Shemesh Yehuda, the regional environmental forum, invites the public to take part in an exciting course on global, regional and local environmental issues, starting October 18th and continuing until January 2010.

The course is based on the Centre for Local Sustainability program to help municipalities and regional councils understand and invest in sustainable planning and development (www.kayamut.org.il). Shemesh Yehuda is running the course in cooperation with the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council, the "Sorek" Environment Unit, and the City of Beit Shemesh. The facilitator, Eyal Biger, has been active in energy initiatives and is also a resident of the region.

The program is open to decision makers, council members, principals, teachers, community volunteers and all other local residents who feel they can contribute in their communities, schools or workplaces or on a regional level.  Both theoretical and practical issues will be addressed, through lectures, workshops, films and discussions. In addition, participants are encouraged to take an active role in planning and implementing a local project (any scale), during which they will receive support from the facilitator and Shemesh Yehuda volunteers.

The course comprises 10 evening sessions on Sunday nights, weekly starting on October 18th, from 19:00-22:00 in the Beit Shemesh/Mateh Yehuda area, and a Friday morning trip to visit local environmental successes and areas of concern.
 
Shemesh Yehuda, a forum of local residents, aims to bring greater awareness of environmental issues to the Beit Shemesh /Mateh Yehuda area. Shemesh Yehuda was formed in December 2007 at the conference on "Community Building" initiated by Partnership 2000 of the Jewish Agency, and continues to receive support from the Partnership. Shdamot, the centre for community leadership at Oranim college, has provided professional facilitation and leadership. Shemesh Yehuda receives organizational support from Sviva Israel.

For more information about Shemesh Yehuda or to register for the course, contact Renee Halpert at reneeh@netvision.net.il or 052-3506592.