2019 Work plan

This work is being undertaken by the Infrastructure Cluster. It is still preliminary and (very draft).  All Clusters are asked to review at this link – see attachment – by September 7, 2018 (Rafael)

7.    Any other Business

NOTES - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change – Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Thursday 30th August 2018 at 10 am New York time

Chair: Rafael Obregon (UNICEF)

1. Introductions

PARTICIPANTS: Doug Storey and Susan Krenn (JHU), James Deane (BBC), Patrick Cook (ISMA), Sue Goldstein (Soul City), Erma Manoncourt (IUHPE), Paula Valentine (Save the Children), Rafael Obregon (UNICEF), Charlotte Lapsansky (UNICEF), Tom Jacobson (IAMCR), Debra Freitas (CORE Group). Numerous apologies received due vacations and board meetimgs.

2.    Agreement to Cooperate - Update on progress on the send of this for consideration and signature (Rafael)

NOTES:

Rafael provided the update. The cover letters and Agreement to Cooperate document will be sent very soon. We are
asking for quick responses. When we have responses we can decide on any replacement organisations if required. Those decisions should be by the full Alliance.

3.    Evidence and Impact Cluster (Chair – Susan Krenn)  - Update on progress with the work of the Cluster (Susan); Specific update on Alliance participating orgs survey - Global Alliance: Compelling Evidence and Impact Data - What do you use or quote?   (Warren); and, Specific update on the longer term process to identify the most compelling impact data (Susan and Doug). The notes from the most recent Evidence and Impact Cluster meeting with updates and decisions on these items can be reviewed at this link

NOTES

Susan Krenn provided an overview of the work of this Cluster - work that had slowed down over summer but was now ramping up. There is a small working group examining and collecting the evidence for the long-term effort to identify the most compelling impact evidence. Warren has been leading on the top 5 pieces of evidence as identified by the Alliance participating organisations. This will be a starting point for the  evidence work. Susan stressed the importance of linking up the Evidence and Policy Clusters. Further mention was made of the potential to have a dialogue with WHO in order to possible align with or maybe link to their evidence gap map wok on Maternal and Child Health.  Rafael will lead on setting up a call to involve Susan, Doug, Rafael, Warren and any others in the Alliance process who may be interested. Susan then turned over to Doug, Warren and Rafael for fuller details. 

Doug outlined the systematic review process, the details of which is being fleshed out. Key search based on the SDGs have been identified. Geogrpahy will of course look after itself. An initial list of strategic and programming terms that will cover our common fiield of work has been developed and is being reviewed. The next step is to build the search algorithm. JHU have asked one of their information science experts to design the search process. This will then be tested on an agreed "piece of the pie" - for example 2 of the SDGs in order to assess and review the overall process. This test should happen over the next couple of months.  

Warren updated on the Compelling Evidence and Impact Data - What do you use or quote? survey amongst the participating organisations in the Alliance. There have been a number of responses. These have all been organised with a specific emphasis on keeping the responses anonymous as promised; being able to review the full details of each piece of evidence submitted; answers to "Q6: Please include the best extracts from the relevant paper, article, book (chapter) or other publication that highlight the evidence for the impact of a communication for development, social change, behaviour change, public engagement, informed citizen strategy on a development issue and priority."  There is one Alliance participating organisations that is a major resarch organisation in this field of work that has still not completed but that is promised over the next few days. So we will wait until then before sharing all results as it is important that there is no "cross-contamination".  

Rafael picked up the WHO linking possibility. Following a meeting in Geneva he proposed that we have a dialogue with the MNCH team at WHO that had conducted their Evidence Gap Map study. It was agreed thta there should be a discussion over the next couple of days  with Annie and her team about any possible linkage. From the Alliance perspective that call to include Susan K, Rafael, Doug and Warren. Rafael to set up that call.

Issues raised include:

James said he had seen some recent Evidence Gap Map processes such as the recent one from 3ie on WASH. Expressed concern that it reduced our field of work to health messaging. Asked if we needed to look at where the evidence gap maps are taking place? Doug agreed but added that one of the challenges is that there are slightly different reasons for doing these. Our approach to global review is that we should be broad enough to look at where the work is taking place. Warren recalled that there had been dicussion of a possible Cochrane review which may address this issue. Erma said she would check with IUHPE on their evidence and imapct work as there is a Working Group in this area.

4.    Policy Engagement Cluster (Chair – Rafael Obregon) - Update on progress with the work of this Cluster (Rafael); Reflections on the High Level Political Forum initiative (Rafael); and, Identification of main policy engagement and influence opportunities -  (Rafael). The notes from the most recent Policy Engagement Cluster meeting with perspectives and decisions on these items can be reviewed at this link

NOTES

Rafael provided further review comments on the High Level Political Forum describing it as a very interesting event where the two speakers provided excellent strategic insight and impact data on 2 of the SDGs being reviewed by the High Level Political Forum - SDGs 6 and 11 on Water and Sanitation, and Cities. Reaction had been very positive. 95 people had registered. There was good attention and discussion. This was also an opportunity for us to begin the introduction of the Alliance. Thanks were expressed to Adelaida Trujillo for her facilitation of the engagement of both the city of Medellin and the Government of Colombia Country Mission to the United Nations.

Continuing his remarks Rafael highlighted the learning for future HLPF events including a decision required whether to be a side event or an official event, the need for more advance planning, increased effort to mobilize key country level decision-makers to participate and a requirement for close working relationships with other  similar Alliances from other fields of Development action for increased weight of proposals.

Related to the internal Alliance processes Rafael stressed 2 developments: a forthcoming survey of Alliance participants to identify from their perspective the best policy engagement opportunities moving forward (for example the West Africa Francophone Summit, the World Bank Spring Meetings, the UN General Assembly); and, agreement that there needs to be a close working relationship with the Evidence and Impact Cluster to ensure that they enhance each other’s work.

On the latter point Doug suggested that one of the ways to do this would be for the initial test process of the compelling evidence research review could be on two of the SDGs that will be the focus for HLPF 2019. 

Erma asked if the Alliance will undertake an event at each of the annual HLPF meetings. Rafael replied that this was the intention and added that as HLPF 2019 had a major focus on SDG

5.    Infrastructure Cluster (Chair – Lisa Hilmi) - Update on progress with work of this Cluster; Branding; Ethics; Operating procedures and bylaws; 2 page explanation; and, Web presence (Rafael Obregon). The notes from the most recent Infrastructure Cluster meeting with decisions related to these items can be reviewed at this link
https://www.comminit.com/global/content/infrastructure-cluster-global-a…

NOTES

Lisa Hilmi was away at The CORE Group Board meeting so members of the Cluster picked up the various elements of the work of this Cluster.

Branding - Patrick shared that he is putting together a branding brief for the Alliance. An initial draft has been developed. Members of the Cluster have commented. The branding brief will be redone and then shared with the full Alliance for input and comment. This brief will be the basis for engaging and orienting a designer (to be identified) that UNICEF have offered to support to develop the Alliance brand profile.     The 2 page explanation of the Alliance will fit into that branding design process.

Ethics - Tom outlined the process that is underway to develop and promulgate a code of ethics of this field of work. This includes: the establishing of a small group to manage the process; the attracting of a further group to act as an external review process for the work being undertaken; and an initial plan is in draft form. Tom highlighted that efforts are being taken to ensure a good balance of people from different perspectives and contexts are engaged in the ethics work. Comments will be requested of the full Alliance on both the draft plan and the composition of the small core and review groups.

Questions were invited on both of these themes.

 
Erma contributed that something like this is really needed and asked if the Ethics processs was for the Alliance or whole field. Tom responded it is for both. Erma added that there were some very interesting issues to address including the overall purpose of the ethics process — eg enforcement vs encouragement balance.

James asked what problem we are trying to solve with an initiative like the ethics process. That it would be good to outline some of the concerns that an ethics process and statement was designed to address. As an example he observed some recent trends in this field of work that could be classed as attempts to manipulate people. Will the ethics process seek to address issues such as these? Perhaps there is also a problem with this field of work not always being regarded as seeking to work in the public interest — as opposed to the interests of a particular organisation. Was this something that could be addressed?

For time reasons these issues were left with Tom to pick up.

For the same time reasons other Infrastructure Clusters were left to be handled virtually. There was recognition of the Infrastructure Cluster decision that The Communication Initiative will host the Alliance online presence for the next 12 months and that UNICEF will provide the required funding support.

6.    Alliance - 2018/2019 Work plan

This work is being undertaken by the Infrastructure Cluster. It is still preliminary and (very draft).  All in the Alliance are asked to review and comment. at this link by September 14th, 2018.

TASKS, PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE AND SCHEDULE

From the above dialogue in the Alliance meeting the following tasks were agreed with people responsible and schedule identified.

A. Agreement to Cooperate letters to be sent for signature - Rafael Obregon - September 7th 2018

B. Agreement reached on the key search terms for the long term compelling evidence data work - Doug Storey - September 21st 2018

C. Initial test run of the search process for the long term compelling evidence data work - Doug Storey - October 19th 2018

D. Top 5 short term compelling evidence data collected from Alliance participating organizations to be shared for discussion and review - Warren Feek - September 12th, 2018

E. Survey of Alliance participating organizations to identify best policy engagement opportunities to be published and made available to the Alliance for completion - Rafael Obregon and Warren Feek - September 12th 2018

F. Discussion with WHO concerning possible linking with their Evidence Gap map process to have taken place - Rafael Obregon and to involve Susan, Doug and Warren from Alliance perspective - September 12th 2018

G. Draft of Branding strategy outline to be sent for critique and comment by Alliance participants - Patrick Cook - September 12th 2018

H. Draft of Ethics workplan to be sent for critique and comment by Alliance participants - Tom Jacobson - September 12th 2018

I. UNICEF and The CI to complete agreement for the online web process support - Rafael Obregon - September 26th, 2018

J. Draft Alliance work plan and budget to be resent to all in the Alliance for comments - Warren Feek - September 12th 2018

K. Comments to be received from all in the Alliance on the very draft work plan and budget - All - September 26th 2018

To: Focal Points - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Hi folks - 2 quick things:

1. A reminder of the full Global Alliance conference call on Thursday September 27th at 10 am New York time. It would be great if all involved organizations can be represented on the call. There is lots to go over and this is a crucial time in the development of the Alliance. Perhaps we could make this a voluntary mandatory meeting! (I know - oxymoron).

2. We will communicate the agenda tomorrow. Please send by close of business Tuesday 25th Sept any items that you wish to feature in the agenda for this meeting whether they have been raised in Cluster meetings or not. All proposals very welcome. 

As per normal the call in numbers will follow soon from Charita at Unicef.

Many thanks - Warren

AGENDA - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Call - Thursday October 4th, 2018 at 10 am to 11am New York time.

Call in instructions communicated from Charita at Unicef. 

Chair: Rafael Obregon

Overview: Following guidance from Rafael this agenda will focus on the draft key elements of the work plan October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019 and the associated draft budget. Please see the file "Alliance Work Plan and Budget (5)" attached when you click on “Please click to review, comment and access any attachments” above in this email.

1. Introductions - as there may be new people joining the call we will go around the table so that people can introduce themselves. (Rafael).

2. Work Plan October 1 2018 to September 30 2019.

Please see the draft version of this plan attached - Alliance Work Plan and Budget (5). It is in cell form for easy identification of key elements. Following this meeting a narrative version of the plan will be developed.

a. Review and refresh of the overall nature of the Alliance - this is the overall focus and context for the draft plan (Rafael Obregon)

See “Agreement to Cooperate (6)” attached.  

b. Draft plan - please see the file Alliance Work Plan and Budget (5) attached when you click on “Please click to review, comment and access any attachments”. Click on the green tab. We will handle in the following order with the convenors of each cluster taking the lead role for introducing and discussing that part of the plan. The purpose is to reach overall conclusions on the key elements of the plan for this 12 month period.

i. Policy Engagement Cluster plan (Rafael Obregon)

ii. Evidence and Impact Cluster (Susan Krenn)

iii. Infrastructure Cluster (Lisa Hilmi)

iv. Improving Funding levels for this field of work (Rafael and Warren)

v. Long term Secretariat Agreement (Rafael - who will propose a separate meeting in the near future for specific consideration of this item.)

vi. Overall comments and guidance on the 12 month plan (Rafael to facilitate discussion0)

3. Budget October 1 2018 to September 30 2019

In the same document as the plan - “Alliance Work Plan and Budget (5)” - attached when you click on “Please click to review, comment and access any attachments” - please click on the yellow tab - “Draft Budget 18-19”. This was reviewed and amended at the most recent Infrastructure Cluster meeting. They asked that this draft budget be referred to the full Alliance for input and decision if appropriate.

Lisa Hilmi as Infrastructure Cluster Convenor to introduce.

Rafael Obregon to chair the discussion and seek to reach a conclusion. 

4. Meeting Close

Notes from the full Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies) conference call - October 4th, 2018 at 10am New York time.

Present - James Deane (BBC Media Action; Susan Krenn, Elizabeth Serlemitsos and Doug Storey (Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs), Patrick Cook (International Social Marketing Association); Sue Goldstein (Soul City Institute for Social Justice), Rafael Obregon and Charlotte Lapsansky (Unicef); Antje Becker (Save the Children); Tom Jacobson and Doug Evans (International Association for Media and Communication Research);  Lisa Hilmi and Debora Freitas (The CORE Group); Anne Marie Hammer (Global Forum for Media Development); Sohini Battacharya (Breakthrough). (As some people joined during the call please let me know if I missed anyone - and apologies if I did).

Chair: Rafael Obregon (Unicef)

Agenda: The agenda is at this link

1. Introductions

Rafael facilitated a quick round of introductions

2. Work Plan October 1 2018 to September 30 2019.

Rafael asked Warren to introduce the draft work plan and budget that had been shared with all participants (attached again online). Warren made the following key points:

- the draft plan builds from the work pans identified in each cluster
- it is a draft in “cell” form for easy review
- following this discussion a narrative version will be developed that incorporates the changes and additions identified in todays meeting.
- Likewise with the budget - an amended version will be developed based on inputs.

Rafael (Chair) asked each of the convenors of the Cluster to take Alliance participants through their section of the draft plan and facilitate questions and responses.   

Evidence and Impact (Susan Krenn)

Susan provided the following the following orientation and update highlighting the short-term and long-term tracks. 

a. Long-term - the process outlined in the plan has resulted already in the distillation of a set of key search words and terms; and, the refining of phrases that cover strategies and principles that fully reflect our common field of work. Now work is taking place to construct the booleans expressions that will be the heart of the search process. These will be constructed by the end of October. As a first search step there will be a focus on just a couple of SDGs. Numbers 2, 3 and 6 (Hunger, Health and Wellbeing and Water and Sanitation) were proposed as they are relatively well known compared to other SDGs. This test process will enable a review and check to see that all elements are being covered.

b. Short-term - Susan asked Warren to update as he is leading on this. He outlined the progress made - 39 specific research and evaluation impact data studies identified by the organisations involved in the Alliance; full compilation of all of the results from that survey; extraction and compilation of the answers to the most compelling data question; and, further sharpening of that data to very short statements with kinks to the studies from which they are derived. The next steps as outlined in the draft plan are to publish these in their raw form and develop a short, narrative that incorporates the data identified by the Alliance orgs into an argument for this field of work - perhaps framed by the theme of the High Level Political Forum in 2019; “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”.

Susan then  opened the “floor” for discussion. Comments and inputs included:    

Rafael - highlighted that a connection has been made with WHO to confirm their participation within the Alliance. One element to be discussed is the learning from and any possible relationship to the WHO Evidence Gap Analysis work.

Rafael added a clarification that the Evidence and Impact work should not just be about health and that we will all need to reflect on what is the meaning of “evidence”. A call is being set up with WHO to discuss. It will mainly involve from the Alliance perspective, Rafael, Susan, Doug and Warren, but others are welcome to join. A doodle poll will be sent to establish a time for that call.

James highlighted that he felt the Evidence and Impact cluster had become overly focused on health dimensions, in particular with its long-term focused work.

Susan Krenn responded that the focus on the health related SDGs for the long term (2, 3 and 6 above) is only for testing processes; to check that the search query is capturing results that are on the mark. The full process will focus across all SDGs.

Doug supported this perspective highlighting that, for example, an early focus in the search process on SDG 16 “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels: would make a lot of sense.

Sohini asked how the evidence produced will be accessible?

Susan Krenn responded that this is a little further than we have got at present, but there has been discussion of (a) some kind of searchable data base (b) the generation of some  infographics and (c) the “production” of some pithy papers.
Warren - Child Health Summit - what we did

As an example Warren provided a little insight on the summarised and searchable database that was created from the USAID Child Health Evidence Summit http://www.comminit.com/evidencesummit/search/apachesolr_search/ and this capacity remains available through the interim Alliance web platform.

Antje asked if the list of search terms related to the strategic approaches of this field of work could be shared for review by all in Alliance process. Doug said that was possible and would be welcomed. It will be shared early in they week of October 8th, 2018.

Policy Engagement Cluster (Rafael Obregon)

Rafael highlighted that the next High Level Political Forum, planned for 9th to 18th July, 2018 in New York at the UN, with its overall focus on “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality” as the theme is very friendly terrain for our field of work. He ran through the specific SDGs that will be covered at the HLPF in 2019:

SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all;

SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all;

SDG 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries;

SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts;

SDG 16 -  Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and,

SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The Policy Engagement Cluster will commence work soon planning for HLPF 19. 

It was highlighted by Rafael that the policy engagement opportunities survey issued by the Policy Engagement Cluster - see this link - was crucial for the decision-making by this Cluster. All were encouraged to complete as soon as possible - would like all responses to be submitted by October 12th, 2018.

Finally Rafael outlined that thought was being given to the development of a policy document that draws from the evidence and promotes policy analysis and ideas from perspective of this field of work.

The floor was opened for discussion: 

Sue Goldstein was encouraged by the theme of empowering people, equality and inclusiveness. She stressed that this applied across the whole field of work and we need to bring that out in any initiatives that we take. The question is Sue stressed the importance of SDG 16 “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels” was crucial for this whole field of work.

Antje highlighted the need for our new entity to generate some trust in who are we are and what we do; to be more present.  This includes the upcoming Summits in regions.

Sohini highlighted that there is an Indian Entertainment-Education Alliance under Unicef and that Breakthrough is heavily involved in the Women Deliver Conference to be held in Vancouver, 3 to 6 June 2019.

Antje highlighted the Health System Strengthening Conference in Liverpool in which Save the Children is actively involved - assume that this is the link.

As people shared engagement ideas Rafael stressed the importance of putting these into the survey responses they submit. 

Susan highlighted the need for a one pager that outlined the Alliance. Lisa responded that this is is part of a suite of materials being developed by the Infrastructure Cluster as part of the whole dissemination and knowledge package.

Antje outlined the requirement for a bottom up advocacy channel - not just the Public Relations stuff

Infrastructure Cluster (Lisa Hilmi)

Lisa highlighted that we were running out of time for this meeting so she would quickly move through the Infrastructure related items. The team had been active across its main areas of responsibility: 

Branding - Lisa turned to Patrick who highlighted that with Unicef support ISMA was about to lead on the design elements for the Alliance - logo, letterhead, poster format, etc - the overall look and feel through which The Alliance will present itself.

Interim web site - Lisa communicated that after consideration of the options the Cluster had decided that The Communication Initiative would be invited to develop and operate the interim web site over the 1st year on The Ci platform but with unique Alliance branding. The Communication Initiative had accepted. Unicef will provide financial support. As part of that role The CI will be asking Alliance participants to provide their ideas on look and feel. Of course the design would be built around the design elements agreed and implemented through the ISAM lead branding process.

Susan Krenn returned to the 2 pager (or even better one pager) that is being designed by the Infrastructure Cluster. She asked for this very quickly due to some upcoming events. 

Ethics - Tom Jacobson updated people on progress with developing an Ethics “statement” from the Alliance. He asked that the draft plan be amended to a 2 year time from rather than the present one year which is too fast! Tom communicated that there is a plan for the  Ethics work that he will distribute to all for comment.

Agreement to Cooperate - Rafael picked up this item and communicated that the Agreement to Cooperate would be send to everyone soon (this week) with a cover note and the documents for signing. All signatures will then be combined into one core document. He also provided advance notice that the Infrastructure Cluster would soon return to the full Alliance for guidance on how to decide any additional organizations that could be invited to participate. There are 20 committed which leaves space for 10 more orgs.

By-laws - Lisa reported that there would soon be a set of by-laws produced for review by all.

Budget - Lisa highlighted that as we would not have an opportunity to review the budget in full could all participants please submit comments on the platform. The budget is attached at this link https://www.comminit.com/global/content/global-alliance-meeting-agendas… where you can also submit comments please. Warren was also asked to send a quick survey in order to receive comments on the budget.

As initial responses: Patrick said it looked pretty reasonable; and Lisa highlighted the need for everyone to eyeball the line items in order to see if we missed anything.

Hi folks - just a quick reminder that the next full Global Alliance Conference call will be this coming Thursday 25th October at 10am New York time. Please see Charita's (Unicef) email on October 22nd for connection information. If you have any specific items for the agenda please send them by reply email. Thanks - much appreciated - Warren 

AGENDA - Global Alliance for Social and Behaviour Change - Building Informed and Engaged Societies

Call - Thursday October 25th, 2018 at 10 am to 11am New York time.

Call in instructions communicated from Charita at Unicef.

Chair: Rafael Obregon

1. Introductions - as there may be new people joining the call we will go around the table so that people can introduce themselves. (Rafael).

2. Issues arising from the previous meeting on October 4th 2018 - notes are at this link

3. Agreement to Cooperate - progress update (Rafael Obregon)

4. Issues arising from the POLICY ENGAGEMENT CLUSTER meeting - please see notes at this link (Rafael Obregon)

5. Issues arising from the EVIDENCE AND IMPACT CLUSTER meeting - please see notes at this link (Susan Krenn)

6. Issues arising from the INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER meeting - please see notes at this link (Lisa Hilmi)
https://www.comminit.com/global/content/infrastructure-cluster-global-a…

6. Any other business

Notes: Full Global Alliance meeting - October 25th 2018

Participants: Rafael Obregon (Chair - UNICEF), Liane Comeau (IUHPE), Charlotte Lapsansky (UNICEF), Elizabeth Serlemitsos (JHU), Tom Jacobson (IAMCR), Sue Goldstein (Soul City), Antje Becker-Benton (Save the Children), James Deane (BBC Media Action), Warren Feek (The CI - Acting Secretariat)

1. Notes from previous call - anything anyone wants to bring up

There were no items raised from the notes from the previous call.

2. Agreement to Cooperate

Rafael apologized that the Agreement to Cooperate letters for the consideration and signature of each organisation had not yet been sent. UNICEF has had some internal issues that needed to be resolved. Senior management had also requested an update on the activities to date. The language also had to be aligned with the standard UNICEF text for such communications. Rafael stressed that these changes did not affect the substance of the Agreement to Cooperate in any way. There were no further comments. 

3. Policy Engagement Cluster

The main issues covered were:

a. Low response rate to the survey asking participating organizations to share the policy engagement opportunities that they considered priorities for the Alliance to engage: Only four organizations have responded to date despite numerous promote and pushes. Rafael opened a discussion on the reasons for the low response rate asking questions such as the nature of the survey, the information requested or a poor explanation of the purpose and added value? Susan Krenn explained that it was just time; that is all! Others agreed. Rafael suggested that individual calls may be required rather than a survey but people on the call did not feel that was necessary and would take more time than completing the survey. Sue Goldstein suggested that perhaps if the suggestions already submitted were circulated that may prompt further responses. Warren to do this. Susan Krenn suggested spitting these into two groups (a) within our field of work and (b) policy makers and funders with whom we would not normally engage. She indicated that her priority would be the latter group.

Tasks: Warren to circulate the Policy Engagement opportunities already submitted as a prompt for further responses to the survey.

b. Donors meetings: Rafael then turned to the two donor meetings mentioned in the Policy Engagement notes - Media development donors and Social and Behaviour Change donors. In relation to these meetings it was agreed to use the SBCC Summit Declaration as the key policy advocacy document.

c. HLPF 2019: Rafael reported that the Policy Engagement cluster was now looking at how best to get organized for that event. He asked who was interested in working on this. GFMD expressed interest. Soul City was interested in the anti-violence against women part of the SD16 agenda. Susan Krenn highlighted the importance of the evidence and impact data for this policy engagement work. Related to IUHPE Liane expressed interest in catching up on the Policy Engagement cluster as there seemed to be potential there for interesting opportunities for engagement.

4. Evidence and Impact

Susan Krenn provided an update. Related to the shorter term process Warren is working on synthesizing the data from Alliance into a narrative that will act as an advocacy tool. On the longer term, more in-depth and comprehensive initiative to identify impact data related to each of the SDGs Susan reported that work was taking place to refine the search tool so that it covers the full field of work. There should be preliminary results by the end of the year in relation to just a couple of SDGs. This will also allow the Evidence and Impact Cluster to test and further refine the search process.

Finally there was a call with WHO to compare notes as they had undertaken a search related to maternal and new born health. The main take aways from that call were: (a) Good to talk with one another; (b) Helpful to share documentation - share the tool will use and Annie will share some of the documentation - plus from Breakthrough Research (c) Plan to have further check-in points at different times; and (d) May try to align some of the definitions.

Rafael provided his thoughts including: (a) Alliance looking at a broader set of issues than WHO- not just health and (b) suggested that these groups may need to convene at some point to look at what each is producing.

Susan clarified that the definitional issues on which some alignment may be helpful were focused on, for example: what is evidence; what is quality; and, what is impact. highlighted that the working approach to date is that impact is defined by the SDGs
 

5. Infrastructure

There was very limited time to consider the Infrastructure report. More will be produced soon.