Adva Center is a non-partisan Israeli policy analysis center based in Tel Aviv. History Adva (lit. "ripple") was founded in 1991 by activists from three social movements: the movement for equality for Mizrahi Jews, the feminist movement, and the movement for equal rights for Arab citizens. The director of the center is Barbara Swirski and its chairman is Yossi Dahan. Objectives Adva Center seeks policy changes that favor disadvantaged groups in Israel. This is done by offering consultations for advocacy organizations, Cabinet members and legislators; by organizing coalitions for social change; by testifying at public forums and giving media interviews; and by an extensive popular education program that brings progressive social ideas to a wide variety of audiences, from cleaning workers to senior executives. Much of this work is done in the framework of the National Budget Analysis Program, under which the draft budget is analyzed annually for its implications for disadvantaged social groups and Israeli society in general; and budget workshops are organized for civil society organizations throughout Israel. Policy analysis is published in various reports and monitors offering annual updates on educational achievements, wages and tax policy. Adva has an extensive gender democracy program, under which, among others, approximately 30 Economic Literacy courses were conducted in the years 2008-2011 for female paid and elected officials in local governments throughout Israel, as well as for women active in non-profit organizations. In recent years, the thrust of Adva's gender program has been education for civic involvement and for advancing gender fairness in national and local programming and budgeting. Strategies The Adva Center carries out its work using the following strategies: Publishing information on economic and social policy, and disseminating it to social change organizations, government officials and the general public. Articulating alternatives regarding the national budget, as well as education, welfare and housing policy. Writing and initiating articles and op-eds on social issues in the written media and promoting coverage of social issues in the electronic media. Carrying out direct advocacy with government ministers, executive officials, Knesset committee chairs and Knesset members. Organizing conferences to stimulate public debate on issues like Israel's education system and government policy towards Bedouin citizens. Building and joining coalitions with relevant non-profit organizations to advocate for specific changes. Providing consultations for senior government ministry officials, politicians from the coalition and the opposition and the general public. Disseminating ideas for social change through lectures, seminars, workshops