As a result of what its staff learned in a SHATIL course several years ago, the Hotline for Migrant Workers submitted a shadow report to the U.S. State Department on trafficking in women in Israel.

"Because of our report, the U.S. lowered Israel's rating in this area to the lowest category. This proved to be a turning point and since then, things have improved tremendously," said Hotline staffer Sigal Rozen. "The government passed a law against trafficking in persons, a shelter exists for the women and they are no longer deported but can get visas. 

"We learned of the existence of shadow reports through SHATIL."

This is but one example of the kinds of change made possible by SHATIL courses. This fall, SHATIL pioneered new courses such as Monitoring Tools for Nonprofits, a course on human and women's rights for Bedouin women and a year-long training program in social change for policy makers. In November, NIF's Communications Director Naomi Paiss guided a packed roomful of activists in sharpening their message, approaching the foreign and American Jewish press and conducting effective press events.

This year's course booklet contains 173 workshops that build on 25 years of SHATIL experience as well as new knowledge. Some are conducted in cooperation with academic institutions, others with international organizations.

"SHATIL's courses are not just one more program aimed at improving the skills of social change organizations," writes SHATIL Director Rachel Liel in the introduction to the new booklet. "The trainings reflect a world view and values and emphasize a critical approach to the existing social reality, with the goal of improving the ability to create a more just tomorrow."