The following describes several impact initiatives which took place in the context of our efforts to promote the 'Civil Resilience Network' vision in anticipation of the national emergency drill, 'Turning Point 4' (May 23rd – 27th). In this context, in collaboration with the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), our partner in formulating the conceptual framework titled 'Civil Resilience Network' and with the support of the UJA Federation of New York.

• Participation at a Knesset Subcommittee meeting - We were invited to together with the ITC to present the 'Civil Resilience Network' vision at a meeting convened by MK Zeev Bielski, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcommittee for Home-Front Readiness (May 11th). The discussion focused on the role of the business sector and of civil society in Israel's preparedness efforts and resilience. Our team's work received an excellent review by Knesset members and delegates of civil society organizations. (For a summary of the discussion, click here).

• Conducted a preliminary survey on preparedness for teachers, parents and 'first-responders' - During the national emergency drill, Reut conducted a survey in order to examine the level of preparedness among staff members at schools, kindergartens, parents of children of school-aged and of 'first-responders' (firefighters, policemen and emergency services personnel). The results of the survey confirmed that there is no clarity regarding the education system's response to emergencies - a situation that might increase the likelihood of a 'collapse' in the home front if a crisis erupts during school hours. In addition, the survey showed that almost half of the 'first-responders' have not prepared their families to function without their support during the first days of a crisis. (For a summary of key finding of the survey (in Hebrew), click here).

• Media campaign - MK Zeev Bielski, chairman of the Subcommittee for Home-Front Readiness and Gidi Grinstein, Reut's Founder and President, were interviewed (May 11th) by the Knesset Channel 99, following the aforementioned meeting held at the Knesset. In addition, radio channel Kol Ha-Shalom interviewed Dana Preisler-Swery, team leader at Reut, (May 10th) on the 'Civil Resilience Network' vision. Also, two op-eds by Gidi Grinstein were published in major Israeli newspapers - Haaretz (May 25th) and The Jerusalem Post (May 26th).

• Digital media campaign -
  • Promoting a Facebook fan page - In anticipation of the national emergency drill we increased our efforts to promote the 'Civil Resilience Network' vision through the social media. Our new Facebook fan page includes the guidelines for instilling a 'Culture of Preparedness' in both the business sector and civil society, as well as daily updates and discussions on the need to re-frame Israel's preparedness efforts in order to mobilize the 'Civil Resilience Network'.
  • Published a banner ad in the Haaretz newspaper - In order to promote our new Facebook fan page, we published a banner ad in the Haaretz newspaper during the week of the national emergency drill.

• Outreach and impact - The following details a selection of meetings which were held this month:
  • May 5, 2010 - Israela Meni, Chief Economist, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce - Discussed the interplay between the business sector and the 'Civil Resilience Network' vision.
  • May 13, 2010 - Gal Lusky, Founder and CEO of Israel Flying Aid - Discussed possible collaboration to mobilize the 'Civil Resilience Network';
  • May 25, 2010 - Dr. Limor Aharonson-Daniel, head of the Center for Research of Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters at Ben Gurion University -The meeting focused on the pilot project initiated by the university, in partnership with the Home Front Command, to train students in emergency support to their community.