Even as ALLMEP continued to operate on volunteer power alone, we had a busy year in 2009, and 2010 promises to be momentous for our coalition, as we hire our first paid staff (look for an announcement in the next few weeks).  Here's a brief look at some of the ALLMEP highlights from 2009:

• Advocated for expanded U.S. funding for our members' projects, leading to a 10% increase by Congress, which voted to provide $10 million to Middle East people-to-people efforts in FY 2010.

• 12 new members joined ALLMEP, bringing our total coalition to over 70 organizations.

• The first stage of a revamped ALLMEP web site went live.

• Held more than 85 meetings to promote citizen diplomacy with the White House, members of Congress, State Department, USAID, and foreign ambassadors, including 75 meetings in one day!

• Held our 6th annual conference in Washington, D.C. and a Summit on the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace with top academics, practitioners, NGO leaders, and diplomats to advance grassroots peace.

• Worked with Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) as he introduced H.R. 1605, the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Authorization Act of 2009, an initiative ALLMEP proposed and champions.

• Prepared a detailed International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace operating plan at the request of several foreign governments and continue to consult with them about the initiative.

• Completed our strategic plan for growth (a summary of the plan will be available on our web site in the new year).

• Promoted our members' projects online and offline.

• Raised significant funds toward hiring first professional staff, bringing the total raised thus far to over $120,000. 

Thanks for your support of these efforts in 2009! 

Please help us take our efforts to the next level in 2010, by donating generously and securely online!

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