The Olive Tree Initiative trip delegation only makes up a very small part of the organization’s mission. Throughout the year, OTI Chapters hold discussions, teach-ins, lectures, movie screenings, etc. to educate and enrich the campus and surrounding community to become more knowledgeable of the international conflicts we study. It provides a safe space for students of opposing perspectives to come together and constructively deal with one another. The trip only engages a very select few student-leaders, while the group and organizations remains an active and important space on campus that allows the larger student body to engage the conflict constructively.
2. How do we get to meet with such high-ranking officials?
The Olive Tree Initiative meets with numerous high-ranking government officials and VIPs that are often reserved for diplomats and other officials. OTI works with a variety of organizations and contacts in the regions. We have found some reliable partners in each of the region we work who share our vision and have become trusted partners on the ground.
Middle East: One of our key partners in the Middle East is the Center for New Diplomacy. The Center for New Diplomacy (CFND) is a non-profit/non-governmental organization with offices in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, which brings groups to the region (mostly policy-maker and investors); they receive non-biased information and resources regarding the conflict through active field experience. Despite their concentration on international policy-makers and investors, the CFND has partnered with OTI, believing in the long-term effect of educating the future leaders about the situation on the ground (for more information please visit http://www.cfnd.eu/).
In addition, the goodwill and reputation of our organization has attracted world-renown speakers who now reach out for a chance to speak with such a unique and engaging group of students.
3. How is the Olive Tree Initiative funded?
The Olive Tree Initiative is a program ingrained within the University curriculum, but funded mostly by individual community members and foundations that support our work. Thus, minimal funding for the staff, faculty, and administration of OTI comes directly from the University of California. OTI receives over 80% of our funding from private donations. We are thankful for the generosity of the individuals who graciously support our work. If you would like to donate, please visit our online Donation Page. We also invite all donors and community members to get more integrally involved with the group, lending their voice in planning our study and holding/attending events throughout the year on behalf of OTI.
Furthermore, there are OTI community trips for interested community members, following the same experiential educational philosophy like the student trips. If you are interested to learn more about this please send an email to info@olivetreeinitiative.org
4. Who joins the organization?
The Olive Tree Initiative is and will remain non-partisan and a-political. The membership of the organization shall consist of those willing to challenge their biases and preconceptions in order to expand their view by gaining meaningful knowledge through experiential education. The membership tends to consist of those interested in a rigorous, academic study of conflicts in order to procure real change here and in the region. Membership is open to any and all members of the student body, regardless of race, gender, religion, political views, and sexual orientation. Diversity is encouraged.
5. What students are selected to go on the annual trip?
The Olive Tree Initiative actively recruits and selects student leaders who have shown strong leadership and academic excellence to participate in our annual diplomatic trips. OTI effectively prepares foreign policy experts for the future, sending many of our alumni onto scholarship study in international affairs to top universities (see list of our alumni), as well as onto careers in the government and international organization offices. Thus, we have a very selective application process for students who wish to apply for the trip. Faculty, alumni students and community members review student applications and interviews are conducted to ensure only the best and brightest student leaders are chosen.
6. How does OTI address security concerns?
Security is our primary concern. As a program comprised of a majority of U.S. citizens, and as a program sponsored by the public university systems, OTI is bound to adhere to all U.S. laws. This includes following all official U.S. policies regarding meeting with representatives of groups deemed as terrorist groups by U.S. law. The Olive Tree Initiative will ensure that all laws are followed and will always maintain a safe and secure location for its participants (please review our OTI standards, ethics and policies document). Olive Tree Initiative participants must sign a Safety Instruction and Risk Acknowledgement contract, a Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement as well as a health information document provided by the Olive Tree Initiative. Besides the mandatory university insurances, the Olive Tree Initiative also provides additional health and travel insurance for all participants if needed. The safety of the group will always be the first priority in all situations.
7. How does the Olive Tree Initiative address religion?
The Olive Tree Initiative is not a religious organization. The membership demographic of the group, however, is filled with students from all different religious backgrounds. The Olive Tree Initiative respects all religious practices, holidays, and customs of its participants and the countries to which we travel. All participants have the opportunity to observe their specific religious practices. The Olive Tree Initiative embraces the religious diversity of its participants and sees the learning about it as part of the cultural and educational experience OTI seeks to provide.