Twenty-five representatives of Roma grassroots organizations from Bulgaria took part in two training workshops organized by Roma NGOs Center Amalipe (Veliko Turnovo) and World without Borders Association (Stara Zagora). Supported by the Health Media Initiative and the Roma Health Project, the training workshops facilitated by Zimbabwean journalist Fiona Lloyd provided participants with a variety of skills and knowledge that marginalized and vulnerable communities can use to interact successfully with the media and to use media tools for strategic communication.
Journalists from local and national media shared with participants some useful tips on how to turn a journalist into an ally and how to build better relationships with the press. As a follow-up, participants suggested establishing a media resource center for Roma grassroots organizations, which would assist community based groups to develop their communication strategy, and to work with the media in health advocacy.