Israel Leadership Seminar
From Habonim Dror
The up and coming leadership engage with Israel
This project was started in 2009 as a way of connecting our upper leadership to Israel and engaging more intimately with our Zionism pillar.
In 2010, The leadership tour took take place in August with a group of between 8 madrichim. During this period, the Bogrim renewed their connection to Israel and came to grips with current challenges and issues facing Israeli society.
Serious movement discussions occured, revolving around the movement's ideology and one's personal identity and responsibility with regards to Israel.
Of course, the tour was a huge amount of fun as Israel was explored in a way they hadn't seen before!
Aim of Project
Engage with Israeli Society on a more intimate level Re-focus movement agendas on Israel Learn about the situation in Israel "on the ground" with first hand information Educate the Bogrim, who will return to educate the movement. Be exposed to a variety of Israeli opinion Learn about other social/economic/religious issues, outside of "the conflict"
Historical Background
2009: 8 bogrim, April 24th - May 3, Tour led by Julian Reznick. 2010: 8 bogrim, August 5th - August 14th, Tour led by Haggai Kimmelman (Machon).
Timeline
"When setting the dates you need to consider the following:" In 2010 the tour was run in August. This was a very difficult time to plan a tour, since most Israelis, organizations and students are on holiday and are unwilling/unable to meet with the group. Fundraising is very challenging since most donations have been issued or planned out by August. Also it is nearing camp time, so most people are already giving funds to "assist a camper". South Africans are away on holiday and are difficult to contact. The Machon did not run in the second half of the year in 2010 so we got lucky that Haggai was out of work. It should be checked when is the best time for the Machon to be involved in the tour in future.
The Machon should be contacted at least 2 months before the tour to begin on the tochneit process. It is recommended to contact them as early in the year as possible to arrange a time at which you will start planning the tour for the date that has been set.
Flights
These have to be booked in advance in order to save money. Once the dates are decided book them immediately through Ingrid Zahavi at Harvey Travel (011 640 3059).
Designing posters and flyers
not necessary
Choosing the group
The Rosh should be a full time movement worker, or something equivalent. This project needs to be followed closely and given a very high chinnuchic tochniet.
In 2010 the rosh was a hanhagga member and it was not the easiest. It is a massive project and as such it would be better if it was a full time person managing everything.
The group is chosen for the potential in the movement and to groom up and coming leadership.
Budget, Finance and Setting a price
Very important that this is done properly.
Please see this Budget to be used as a guideline
This project needs intense fundraising support. Majority of the tour needs to be paid for through donations so that the price remains affordable for participants.
Madrichim preparation
The Rosh for 2010 created a chomer booklet with specific articles and chinnuch for each day and also for each different guest speaker. This worked brilliantly as the group was much better prepared and informed for each meeting. Utilize the Mini Mach Machaneh left overs
Putting together the Tochniet
The tochniet in 2010 was really outstanding. It was done through Haggai Kimmelman of the Machon as well as Matan. The Rosh and Mazkira commented and made changes where necessary on the drafts so that all parties were happy with the final plan. See here for the 2010 tochniet
it must be a combination of fun, education, empowerment, inspiration
Sikkum Document and Participant Feedback
See here for the Feedback sheets for participants.
Read the following for a full sikkum of the tour.
It is recommended that Haggai/Machon is used again for the tour in the future.
