Public and voluntary sectors in Israel currently face major challenges. Budget cuts in the public sector increase the need to make the provision of social services more effective. The public sector must be streamlined, without significantly damaging the level and quality of care provided to those in need. And the voluntary and philanthropic sectors must play an even greater role in social service provision.
ELKA and The Division for Volunteerism, Philanthropy and Leadership (VPL) aims to enhance Israel's social services’ overall capacity by improving the skills and effectiveness of those who shape and provide them — both in the government and the voluntary sector. ELKA-VPL continues to develop training programs that improve skills and enhance the capacity of senior national and local government officials to meet the needs of the country’s vulnerable populations. With Israel’s burgeoning non-profit sector sharing a more prominent role alongside the government in helping those most in need, ELKA-VPL's programs work to strengthen the role of voluntary organizations to advance the development of Israel’s civil society. ELKA-VPL is taking a leading role in building the capacity of Israeli philanthropy as a means for developing Israel's social strengths.
Based on ELKA-VPL's extensive experience, its strategy includes:
- Enhancing the Capacity of Social Policy Makers within the Public Sector
ELKA-VPL works with senior policy-makers (on a national and local level) and social service providers to enhance the efficiency, management and cooperation between various government sectors, as well as with Israel’s public and non-profit leadership. Throughout the years, 340 participants completed the “Segel Bet” program for deputy director generals and senior public officials in government ministries. Also, over 100 mayors participated in the Forum for Mayors. These are just two examples among many.
- Promoting the Voluntary and Philanthropic Sectors
ELKA-VPL promotes volunteerism, philanthropy and grassroots-level community initiatives to create a thriving civil society in Israel. More than 50,000 youth volunteers have provided nearly four million hours of volunteer service to their communities as part of the AMEN program. Throughout the years, 150 directors of Israeli non-profit organizations participated in the “Mashma’ut” program. The Penni and Stephen Weinberg Center for Lay Leadership is providing board consultation services to ten national organizations and is building a network of approximately 100 rising, and established leaders from the business, nonprofit and public sectors.
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