Entrants's Name: Rony Levinson

Country: Israel

Field: Citizen/Community Participation

Innovation - idea: the social needs my program answer are: Social inclusion and equality for populations with special needs, who are being perceived as weaker. Environmental and educational long term contribution, which entails international collaboration

Innovation - why it is pioneering: I believe that authentic social change can occur only when there is mutual effort of all parties involved, regardless of background. Activity at sea enables a new form of dialogue, where who you are at land is meaningless. Facing the challenges of nature at open sea requires a team effort and mutual support of each other. This enables the activists to become both supported by others and supporters of others when needed. Our recent initiative for a naval review with Kfar Blum and Beit Hillel kayakers in support of the north, is a good example of the idea behind ‘at sea, we are all equals’. The northern kayaking clubs were seriously harmed by loss of income due to the security situation. Kayak4all invited them to use its Jaffa port facilities, so they can cover for their losses. Beyond that, the disabled population in Tel Aviv was unable, so far, to actively show their support of the north, because of inadequate facilities in most public places. Since our headquarters are fully accessible, they were able to take part and portray their identification wit the north just like every other citizen. I am positive that our guests from the north will not forget the disabled who came to support them in their time of need and that in the future, their sensitivity towards the disabled will be greater. As soon as stability will prevail, there will be plenty of room for further cooperation.

Strategy - how it achieves impact: The project is aimed at executing sea sports activities and promoting environmental campaigns, with people of all backgrounds: healthy and disabled alike. Paddling incorporates both physical and mental efforts and it develops sociability. People, who are ordinarily thought of as “needy” or “weak” at land, become equal in their abilities to those who are usually regarded as healthy. The project gives people the opportunity to become both empowering and empowered at the same time, through launching of unique campaigns and activities, such as the ‘Steer for Clearwater’ campaign. This initiative was carried out in Israel over the passed two years. Due to its immense success, the program was adopted by the European Olympic committee and in 2007, more than 20 EU- member countries will take part in this activity. Another example is our parents-children group, where paddling and facing the challenges posed by nature together, enables room for a new type of family dialogue, while also promotin

Strategy - growth plans: After 5 years? Having hundreds of member paddlers, operating centers in three coastal headquarters in Israel. To have the education systems regard us as a major assistant in integrating the handicapped.

Impact to date: Kayak4All Zebulon we established Kayak4All Zebulon, since they believe in my vision for social integration and rehabilitation of the disabled through sea sports activities. This administrative structure is aimed at supporting my efforts to establish long-term cooperation with similar establishments, both in Israel and worldwide

Future impact: Having 500 participants in the current events and being able to produce 4 large seasonal events every year, Developing a social intervention group that will increase tolerance, through sea kayaking. (Such a joint group is being created nowadays). • Expanding our activities to include other friendly Mediterranean countries.

Sustainability - resource base: For ‘Steering for Clearwater’ in 2006 we received support from several Israeli Organizations. Some of them also assured similar support in 2007. The gear and storage room are available from private donations and as part of cooperation with Etgarim association, Zebulon association and annual membership fees.

Major challenge for the field: Having hundreds of member paddlers, operating centers in three coastal headquarters in Israel. To have the education systems regard us as a major assistant in integrating the handicapped.

Contact Information:

Name: Rony Levinson
Mailing address: rony@kayak4all.com
Country: Israel
Email: rony@kayak4all.com
Tel: 972502757076
Fax: 97250-8966461
Website: www.kayak4all.com

Bio: Since a very young age, I become a social activist. I was a councilor in the scouts and active in absorption of new immigrants. I became a commander in an elite unit at my military service. After my injury and a rehabilitation plan I conducted on my own, I returned to serve in my unit, believing my work there had only begun. Today, I run varied social and environmental activism initiatives, such as the ‘Steer for Clearwater’ environmental campaign or a paddle in support of the north, which I initiated and carried out on August 6th, 2006 in our headquarters.