Latest news
- Tuesday, 06 January 2009
The FSI is Recruiting - Relationship and Development Manager - Monday, 15 December 2008
Stricter laws for tin rattlers set - Friday, 12 December 2008
Our First Impact Review
Visit to Israel
Visit to Israel - what a great experience
My day with Eli and members of his team at Amin great I sat in on a session where ‘preparation for work’ workshop where those seeking employment were asked about their ‘ideal’ job and the coach took them through the process of how to prepare themselves to achieve the job. I was impressed by how passionate the man who spoke to me was about wanting to support himself and his family by getting back into employment.
I met with a young man with learning disabilities who told me how ‘good’ his Amin contact was, how he had had bad experiences in the past but how he was now being helped in a much more proactive and caring way.
Meeting Yedid, a great organisation and Rebecca Sorani really made me understand the organisation and the way it supported its stakeholders. I have promised to share with her information on Stewardship as she feels this is a key area that is not fully developed within their organisation.
It was great to catch up again with Aliza Olmert and Ruti Kaplan and discuss further the potential of the NSPCC supporting a ‘Child Protection Helpline’ in Israel..
Another amazing charity Carmei Ha Ire they really impressed me 
with the ethos behind the organisation and the range of support they give to the local community. Shoshana their Development Manager is new to Israel and new to Carmei Ha Ire and ‘guess what’ like all of us in a new organisation is feeling totally overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done and the helplessness one feels when there is ‘no one to turn to’ for reassurance and support.
FSI offered her the opportunity to ‘get in touch’ with The FSI at just such times and we have, since our visit, given her support on an application they are putting forward to a large foundation.
The highlight of my trip was a wonderfully inspirational day with Shatil, a day which I believe has helped direct the course of The FSI. Shatil were set up through the New Israel Fund to empower and 
train organisations in Israel that promote democracy, tolerance and social justice. They are now in their 24th year.
They had also done their homework on The FSI and were keen to seek our support in respect of training in Major Gift Solicitation we will discuss this further early in the New Year.
We also discussed The FSI ambition to form a global alliance of ‘like’ organisations around the world to facilitate sharing global best practice. Shatil were excited by this initiative and would like to be part of the alliance when it is formed.
A tip for everyone – get yourself a mentor – I have Rachel from Shatil has just agreed to be mine and I am thrilled.