Training:

Orientation and training is mandatory for all who are coming to join the ISM campaign. Even if you have been on previous ISM campaigns or otherwise have significant experience in the region, affinity group building and updates on the situation are important elements of the training and orientation that cannot be missed. Two levels of training and orientation will be offered to accommodate those that have previous experience.

Training dates:

October 13-14

October 20-21

October 27-28

November 3-4

November 10-11

Training site:

Training will be held in one of the hotels in the Bethlehem region. You can expect to pay approximately $15 - $20 for the night's accommodation at the hotel.

Costs:

In addition to the cost of your airline ticket, you can expect to spend approximately $100 - $150 per week of stay in Palestine. This will include food, accommodation and travel.

Other costs (not required)

Purchasing a mobile phone: $80 - $100 Better and in the end cheaper than renting at airport

Mobile phone cards: $35 per week on average

Accommodations:

If you arrive in Palestine before the scheduled training and orientation dates, there are a number of low-cost accommodations available in Jerusalem:

Hostels - there are many. Generally activists choose:

Faisal Hostel: 20 NIS per night (approx. $4.50). Usually crowded, noisy and less than clean, but the location is great - across from Damascus Gate, and you will meet a lot of activists.

Phone number: +972-2-628-7502

Golden Gate Hostel: 30 NIS per night (approx. $6.50) Very clean; generally quiet. Located inside the Old City walls.

Hotels:

The Knight's Palace: $22 per person per night based on double occupancy. Located inside the New Gate. Reservations usually not required.

Phone number: +972-2-627-4058

During the campaign

International activists will be staying in towns and villages in the north of the West Bank, where the focus of the Olive Harvest Campaign will be. When possible, arrangements will be made for activists to stay with Palestinian families.

Upon Arrival:

Please contact one of the following people upon arrival to Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem

George N. Rishmawi - 052-299310

Ghassan Andoni - 052-595319

Rapprochement Centre - Beit Sahour (02) 277-2018

Hanna Rishmawi - 052-437513

HOW TO PREPARE

Documentation:

It is strongly recommended that campaigners bring along their own cameras; digital video and digital still cameras are preferred for immediate availability of the footage. Additionally, please do not forget to bring any software and cables that will be needed to download your footage to a locally-based computer. Digital cameras and laptop computers will be used throughout the campaign and will be located on site, but the more people with the ability to document the better.

Media Contacts:

The media is the most direct method of disseminating the information and for generating attention as to what is happening on the ground. It is very important that we generate as much media coverage for this campaign as possible. In this, everyone has a role to play. As a foreign national here in Palestine, you are of interest to your local media, and to national media outlets, such as BBC, CNN, RAI, etc. Before leaving your hometown, please compile a contact list for your local media (make sure you have name, telephone, fax, and e-mail). Try to arrange a meeting with local media representatives and inform them of this campaign and your participation.

Make sure to find out what the best way to pass on information will be while you are here (fax or e-mail). Inquire as to whether or not they would be willing to accept and print firsthand reports (from you) from the region. Give them contact information to get in touch with you (at least an e-mail address) or the organizers of the campaign.

Representatives:

Make contact with your representatives in government before you leave your hometown. Find out how to best get information to your elected official.

Try to schedule a meeting with your representative upon your return home.