By: Rebecca Sterling

Pro-Israel advocates are always coming up with creative ideas on how to work together with other student groups. However, sometimes students feel that even if they have a great idea, it wouldn't work on their campus. Ask what's holding them back and you will most likely hear "We don't know anyone in group X that will work with us" or "We simply do not have the funding to make it possible". Suddenly, a bright light begins to shine, the clouds part, and the answer to their prayers appears before their very eyes; The Adam & Gila Milistein Coalition Building Initiative.

The coalition building initiative is meant to build bridges between Pro-Israel groups and those who would otherwise not be involved in Israel related activities. Students can apply for the grant if they can demonstrate that they will be able to create and strengthen their relationship with other student-led groups. The grant covers up to $1000 for an event that promotes dialogue and education. But before you even begin planning the event, you must know the basics on how to build these bridges.

It's not beyond reason to think that if campus leaders do not know who you are or the issues your group represents, they may not be jumping at the thought of co-sponsoring an event with your Pro-Israel organization. Before you ask for a favor, you should already have created a relationship with the other group. Coalition building is one of the most important aspects of advocacy because it means fostering a personal relationship. Show that you care by having you or at least one of the pro-Israel members getting involved in their group. This is really the best way to start your relationship. Then get the discourse flowing by inviting them to participate in one of your exclusive events where you will show how the well-being of Israel is not just a Jewish issue but an American one as well (or environmental, human rights, christian, etc.).

The type of event will definitely depend on which groups you want to engage and the general environment on campus. Regardless of style, when planning the event you must make sure that it is symbiotic in that both groups have something to offer one another. This is where the Milstein Initiative  really comes in handy!

If you know that your relationship with a particular group is strong enough, go ahead and start planning an event together. With the Milstein initiative, your group will be able to offer to pay for a speaker's fee, kosher food, and other expenses toward the event.

However, some Israel groups may find it more difficult to jumpstart a relationship with other student organizations. This may be due to a large, spread out campus where it is difficult to engage other groups or simply because their pro-Israel group is perceived to be for Jewish students only. In either case, you are going to need to show the other groups that you are ready and willing to work together because Israel is not just a Jewish issue. The Milstein grant is also instrumental in making this happen.

For example: students at Florida Atlantic University wanted to show the leaders of all the student organizations that Owls for Israel stands for peace and dialogue, and that OFI invites everyone to be part of a movement that goes beyond the conflict. In order to reach out to organizations and show them that they are ready to work together, OFI planned a Campus Leaders Dinner that would be the first step towards the involvement of other student groups. They brought Congressman Ted Deutch as the key-note speaker and invited campus allies from College Republicans and Christians United for Israel to address the room, which showed that involvement in the pro-Israel movement reaches beyond the Jewish population. Afterwards, they served dinner and created an environment conducive to mingling and networking.

Using the Milstein Coalition Building Initiative Grant for an event such as this is appropriate because it helped build up the relationship between the pro-Israel students and other student groups. It also brought students from groups not otherwise involved in Israel activities to particpate in an educational event which creates dialogue revolving around Israel. It demonstrated that the pro-Israel group has something to offer: connections with high profile speakers, the skills and resources to put on a large event, and a desire to work together in the future with groups that represent a variety of causes. Ultimately it was successful in raising the interest of many diverse student groups to begin co-sponsoring events with Owls for Israel.

You already know that building coalitions is one of the most essential aspects of pro-Israel advocacy. Now you can do it better than ever because Hasbara Fellowships will GRANT your wish to help make it happen.