the headquarters of numerous national organizations and relevant federal government departments (e.g., National Capital Commission) gives the EOMF a special responsibility and opportunity to help advance the efforts of the CMFN. In a similar fashion, the EOMF will continue to be strongly involved with the International Model Forest Network Secretariat (IMFNS) and play an active role in: • facilitating tours • serving as an ambassador for the CMFN by hosting international visitors to the National Capital Region • providing training and workshops • facilitating technical exchanges (e.g., with CUSO and the Regional Model Forest Network for Latin American and the Caribbean) • collaboration on common initiatives • facilitating partner interaction The EOMF has established a process of working closely with the IMFNS in its networking with international sites and would continue with this successful approach. The IMFNS is a valuable partner in assessing these opportunities and understanding the value that they may hold. As the originator of the model forest concept, Canada continues to be seen as a leader respected by other participating countries. The EOMF has also assisted the Canadian Forest Service in furthering its international forest agenda by hosting various field visits (e.g., the recent field visit by the North American Forestry Commission). We remain committed to assisting both the IMFNS and CFS in fostering these efforts involving the global community.
8. Communications, Outreach and Networking Fostering community efforts that support sustainable forest communities will rely heavily on effective communications, outreach and networking activities. The EOMF is committed to working with those closest to the issues affecting our forest-dependent communities. The EOMF is uniquely positioned to reach a diverse audience ranging from local to global. At the local community level, the EOMF is well-recognized for its respectful approach to addressing issues, and has gained the reputation of a trusted and credible enabler in seeing ideas through to action. The EOMF has also gained considerable experience and know-how in working with communities far beyond its geographic boundaries – a reflection, in part, of its close working relationship with both the CMFN and the IMFNS. While opportunities of national scope will be pursued in concert with Canadian model forest counterparts, the IMFNS is envisioned as the primary conduit for pursuing opportunities with international communities.
8.1 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH STRATEGY The following section of the proposal highlights key components of the overall EOMF Communications and Outreach Strategy. A comprehensive Communications and Outreach Plan will be completed within 4 months of operation under the Forest Communities Program. The EOMF Communications Committee will hold primary responsibility for guiding the development—and subsequent delivery—of the plan. Partner and community participation will be sought in the development and implementation of the plan.
8.1.1 Communications and Outreach Objectives Reflective of our overall vision, our Communications and Outreach objectives are as follows: 1.
To inspire action and constructive responses to forest sector transition by engaging forest-dependent communities in EOMF partnership activities.
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