Bringing Together Southern Environmental Activists

November 15, 2008

In early November, SHATIL brought together 14 representatives of nine grassroots environmental organizations in the south in order to acquaint each with the other's work, to coordinate between them and to coach them for the upcoming grant cycle of the Sheli Fund, the part of the Green Environment Fund that supports grassroots environmental efforts. A staff member from the southern branch of the Environment Ministry attended to become better acquainted with the grassroots groups.

The day included a discussion with a grants officer from the Sheli Fund, a go around in which each organization presented its interests, work, and priorities, a session with SHATIL resource development consultant Gali Bessudo, "How to have a Big Impact with a Small Grant," and a brainstorming session on how the organizations could work together to achieve their common goals.

Several new organizations that have not previously worked with SHATIL, such as the Committee for the Preservation of Beit Guvrin/Laskhish, an area in the northern Negev, took part in the seminar. Participants ranged from a group of immigrant scientists from the former Soviet Union to a community organization of Ethiopians and non-Ethiopians in Gedera who are working on establishing community gardens, to a committee opposing a phosphate quarry in Arad and more.