שתיל - שירותי תמיכה וייעוץ לקידום שינוי חברתי

In early November, SHATIL brought together 14 representatives of nine grass roots 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 grass roots environmental efforts. A staff member from the southern branch of the Environment Ministry attended to become better acquainted with the grass roots 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 aims.

It was good to see new organizations present that have not previously worked with SHATIL, such as the Committee for the Preservation of Beit Guvrin/Laskhish, an area in the northern Negev. 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.

The group asked SHATIL to organize another such meeting to discuss work vis a vis semi official organizations such as the Jewish National Fund and the Nature Reserves Authority. SHATIL will try to expand this group in the hopes of creating a forum of environmental organizations in the south which together can deepen and broaden efforts toward a healthier, more sustainable Negev.