"1. Communications are central to rights-based approaches to development. This includes rights to receive information and exercise a voice, as well as freedom of information and media activity. 2. Communications and media play an important role in strengthening civil society. Civil society organisat ... ions benefit from means of networking, and opportunities to lobby or advocate on certain issues. Different methods of communicating can also influence policy decisions. 3. A strategic approach to communications will improve project success, and can provide a set of questions to assist in planning and implementation. By planning communications components of projects, and co-ordinating activities, considerable benefits can be gained. Although each initiative is different, there are generic issues to raise for all uses of communications. 4. The use of mass media such as television and radio can help fulfil a variety of development aims. Although not always appropriate, large and small mass media interventions can be considered. 5. A variety of alternative media offer a range of different options. Alternative media can give people a space to express themselves, and can provide relevant information. Examples include small-scale radio, indigenous cultural activities and drama, and e-mail discussion groups. 6. Participation and participatory approaches are a key part of good communications practice. All media give scope for some participatory input, and some can be successfully combined with other participatory methodologies." (Quick reference, page 3) more