8 th Veida 1996 Opening Ceremonies and Reports

Reading from Builders and DreamersCandlelighting ceremony-Workshop 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41.Od Lo Gamarnu

1. Mazkirut Artzit Reports: Esther Lederman (Mazkirat Tnua)-Movement overview, Gilboa, Na’aleh, kenim, programs, etc., Abby Reisman (Merakezet Tochniot-North America)-Workshop, MBI, promoting Israel programs, David Lehrer (Shaliach Merkazi)-Machanot, numbers, Shlichut, Jessi Baden (Gizbarit Tnua)-Budget OverviewShlichim introductions-Ran Harash (Miriam), Yael Sharfstein (Galil), Shula Ofir and Hagit Goldfarb (Gesher), Yisrael Yosefian (Moshava), Gadi Raviv (Tavor)2. Ken Reports: Vancouver (Zoe Mullard), Los Angeles (Josh Barkin and Alex Sharonne), Berkeley (Joe Mullin), Toronto and Hamilton (Jannice Friedman), Ottawa (Hagit Goldfarb), New York (Orli Cotel), New Jersey (Shoshi Goldfus), Philadelphia (Yael Sharfstein), Washington/Silver Spring (Aviva Kutnick), Columbia (Laura Iliff), Baltimore (Ann Baum), Detroit (Sharon Ram), Skokie and Oak Park (Danya Shapiro), Ann Arbor and Lansing (Naomi Adiv and Ari Sussman), Madison (Abe Chiswick), Cleveland (Jenni Tonti, Emily Silverman and Shira Schlesinger), Connecticut (Kate Harrison), Kalamazoo and Milwaukee (Gadi Raviv)3. Approval of Veida Procedure:Procedure was slightly altered so that in order for the vote to count, more that 50% of the vote must be yes/no. As well, if 1/3 of the vote is abstentions, we go back to the discussion table for a maximum of one hour.Quorum at Veida was decided on as 50% of available voters, which was 66 voters.

***

Plenary 1: IDEOLOGY(Yoshev Rosh: Matt Lederman)

Proposal 1: Josh CohenAliyah

Whereas the purpose of Labor Zionism is to promote, support and build Israel, Whereas being a Labor Zionist in the Diaspora can be very effective and helpful to Israel, but being a Labor Zionist in Israel is the most effective means and therefore should be the central focus of Habonim Dror North America. Labor Zionism in America should be supported and encouraged but Aliyah to Israel has to be the supreme goal of this movement. Being a Labor Zionist in the U.S. is great but being a Labor Zionist in Israel is the best.

Discussion:

People felt we shouldn’t have a supreme goal reigning over all others. This could be seen as alienating and impractical. Some felt this was going backwards from the veida of two years ago. We already have Aliyah as a goal of the movement.

Failed to pass: 10 in favor, 86 opposed, 8 abstentions.

***Proposal 2: Esther Lederman

Hagshama B’Tnua in Habonim Dror

The Veida decision taken two years ago “recognizing that Aliyah is not the sole method for achieving...” the goals of the movement may have been a necessary submission to reality, however, it has left the movement “ideologically adrift”.

If the movement is no longer demanding a commitment to Aliyah from its members, what is it demanding? “Tikkun Olam”? This is a great goal, but not exclusive to a Zionist youth movement. “Tikkun Olam”-”Making the World a Better Place” is a mitzvah for all Jews and for all human beings. A Zionist youth movement’s ideology cannot be based solely on the promotion of “Universalistic or Humanist Values.” Something must make the movement unique in the American Jewish Community or it loses its “raison d’être”.

Without clarifying its special mission within the American Jewish Community, Habonim Dror is in danger of becoming a “landsmanschaft”-an organization of people who once went to the same camp or were on the same Israel program together. This may be a good enough mission for an alumni association but not for a Zionist youth movement.

The Five Pillars provide Habonim Dror with a vision. What is lacking in our ideology is the personal imperative, the commitment to “Hagshama B’Tnua”-actualization in the movement. What can we realistically expect the oldest members, the Ma’apilim, of our movement to be committed to?

We call for efforts by Ma’apilim to strive for the following goals:1) Becoming knowledgeable in the Hebrew Language, Jewish History, a pluralist Jewish Culture, Jewish Traditions and Jewish Sources.2) Being an activist and a leader in the Jewish Community.3) Being an activist and a leader in the struggle for Social Justice in the world.4) Creating a personal relationship with the Jewish Homeland by returning to Israel on a long term basis within 6 years of Workshop or high school graduation (or 6 years after the acceptance of this proposal).

Discussion:

Some people felt this could be too restrictive and that we should define for ourselves individually what ma’apilim are. Others felt that it could be useful for ma’apilim and that it could help keep them more involved with more realistic goals they could achieve.It could help ensure better leaders in the movement.

Passed: 74 in favor, 24 against, 9 abstentions.

***Proposal 3: Shira Schlesinger

HDNA Depiction’s of Israel

Whereas HDNA has historically rejected Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip by refusing to found or contribute to kibbutzim and/or settlements in the territories, andWhereas HDNA resolved over a decade ago, in a Veida structure, to explicitly support a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, andWhereas HDNA has continued to support this resolution in our chinuch programming since its passage, andWhereas HDNA resolved to publicly support a two-state solution nearly a decade before the concept was accepted , or even realistically considered, by mainstream Israeli and/or Diaspora Jewish communities, andWhereas HDNA exhibited their idealistic, visionary nature by supporting such an unpopular opinion, which has since gained favor, and Whereas HDNA has supported the Middle East peace process with an acknowledgment that the ultimate goal of the process is the creation of a separate Palestinian state, andWhereas an overt show of support for the peace process and its possible outcomes is necessary to continue that which is not stalled,

Therefore, be it resolved that henceforth HDNA will exclude the West Bank and Gaza Strip from drawings and maps of Israel, except where these are required for educational reasons of chinuch related to the current and historical situation(s). This exclusion shall apply to all ken, machaneh and Tnua Artzit publications, flyers, T-shirts, etc. and shall be extended to new areas as needed. Jerusalem will continue to be included as a part of Israel until such time as HDNA resolves against it, or until this inclusion is contrary to Israeli-Palestinian agreements determining the city’s final status.

Friendly Amendments:Those areas will henceforth be referred to as “Israeli-occupied Palestine.”An asterisk will be added on all MBI promotional material, explaining the missing territory.

Discussion:

Some felt that it was a progressive way of expressing our ideology. Others saw it perhaps as an act against the legitimacy of the Israeli government and we shouldn’t do it till its official. There was a question of concern as to the confusion it will cause the chanichim.

Failed to pass: 44 in favor, 50 opposed and 20 abstentions.

***Proposal 4: Shira Golding, Shelley Goldman and Jacob Gordon-Schlosberg

Judaism in the Movement

Whereas Judaism is one of the five pillars of our wholesome movement, we feel it should be equally emphasized. Currently, Jewish ritual in machaneh is limited to Friday night kiddush, Havdalah and a laid back Shabbat atmosphere. In order to give this pillar equal representation, we should:1. Increase the amount of Jewish education in the form of peulot and discussions. This would include the plethora of denominational and nondenominational study, textual study and the study of women in Judaism. The most important goal is that any chanich/a of any denomination, coming from anywhere in the spectrum of religious practice, will feel comfortable in the movement and will be exposed to all different beliefs and traditions so they can make informed personal decisions.2. Every machaneh should provide the opportunity for optional minyanim. Just as the peulot, the minyanim must cater to all Jewish beliefs. This means either doing a rotation of different types of services or the development of one minyan which is a mishmash, a varitable smorgasbord, a potpourri, a melting pot of varying traditions. At the beginning of each session at machaneh, a hoda’ah must be made inviting all interested chanichim, madrichim, cows and whatnot to convene to develop and participate in a minyan. All machanot must have at least one madrich/a who can lead services and if there is not one of such people, one must be recruited. It should not be the burden of a chanich/a to be responsible to organize a minyan. Also, sidurim and any other religious artifacts should be added to the optional packing list and each machaneh should purchase 5-10 sidurim. Possibly each machaneh can develop their own sidur which incorporates everything they want and then some.3. In addition, Shabbat ken peulot should accommodate chaverim who are Shomer Shabbat. This includes all seminars.

The second aim, as written in the Constitution, states “Habonim Dror educates towards the revitalization of traditional Jewish values...and understanding of Jewish history.”In order to fully fulfill this aim, the above mentioned policies must be set into motion. The common ground between all members of HDNA is Judaism. Therefore, as a Jewish movement, Habonim Dror has the responsibility to educate and involve its members in Judaism.

Friendly amendments:

There cannot be a conflict between this proposal and our aim of gender equality.We should be meeting with other youth movements and camps to expose ourselves to other forms of Jewish expression.This should be included in all tochniot chinuch this summer.

Discussion:The discussion mainly focused on how this was an attempt to become more tolerant of various Jewish practices. There was some concern over minyanim excluding women in the machanot.

Passed with 80 in favor, 26 against and 16 abstentions.

***Plenary 2: NATIONAL PROGRAMS

(Yoshev Rosh: Jared Matas)

Proposal 1: Nikka Kalef and Zoe Mullard

Changing Structure: Machaneh Hachshara

Due to the dissatisfaction with MBI and Madatz which so far are not fulfilling their goals we feel a change is needed.Whereas MBI doesn’t prepare its participants with chinuch knowledge or hadracha training,Whereas the participants are often there for the purpose of an Israel summer tour and not for the movement,Whereas it is possible to generate the funds to run HDNA without MBI,Whereas the progression of MBI to Madatz is illogical,Whereas there is a leadership crisis in the movement,

Therefore, we propose that MBI be replaced by Machaneh Hachshara. This machaneh will be open to its national kvutzah and its goals are: intense chinuch peulot on the movement ideology once the kvutzah has learned the chinuch, their focus will move on to evaluating the

ideology and learning how to apply what is relevant. This process will involve some hadracha training.

the summer will provide the setting for constructive kvutza growth

Because of this change, Madatz will fulfill the following goals: to progressively acquire the skills of planning and implementing chinuch peulot by

continuing their knowledge of hadracha and by working with madrichim to do a major Tikkun Olam project to prepare the Madatz to be able to use the community and understand how their

kenim can be run in it to continue the ongoing process of evaluating Habonim Dror ideology

We recommend that the site for Na’aleh 1998 be suitable to hold Machaneh Hachshara because of location.

Discussion:A lot of people were not in favor of this proposal. It seemed too much like the old M.B. program. People felt that an Israel experience was a good thing and that parents would be more willing to send their kids to Israel for more money than to send them to camp for $3000. This seemed like a drastic overhaul of our programs too early on in the process of developing them. MBI has only run for 5 summers.

Failed to pass: 7 in favor, 101 against and 6 abstentions.

***Proposal 2: Avital Peres

Machaneh Bogrim

PROBLEMAt present in HDNA, chanichim don’t become fully and realistically aware of the national movement and their places in it until, at the earliest, MBI. Habonim Dror is, until that point, a vague entity that is in some undefinable way related to their machanot and the things they learn there.As they grow at their machanot, chanichim aren’t growing into movement leaders. At the very most they grow into machaneh leaders. That is just not enough if we ever want to escape the notion that HDNA is strictly machanot.

SOLUTIONThe creation of Machaneh Bogrim, a machaneh kayitz for high school aged chanichim. 9th, 10th and those 11th graders for whom MBI is not an option, from across the tnua, would come together for hadracha and chinuch peulot with their active kvutzot.This would eliminate the issue of small age differences between the oldest chanichim and youngest madrichim.

The tzevet at Machaneh Bogrim would be made up of older and more experienced madrichim. The Madatz program would remain virtually unchanged except for the fact that the Madatzim would have more developed hadracha skills.With the reopening of Machaneh Na’aleh, we have an opportunity to implement Machaneh Bogrim.

If we create an environment for our older chanichim that is more conducive to learning and seriousness about the movement, we end up with madrichim who are more interested in their roles in HDNA and its future.

Friendly AmendmentThis will be a recommendation to the camping association if it is passed.

Discussion:Lots of the support for the idea.A lot of machanot won’t survive financially without this shichva. This could sever the connection to machaneh for many chanichim. It removes the older role models from machaneh.Stephane is wearing Wrangler.

Failed to pass: 6 in favor, 93 opposed, 8 abstentions.

***Proposal 3: Marjorie Rhodes

MBI

Whereas currently on MBI chanichim have very little responsibility for planning their own peulot,Whereas many post-MBInikim became madrichim in their kenim directly after returning from MBI,Whereas planning and executing peulot is a skill that must be practiced and developed,Whereas currently in the MBI program there are wind downs after tours, peulot and tochniot erev that could be more beneficial if planned and run by members of the kvutza,Whereas running peulot for the first time would be less overwhelming and would sponsor an atmosphere for constructive criticism if done on MBI,Let it be resolved that in the beginning of MBI the kvutza be divided into peulot-planning va’adot. These small va’adot would be responsible for planning 1-2 peulot for the kvutza throughout the summer.

Passed: 83 in favor, 7 against, 9 abstentions.

***Proposal 4: Jessi Baden

HDNA in Argentina

Whereas HD supports the strengthening of the Jewish community,Whereas HD strives for movement unity,Whereas HD promotes cultural exploration, pluralism and acceptance and tolerance,Whereas HD promotes Zionism and Judaism in the Diaspora,Whereas HD stresses Tikkun Olam and social justice,Be it resolved that, finances permitting, HD strive for the creation of a national program in Argentina with South American Habonim Dror. The group will be housed by members of HD South America and will focus on a Tikkun Olam project within the Jewish community of Argentina. This program will be conducted for university students.

Discussion:There was interest in the program but it is fairly undefined. Perhaps we are underestimating the language barrier. Limiting this to university students is financially questionable. It could create a classism in the movement for people who couldn’t afford

it. Some felt it was taking away from our focus on Israel. Others suggested that maybe this program could include college credits.

There was a motion for acclamation, and the proposal passed.

***Proposal 5: Shoshi Goldfus and Kate Harrison

Workshop Dates

Taking into consideration that the respective machanot always need madrichim with experience in the movement, and the Workshop 47 kvutza has shown their leadership abilities and dedication to HDNA and desires to fill that niche at every opportunity, therefore we propose that the dates of Workshop be shifted one week forward, so that Workshop would commence in August of 1997.This would enable the Workshop 47 kvutza to be a part of tzevet first session at their respective machanot, while allowing time for them to organize for their departure. In this case, the kvutza will not have to disrupt the flow of machaneh by leaving early and still have the opportunity to participate in machaneh life.

Discussion:Concern that is Workshop ends later, then there will be less time to prepare for machaneh upon returning to North America. A lot of people liked it and some didn’t like the idea that pre-Workshoppers would be able to work.

Failed to pass: 35 in favor, 34 against, 20 abstentions.

***Proposal 6: Jannice and Shani Friedman

Better Screening Process for MBI

Whereas recent Israel programs were negatively affected by a big proportion of unmotivated and uncommitted participants,Whereas MBI was implemented as an educational/hadracha program in Israel, and not as a teen tour for Jewish teenagers,Whereas kvutza unity, which is an integral part of Habonim Dror ideology, is drastically affected by large numbers,Whereas the large number of participants is a direct result of a screening process which is very tolerant and undemanding,

The Veida empowers the Central Office to devise whatever is needed to rectify the current situation, including but not limited to:The madrichim of the Bogrim kvutzah should evaluate all chanichim at the end of the summer as to their suitability for the MBI program. These recommendations should weigh greatly in the screening process, but not unconditionally.

In terms of previously unaffiliated applicants, a rigorous screening process should be conducted by local madrichim and/or shlichim as well as the Central Office.In the event of a doubt or conflict between tzevet opinion, the Central Office has the final decision and it reserves the right to deny acceptance to the applicant, who may not meet the standards of the MBI program.

Friendly AmendmentThere will be an appeal process for those who don’t get accepted.

Discussion:People generally liked it. Suggest that we should make applicants be made aware that it is more serious. Some felt we should apply this to the Workshop as well. Suggestion that Bogrim madrichim be sent a form from the Central Office at the end of the summer. Some people felt that maybe this isn’t the summer to weed people out and we should wait a year.

Passed: 57 in favor, 18 against, 13 abstentions.

***

Proposal 7: Shira Schlesinger, Nicole Joseph and Mat Tonti

Israel Bayit with Social Justice FocusIntroduction:This proposal creates guidelines for implementation and coordination of a cooperative Bayit in Israel focused around the facilitation of Social Justice involvement by current and former HDNA members. Article 1: Leasing of a bayit in city to be chosen by coordination committee.Article 2: The bayit to be leased will consist of a minimum size for comfortable accommodation of at least 4 people, and will include one common area and a kitchen. The bayit will be leased in a neighborhood convenient for commute to area university. Bayit will be leased by coordination committee.Article 3: Before leasing of bayit, budget will be drafted by coordination committee to estimate monthly cost of bayit operation. Budget will include, but is not limited to, rent, utilities, taxes, food, general supply costs, and will take into account, although not include, costs of living and entertainment in area, accessibility via mass transit, costs of commute to university, etc.Article 4: No bayit shall be rented for which budget estimation detailed in Article 3 shall exceed monthly cost to members exceeding $400 U.S. Article 5: HDNA will coordinate leasing of bayit by 3rd party. Bayit will then be sublet to members. Members must contract to pursue membership within the bayit for no less than 1 month and up to an indefinite duration, with membership to be reaffirmed annually.Article 6: Residents will pay their monthly contribution commencing no later than one week following notification of their membership to the bayit. Subsequently, monthly

share will be contributed to the bayit on the 30th of the month preceding rent payment. Payments shall be made to an elected treasurer of the bayit.Article 7: It shall be the responsibility of the elected treasurer to pay monthly bills and rent for the entire bayit community, as well as to budget weekly grocery allowance for the bayit.Article 8: Bayit will have stated focus of Social Action (“Tikkun Olam”), with a minimum requirement of community involvement per week, to be determined and reevaluated by bayit membership every six months.Article 9: Preceding opening of bayit, coordinating committee will draft and mail letter from bayit and HDNA, explaining existence and purpose of house, to social organizations in city/region requesting information on service opportunities, internships, volunteer and paid positions, information on the purpose, history, and goals of the organization, and any other relevant information.Article 10: It will subsequently be the responsibility of an elected (bayit member) coordinator to maintain a library of information on the various organizations within the bayit and to revise and resend the letter annually.Article 11: Upon completion of their service, members involved with specific organizations will complete evaluations on their experiences. Evaluation forms will be designed by the coordinating committee and will be redesigned, if deemed necessary, by house members, on a biannual basis.Article 12: Members will be selected for available spaces by members already residing within the bayit. Primary consideration will be granted to current and former members of HDNA and/or PZC.Article 13: If all current residents leave at the same time, the decision on who will replace them is under the jurisdiction of the Mazkirut Artzit.Article 14: Bayit will be named “Beit Shalem” meaning “The Complete House” or “The Full House”. Shalem is also the root of the word Shalom.Article 15: Bayit coordination committee will consist of volunteers from within the movement who will be in Israel during Spring and/or Summer of 1997. They will locate and secure a location by August of 1997. Bayit will open as soon as possible but no later than September 1997.

Motion for acclamation and the propsal passed.

***Proposal 8: Matt and Esther Lederman

Madatz Program

Due to the problems in the Madatz program, this is a proposal to give guidelines for implementing a more effective leadership training program. This program is aimed to develop the participant into being a leader intrinsically in all parts of his/her life, not just as a madrich/a at machaneh. We are expanding the definition of hadracha from being

solely focused on skills learned for how to deal with chanichim and peulot to being a leader throughout ones life, which includes:1) being able to think independently and question common attitudes and issues2) dugma/intuition3) hadracha rules4) intimate knowledge of issues and chinuch concepts surrounding Habonim Dror

As well, the Madatz program should have these stated goals:1) to prepare the Madatz to take on leadership roles in the kenim2) to prepare the Madatz for Workshop and their year in Israel3) to provide the Madatz with hands on hadracha experience in machaneh

Madatz should live in their own part of machaneh for the first 1/2 of the summer and during the second 1/2 move into tzrifim with chanichim so as to provide them with the hands-on experience. They should also have their own moadon.The program would run for the entire summer with a first session consisting of an educational program for the Madatzim and a second session filled with hadracha experience with the shchavot in machaneh. This includes:1) Leading shira, rikud or other chugim2) Preparing and leading peulot3) Organizing mischakim4) Putting chanichim to sleep5) Revolution

We urge the machanot to minimize the tuition for Madatz as this summer falls between two expensive years: MBI and Workshop. We further suggest that the machanot with the Madatzim look into opportunities for the Madatz, either as individuals or as a group, to think of work projects that the Madatz participate in as a way of offsetting some of the costs of the program.

Discussion:There were some questions about space in the machanot for separate areas for them to live. People asked questions about the screening process for Madatz and how it should be serious and implemented by Madatz madrichim and the mazkirut of the machaneh.

The proposal was passed by acclamation.***

Plenary 3: MOVEMENT STRUCTURE/IMPLEMENTATION(Yoshev Rosh: Danya Cohen)

Proposal 1: Orli Cotel, Rod Handelsman and Ezra Weinberg

If You’re Bizboozin, You’re Losin

Whereas Tikkun Olam is a pillar of HDNA,Whereas the machanot are the manifestation of our ideology,

Whereas our ideology includes an awareness of the consequences of our actions,Whereas we have a responsibility to act upon these ideologies,Whereas HDNA has always been about doing more with less,Whereas the atrocious amount of food wasted at machanot, and our insensitivity to the true value of our resources contradicts this ideology,Therefore we propose the implementation of waste-management at all HDNA machanot.

By employing the following strategies we can not only reduce the amount of bizbooz but also increase the chanichim’s awareness of the implications of their actions.1) Recycling tochnit (including paper, cans etc.)2) Hard core composting of all organic waste (this necessitates a permanent composting anaf).3) A daily monitoring system to measure and reduce the amount of wasted food at meal times.4) Tzevet and Madatz ruach and enthusiasm to create a festive atmosphere of good dugma.5) Toranut will be responsible for carrying out the collection of bizbooz.6) TAKE WHAT YOU NEED AND EAT WHAT YOU TAKE!!!!7) Peulot during construction emphasizing peulot planning that stress creativity over supplies.

Each machaneh must select an effective combination of the above and other suitable strategies to make machaneh a more economical, socially conscious, ecologically friendly, responsible, and kef environment to manifest the best aspects of our movement’s ideology. The agenda of Moetzet Machanot ‘97 should include designated time to ensure the implementation of this proposal.

Friendly Amendment:This should be implemented at all our seminars as well. Any chance to use dry-erase boards at machaneh should be done instead of butcher paper.Each machaneh needs to have an anaf that deals with this issue.This program should be reevaluated at next winter seminar.

Discussion:A lot of people like the proposal. Some had a problem with the slogan because of its emphasis on food and its implications in the machanot for kids with eating disorders.Suggestion made that a packet be given to the machanot to deal with these issues.

Proposal was passed by acclamation.***

Proposal 2: Stephane Acel

Accountability

Whereas Veida is the method by which members of HDNA discuss, propose and decide future directions of the movement,Whereas members are concerned with the implementation of their proposals,Be it resolved that the Central Office of HDNA will reveal how the movement has progressed in implementing proposals passed at Veida through Merkaz Habima and/or through other mailings, and/or email.

Friendly AmendmentCentral Office will report semiannually on the implementation of the proposals.

Proposal acclaimed.

***Proposal 3: Abe Chiswick and Jared Matas

Machshevim

Listen up y’all. This here is the ‘90s folks and you know what that means:Bill Clinton, Kurt Cobain, Oslo II accords, the collapse of the Soviet Union, that famous handshake thing, Esther Lederman as Mazkira, and (Drum Roll) the age of mass communication over the internet!!

It seems like nowadays everybody and their mother is on-line. Where is HDNA? Habonim Dror North America is not officially on-line, excluding a solitary email address.Therefore, we propose the creation of a Merakez/et Machshevim position. The responsibilities of this tafkid include, but are not limited, to the following: -on-line peulot (IRS Chat)-Movement/Ken/Machaneh Homepages-Listserve for: Ma’apilim, Roshei Ken and other HDNA kvutzot who request. The Merakez/et has veto power over HDNA related groups requesting a host.-Kesher with international Habonim Dror.-Kesher with Workshop-On-line copy of Batnua-FTP peulot collection

The Mazkirut Artzit will cover expenses incurred along the way.The Mazkirut Artzit will appoint a new Merakez/et Machshevim for a September-September term.We feel that the movement would benefit greatly from the added resources in the following ways:Increased name recognition with both Jewish and non-Jewish community members.Increase in new chanichim/madrichim.This is an incredible resource that we are not using to its fullest potential at the moment.

Friendly Amendments:

This will be done on a one year trial basis to be judged by a va’ad.This person would help ensure that the Workshop and machanot are on-line.The next veida will decide to continue with this position or not.The Central Office should communicate with people in the movement via email for publications and only send them the printed material if they want it.

Discussion:People generally were in favor of this. It could help solve the isolation of some members. People wanted there to still be mailings from the Central Office. There was a suggestion that a Habonim Dror alumni do some of the work for us. A few people didn’t like the idea because some don’t like technology and not everyone has a computer.

Passed with 93 in favor, 5 against and 10 abstentions.

***Proposal 4: Naomi Adiv and Jared Matas

National Va’adot

Whereas many movement members return from Workshop wanting to maintain a stronger identification with Habonim Dror but are currently without an outlet to do so and, Whereas a common structure of delegating tasks in the movement is the use of va’adot and,Whereas actions speaks hella’ louder than words and,Whereas “if you build it, they will come” and “if you will it, it is no dream”Be it resolved that we create National Tnua Va’adot, with foci both on product and process. These va’adot will include, but are not limited to: va’ad tochniot think tankva’ad shirava’ad machshevva’ad exploration

Tochniot Think Tank: offer feedback to the Merakez/et Tochniot re: changes in the programs Merakez/et Tochniot presents potential changes to the va’ad, which discusses within

itself and then provides him/her with a summary report of their discussion Merakez/et Tochniot is not required to follow the advice of the think tank, but is

encouraged to consider it seriouslyThis va’ad will only deal with programs 2 year later and not the present years programs.

Shira: to create and HDNA shiron to bring new music to HD by putting together a mix of music relevant to tnua issues

Machshev: to help out the Merakez/et Machshev to help with tnua communication to establish a web page for every machaneh

Exploration: made up of a group of ma’apilim interested in continuing their HD involvement

while in Israel will find venues in Israel in which to be politically and socially active before they go will establish a relationship with whatever organizations with which they are

involved so that future ma’apilim can pursue similar experiences

Any chaverim are welcome to join the aforementioned va’adot but ma’apilim are particularly encouraged to do so.The va’adot will be autonomous, responsible for appointing a rosh, establishing their own proceedings and to be in kesher with the Central Office through email.New va’adot will be established when necessary each Winter Seminar and past va’adot will be reviewed.

Friendly Amendments:Someone from each machaneh should sit on the va’adot. If not, kesher must be established with each machaneh so they know what va’adot did.Email as a means of communication and dialogue for the va’ad.Six month commitment to va’ad and mandatory report to the Mazkirut Artzit on email monthly.

Discussion:People liked the idea. People felt that everyone should feel they can join the va’adot and that there are no restrictions. Some were concerned about the implementability of this proposal.

Passed : 77 in favor, 5 against, 16 abstentions.

***Proposal 5: Naomi Adiv and Danya Shapiro

Judaism Va’ad

Whereas HDNA is, among other things, a Jewish movement and,Whereas many chaverim have limited opportunities to broaden their Jewish knowledge based outside of HDNA,We propose that a tochnit chinuch be established specifically to educate chaverim about the Jewish year. This is not to say that prayer must be the specific method but that chaverim should have the opportunity to more fully understand their Jewish culture. The aforementioned tochnit chinuch should include a compilation of materials for each Jewish holiday including Shabbat regarding its origins and range of observance

throughout different denominations, as well as peulot for all ages with which to utilize those materials. The purpose of this proposal is to allow chanichim to make an educated choice in terms of their Jewish lives.A national va’ad will be created to collect the aforementioned materials and write the peulot to be used specifically, but not exclusively, in the ken setting.

Proposal passed by acclamation.

***Proposal 6: Jared Matas and Yona Randor

Annual National Movement Chinuch Project

The project involves taking hold of creativity and putting it down on paper; doing stuff instead of talking about it. This means creating a document that is useful, informative, that we as a movement created and continue to create each year.

goal: to help overcome shortcomings in the educators in the movement by collectively creating living educational documents that reflect our interests and priorities.

three ideas that are central to the concept of a National Chinuch Project:

1. This project will help make members of the movement think of themselves as leaders in the movement, hopefully encouraging more quality people to seek leadership positions at machanot and the Central Office.

2 Emphasizing grass-roots, bottom-up empowerment is important. The method of this project is just as important as the content and output.

3. It’s impossible for madrichim to teach effectively on topics that they are unfamiliar with or unknowledgeable about.

General principles that this project seeks to promote and celebrate: empowerment action-getting an idea and working on it if there’s a problem (shortage of chinuch materials) its our responsibility, and within

our abilities, to solve it inclusion, not exclusion, any who shows interest in this project is welcome we need to overcome inertia caused by tradition; we are a movement, afterall

How it will work:During the summer the Merazkei Chinuch will get in touch with each other and decide on a suitable chinuch topic for the movement to focus on for the upcoming year. They should decide this in consultation with the rest of the tzevet because madrichim will be motivated to participate in this project if they have some personal connection with it.

Topics should be chosen on the basis of:contemporary relevance to the movementinterest level amongst chevrei tnuashortage of materials adequately dealing with the subject in chedrei chinuchrecent Veida resolutionsBasically, it should just be a topic that people in the movement are interested in researching, and they feel that the movement could benefit from having more information.

By the end of machaneh, the Merakzei Chinuch should ensure that a va’ad exists to work on this project. Ideally the va’ad will consist of one or two madrichim from each machaneh. Madatzim should be told about this project and any who are enthusiastic about it are welcome to be a part of the va’ad. It is the responsibility of the six Merekzei Chinuch to ensure that there is a va’ad in existence by the end of the summer, with a specific chinuch theme to explore, and ideas of what direction to pursue.

There should be one ‘rosh’ of the va’ad, responsible for motivating the rest of the va’ad and ensuring that the project actually takes place. The rosh should be chosen by the Merekzei Chinuch.

The va’ad will consist fo 6-12 or so ma’apilim (and maybe a few enthusiastic post-Madatznikim). These should be people prepared to undertake research for this project.

Potential sources include: old peulot books, magazines, journals, zines conversations/interviews with friends, relatives, social activists, social workers and

any professionals in related fields non-governmental organizations; social actions groups, Jewish organizations, etc. the Internet educational institutions: campus groups, libraries, specific departments and students

or professors children’s section of library local school boards

Role of the Central Office/Mazkirut Artzit:One person in the Central Office is responsible for overseeing the progress of the project. This will be the Rosh Chinuch and Kenim, when such a tafkid exists. Otherwise, the Mazkirut Artzit needs to decide in September who will undertake this tafkid. This tafkid will be known as the Kesher.

Responsibilities of the Kesher: the contact person for the va’ad in charge of funding and reimbursement distribution to all the machanot enthusiasm

publicize the project to movement members ensuring that Batnua and any other movement mailings include a progress report and

a request for submissions for the project

At Winter Seminar, the va’ad will have the opportunity to show off their progress so far. This should inspire other people to contribute to the project.Mailings for Winter Seminar should include information about the project and a request for submissions.It is recommended tht the chinuch topic be explored in peulot at Winter Seminar. These peulot should be planned by the Central Office, in consulation with the va’ad. It is hoped that the Mazkirut Artzit, with greater access to resources, will use this opportunity to contribute actual material to the project. Also, if available, a relevant guest speaker is desirable. (But not David Broza. He’s already been to Winter Seminar).

The project should be finished by Moetzet Machanot, where a prototype will be available. At this point the Central Office assumes responsibility for distribution of copies of the project. Copies of the project should reach each machaneh by the time their construction strarts. Then everyone goes to machaneh, uses these new resources, loves them and starts eagerly awaiting the next chinuch project in the fall.

Funding of the project:There should be a budget set aside for this project. Every Merakez/et Chinuch is asked to set aside $25 from their chinuch budget to support this project. This will make $150 available for the va’ad to compile and copy everything. The money will go to the Kesher in the Central Office. The kesher person there will be in charge of reimbursing va’ad members’ expenses. This should cover all the initial photocopying and give every machaneh roughly 4 copies of the completed booklet.

The role of the Kenim in the project:Roshei Kenim are encouraged to organize a peula on the chinuch topic for madrichim and interested older chanichim, at a library, in order to gather more resources. The peula could go as follows:a) a short peula exposing the madrichim to some of the background surrounding this specific topicb) letting the madrichim loose in a library for an hour, looking for material on the subjectc) meeting back and sharing what everyone found; photocopying any useful materiald) discussing ideas of either how to use these materials for peulot, or the madrichim’s own opinions on the topic. This should be written down to be included with the material.

During the year, the finished projects books can go to the kenim, with the understanding that thye will be returned to machaneh in the summer.

Note on advances in communication technologies:Recent advances in accessibility and capabilities of communication technologies permit this project to be undertaken on a national basis. E-mail will allow va’ad member to

maintain good communication while working on the project. Also, it is much easier for the rest of the movement to be kept up to date on the progress of the project. The opportunity also exists for someone with the skills and motivation to create a homepage on the World Wide Web for the project. This would allow the va’ad to get lots of feedback on the progress of the project, as well as possibly exchange peulot with our overseas Habonim Dror chevrei.

Discussion:People felt that this booklet should be made available to the kenim as well. Questions were asked as to why the facilitator should be the Central Office.