Agents of Change
Leading Campaigns for the Environment
"Agents of Change" is a novel program dedicated to training activists in running effective campaigns for the environment in Israel.
The volunteer-activists are the heart and soul of Green Course with over 6,000 volunteers investing much time and effort in promoting issues of environmental concern on over 26 campuses across the country. This year, we have initiated a structured program which allows these volunteers to receive training in the field of environmental campaigning.
Minister of Environment, Gil'ad Erdan signing Green Course petition earlier this year.
"Agents of Change" promotes environmental issues in a mutually beneficial way. On the one hand, volunteers receive professional training and guidance in running environmental campaigns and on the other, Green Course increases the efficiency of our campaigns by having more professional volunteers lead our activities for a healthier environment in Israel. We believe that investing in our leading volunteers and activists will enhance their commitment to running campaigns over time.
Additionally "Agents of Change" creates a network of volunteers that works as a "think tank" regarding various campaigns. This network brings together past leaders from the environmental movement and together with professionals in order to share ideas and experiences regarding effective campaigns.
The project empowers volunteers to gain a wide perspective on how to create real change amongst the public and decision makers.
Seminars and workshops are held once a month (half day) and aim to give the activists running the campaigns the tools and knowledge of how to do so more professionally. Topics covered include:
- Acquiring knowledge about environmental issues in Israel (lectures by environmental specialists).
- Case studies of campaigns in Israel and abroad- from people who led successful or unsuccessful campaigns in the past.
- Volunteer- management (recruiting and managing)
- Media projects- enhancing the awareness of our campaigns through working efficiently with the media.
- Time management
- Strategic planning
Additionally, participants are given assignments to work on relating to current issues. Participants present their ideas and share them with their fellows. So far, the program has received positive feedbacks from participants as it encourages them to be more involved and committed in the various campaigns.
Furthermore, the program receives professional NGO counseling from Shatil and applies periodic evaluation regarding the activities, the results and input and feedback from participants.