A training program for a young activist group (ages 18-25). To continue their activism for universal human rights, just peace, and an end to occupation, skills in new media, photography and video will be cultivated and applied to document human rights violations. The stories will be communicated via a shared blog to raise awareness. The group will then conduct localized training for the next generation of youth activists, multiplying the impact.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Various cities and towns across Palestine and Israel, but the initial training will likely be in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
The group is comprised of 3 identities: Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel, and Palestinians from the OPT (West Bank). It is rare to encounter a group, online or otherwise, with such representation working together for shared goals. With the skills and legitimacy to reach each of the 3 wider communities via the Internet, they inspire others with the message that young people can create change amid rampant pessimism, apathy and ignorance.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
This group has received extensive activism training and most were Young Journalists, who create Windows’ Hebrew-Arabic magazine. The youth will combine their established investigative and writing skills with photography/video skills to document human rights violations around them and present their findings creatively via a shared bi-lingual blog, inspiring the realization that there is a partner on the “other” side, and that he/she has rights.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
Windows is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization conducting educational programs for youth. Operating for 20 years, Windows has established connections with communities spanning Israel and Palestine. These connections and our network of current and past program participants are an initial audience for the blog, through which an expanded following will develop. Moreover, project participants will utilize Windows’ networks to train more youth.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
Approximately 12 Windows graduates will undergo comprehensive training during the seminar and will then train Windows’ participants (Young Journalists, Local Action Leaders and Open Space youth), reaching around 30 more in this initial round. The project was initiated by the graduates themselves, and both a part-time project coordinator and a translator will ensure that they have the organizational support to overcome any obstacles that may arise
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Rising Voices has the potential to play a crucial role in connecting the project participants and their outputs to others both in our region and in Diaspora communities. These expanded networks will increase the readership of the blog, leading to increased awareness on the issues the blog addresses, and creating links among a growing network of people working toward the same goals, enhancing the capacity for mutual strategizing and support.
Contact name
Sheerlie Ryngler
Organization
Windows- Channels for Communication