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CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Kids on Nauru Getting Their Day in Court

[Edited extract from public address]

Human rights lawyers at National Justice Project are preparing a historic legal precedent in Australia's treatment of refugees, but they need your help to make it happen. 

Years back, the National Justice Project created the legal precedent that forced the government to get kids off Nauru. 

Now they're holding the government to account for the hell that 40 families suffered on Nauru - harm that caused almost half the kids to be suicidal. 

The legal precedent will protect new refugees arriving in Australia, so kids never have to go through such shameful treatment again.

Will you chip in to make this a reality?

National Justice Project don't accept government funding – they hold them to account. They need the backing of compassionate Australians like you to change the way the government treats refugees. 

Everyday people have forced governments to change before by funding legendary legal teams like the National Justice Project. 

Let's do it again, and change how Australia treats refugees forever. 

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

THCO | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for making media more constructive

[Edited extract from public address]

Everyone needs access to the best and most up-to-date information to make important decisions in their lives, whether it be who to vote for, or what to do about an unusual cough, or how to plan for climate change.

At The Conversation we produce independent journalism that aims to be constructive and offer solutions to you. That’s why we only work with bona fide experts and give away our journalism for free.

Keep us free

Too often the media falls short, distracted by social media, commercial pressures and the daily struggle to survive. In recent weeks Vice and Buzzfeed, two ambitious digital news outlets trying to produce quality journalism, have been shuttered or sold.

We want to help fix the failing media ecosystem so we are asking you to help fund our newsroom. No one should miss out on reliable and unbiased information because they can’t afford to pay, so we ask those who can afford it to give what they can to support our work.

We are two weeks into our donations campaign and thousands of generous people have made a contribution so far but we need more support. 

MORE:

The Conversation (THCO)
Address: Tenancy B, Level 5, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton Vic 3053

CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Torres Strait Islander Elders to participate in climate case hearing

[Edited extract from public address]

Torres Strait leaders Uncle Paul and Uncle Pabai have taken the Australian Government to court in a historic legal case that could spur faster climate action. 

Chief Justice Mortimer will personally travel to hear testimony from the community. 

Now Elders and Custodians across clan groups need to be transported to Country to have their voices heard by the federal court, alongside the legal team. 

Would you chip in to transport senior leaders for this historic hearing in a few weeks? 
“Because of climate change our islands are being flooded and our communities could be forced to leave.”
– Uncle Paul and Uncle Pabai
Your support could change the course of history. “Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a long history of fighting for our rights. Eddie Mabo and his co-plaintiffs took on the Government, paving the way for land rights for all First Nations Peoples. Today, we are following in his footsteps, and those of others like him.” 

Over 1,000 legends on Chuffed previously chipped in to the legal fund. Now let’s make sure frontline First Nations voices are heard in person for this landmark opportunity for climate accountability.

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

ECCV | ISSUING | eBulletin #35 | May 2023

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The Andrews Labor government handed down a tough Budget on Tuesday, with a raft of measures aimed at tackling Victoria's significant burden of debt in the wake of the pandemic.

Despite the challenging economic landscape, the Budget 2023-24 delivered a strong $120 million investment over four years for programs supporting multicultural communities. This includes $40 million for the Multicultural Infrastructure Fund, which will support the construction and upgrade of community facilities, $12 million for multicultural festivals and events, as well as new funding of $2.5 million for multicultural museums and $1.5 million for multicultural media.

Given the central role small business will play in Victoria's economic recovery, we welcome support for multicultural traders’ associations and investment in our vibrant multicultural businesses and cultural precincts.

This Budget also delivered on the election promise of a much-needed boost to ECCV’s core funding. We look forward to continuing our policy and advocacy work, and greater collaboration with the government and the multicultural sector to improve service design and delivery.

Targeted, culturally responsive support will be essential to ensure that vulnerable members of our diverse communities can access the support they need and are not disproportionately impacted by cost-of-living pressures and public service cuts.

We were particularly pleased with the $6 million allocated in the Budget to combat Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. In light of recent events, it is imperative that the government takes a strong stance against racism and vilification.

We look forward to learning more about the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy next month at our member forum on racism. We will be joined by Nathan Lambert MP, co-chair of the Anti-Racism Taskforce, who will provide an update on the Strategy and lead a discussion on how it can most effectively address racism and support migrant and refugee communities across the state.

The forum will also feature a panel discussion exploring anti-racism action at local and state levels. We invite you to join us at this special event to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can tackle racism together.

Eddie Micallef, Chairperson

GATHERING | Beyond Symbolism: Tackling Racism Together | Thursday 15 June 2023 | 6–8pm AEST

ECCV is holding a member forum on 15 June exploring the topic of how to create meaningful action against racism. The event will feature a presentation and discussion on the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy led by Nathan Lambert MP, co-chair of the Anti-Racism Taskforce. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A looking at effective anti-racism initiatives at local and state levels. 

Victorian Budget and multicultural communities

ECCV has released our initial response to the Budget 2023-24. We welcome the Budget's strong investment in diverse communities through the delivery of more than $77 million as part of the Multicultural Affairs portfolio as well as $43 million for programs supporting multicultural media, small business, and education. We will be releasing a more detailed Budget analysis next month.

Meeting with Communications Minister

ECCV was pleased to meet with Communications Minister Michelle Rowland MP last week alongside FECCA Chair Carlo Carli and CEO Mohammad al-Khafaji. The meeting explored collaboration on national initiatives to improve digital literacy, communications and online safety to empower multicultural communities across the country to better respond to scams, misinformation and online harm.

Two new appointments to ECCV Board

ECCV is pleased to welcome Monica Forson and Gabrielle Marchetti as members of the ECCV Board this month. As outstanding leaders in their respective fields, they bring a wealth of expertise and experience to ECCV. Monica is a Senior Advisor at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, and Gabrielle is Principal Lawyer at JobWatch. 

ECCV helps over 2000 people get $250 Bonus

ECCV's multicultural outreach team has helped over 2000 people successfully apply for the latest round of the state government's $250 Power Saving Bonus, which began on 24 March. In less than two months, the team has engaged with over 50 community groups across Melbourne. 

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Policy Adviser

We are seeking an experienced and driven Policy Adviser with a passion for multiculturalism and social justice to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our evidence-based work. The Policy Adviser will coordinate our Policy Advisory Committees and utilise high-level research and analysis skills to produce submissions and reports. 

MORE:

Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555

CUIN | UPDATING | Exploring the Ways We Exist Because of Each Other | May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

The Ways We Exist Because of Each Other

This month, we are anticipating another fabulous evening at the Tech Diversity Awards. Our CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis explored in a popular blog post how we can become more respectful, precise and nuanced in our language. Our Senior Cultural Ambassador Getrude Matshe is preparing for this year’s Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, while Cultural Ambassador Mashood Qureshi is generating interest for Diversity Atlas in Pakistan. We also share details of our hopeful submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This newsletter exists because of you and we hope you enjoy the contents.

MAPPING | The Tech Diversity Awards 2023

We are once again thrilled to announce our support for the 2023 Tech Diversity Awards. In addition to attending and receiving an award at last year's event, we mapped the cultural diversity of attendees and provided a live breakdown of the cultural makeup of the room.

We are excited to reveal that we are carrying out a repeat survey this year and continue to support our partners in the Tech Diversity Academy relaunching later this year.

The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne on the 25 May 2023. Tickets are available for in person or virtual attendance at the link below.

SHARING | Filipino Music and Storytelling

The Education and Experiences team is excited to share that Filipino Music and Storytelling is now available to book across Victoria.

This cultural incursion is a captivating program of Filipino languages and cultures. Students will experience uniquely narrated stories and tales, explore song and movement and crack some brow-splitting puzzles while learning about the cultural wealth of the Philippines.

Our talented presenter enhances the experience using the melodic sounds of the ukulele, vibrant props and the mesmerising art of Kamishibai paper theatre. Her interactive approach ensures that students actively participate in a celebration of Filipino community, culture and captivating stories.

ATTENDING | 2023 Rotary International Convention

This year’s Rotary International Convention is being held in Melbourne 27–31 May 2023. Come visit us at Booth 613 if you’re around and say hello to our Senior Cultural Ambassador Getrude Matshe.

Getrude is also the President for the Rotary Southwest USA eClub and will be selling various products as part of a fundraiser to support her rotary club’s global projects.

Whether or not you get to meet Getrude in person, we highly recommend you access one of her many talks, such as this one for TEDxTeAro, ‘Ubuntu – a person is a person through other persons’.

MAKING | Submission to The Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Following a meeting with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Cultural Infusion made a submission regarding the cultural diversity components of the 2026 Census collection. The census is a crucial tool for policymakers, researchers and businesses to make informed decisions about resource allocation, planning and policy development.

As we approach the 2026 census, we believe it’s important to consider how we can improve the collection of data to ensure that we are accurately capturing the true diversity of the communities that make up Australia.

In 2019 Cultural Infusion commercially released our flagship product, Diversity Atlas. The success of the product has been largely due to its approach to both mapping and measuring cultural diversity. The questions on our survey were subject to almost a decade of R&D and have been deployed domestically and internationally for three years to hundreds of thousands of people. It is a curated version of these queries that we hope to share with the ABS.

This undertaking is of the highest national importance, as the accurate collection of Australia’s demographic data will inform all fields of future policy creation and create a more inclusive Australia and we believe our set of questions can greatly enrich the Australian Census project.

We look forward to contributing to the process and appreciate the ABS for including us in their discussions.

REPORTING | Training Event with our Cultural Ambassador, Mashood Qureshi.

Our Cultural Ambassador Mashood Qureshi is navigating the turbulent currents in Pakistan following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Please join us in thinking of his wellbeing during this tense time in Pakistan. He does have interesting news to share after the honour of being the only speaker to deliver training at Hyderabad's first ever Tech + Networking training event.

While the other speakers spoke at length about their accomplishments and delivered enticing pitches to join their agencies, academies and Amazon seller incubators, he chose to focus on upskilling his peers, students and community and generating interest in his work with Diversity Atlas, and was pleased with their positive response. Follow this link to see the video of the presentation.

Mashood plans to deliver more workshops and trainings like this with the forward-thinkers at the National Incubation Center, Hyderabad.

Stay tuned via our social media accounts for updates!

FEATURING | Book - Innovating for Diversity.

Cultural Infusion's CEO and Founder Peter Mousaferiadis recommends Innovating for Diversity by Bertina Ceccarelli and Susanne Tedrick.

See Peter’s testimonial on the back cover. From identifying unconscious biases to fostering a culture of belonging, this book is a comprehensive guide to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

ILF | UPDATING | News from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation | May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

Yamandhu marang

The ILF would like to acknowledge Sorry Day on 26 May, followed by the Anniversary of the Referendum on 27 May. This marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (NRW), a time for us to reflect on and learn about the history, culture, stories, and knowledge of First Nations peoples.

This month, two team members travelled to Weipa to celebrate the launch of We Look, We Find, a beautiful book created by women and children from Napranum Early Childhood Centre. This is the first time a children’s picture book featuring Thanynakwith language has been commercially published. Learn more and order your very own copy!

We are delighted to announce that this month we also published a collection of nine stories from nine different regions in the Northern Territory in NT Mob Sharing Stories in Language. Each story in the book is bilingual and includes the language from the region the story is from, including Murrinhpatha, Kunwinjku, Djambarrpuyŋu, Dhuwaya, Anindilyakwa, Wubuy, Kriol, Warumungu, Arrernte and Warlpiri. This collection is a rich one and a rare one. Order your copy here.

This End of Financial Year (EOFY) we need your help. We are working hard to support remote Communities with books that inspire curiosity, spark imaginations, and promote a love for reading and learning. No matter how big or small, your donation makes a difference. A $100 donation allows us to put 10 culturally relevant books into the hands of children in a remote Community. Please help us to continue our important work by making a donation this EOFY here.

Lastly, it is time for primary schools to sign up for Busking For Change AND put a placeholder in their calendars for our Indigneous Literacy Day celebrations on Wednesday 6 September.

Thank you for joining our journey and sharing our vision that reading opens doors to opportunities and choices.

Mandaang guwu,
Ben Bowen, Chief Executive Officer

SPOTLIGHTING | Word of the Month

To celebrate UNESCO's second year of the Decade of Indigenous Languages, each month we encourage readers to learn a new word in either an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language.

This month's word is wombat in Wiradjuri language! Wiradjuri Country is in central New South Wales.

 News 

SAVING | The Date for Indigenous Literacy Day | 6 September 2023

In collaboration with Sydney Opera House, we are proud to present a 15-minute film celebrating Indigenous Literacy Day with stories and songs from remote Communities. 
  • Learn more here and download a Save the Date banner to share within your networks. 

ATTENDING | BookPeople Conference

We are pleased to be attending the BookPeople Conference next month which is a great opportunity for us to connect with our supporters from the books and publishing industry. Please make sure to pop by out booth to learn more about how booksellers and publishers can get involved with our Book Supply program.

SHOWCASING | 2023 Reading Opens Doors Library | available now!

We are very excited to showcase our new 2023 Reading Opens Doors Library! This specially curated bookshelf includes 18 titles from some of Australia’s best First Nations authors such as Bruce Pascoe, Anita Heiss, Ash Barty as well as many more books for adults, young adults and children. 

ASKING | Would your school love a visit from Andy Griffiths?

It's not too late to host a Great Book Swap and automatically go in the draw to win a virtual visit for your school from ILF Ambassador and children's author, Andy Griffiths! Simply host a Great Book Swap before 30 June to go in the draw to win. 

SIGNING | Up for Busking for Change!

Our newest musical fundraiser, led by ILF ambassador Josh Pyke and designed for primary students is open for registration. It's a simple and fun - kids learn to sing a song in English and Kriol or play an instrument of their choice, and ask family and friends to sponsor them. Money raised helps remote Communities access and create books in languages of their choice. It's a joyful celebration of music, song and language. 

CLICKING | For More Stories


 Work in Community 

ATTENDING | The Yirriwinari Festival

ILF Programs Manager Tictac and Regional Coordinator (Tiwi) Bella attended the first ever Yirriwinari Festival in Pularumpi! Over 150 books and Family Packs were given away to the Community. Bella organised games for kids, while Tictac drove the Ngarukuruwala ladies to find pandanus and the tree root used to dye the pandanus for weaving into baskets and mats. The highlight of the festival were the performances and the disco. We look forward to attending the next one!

PUBLISHING | Shordi Krik (Shorty Creek) | pre-orders available now!

At Shordi Krik, life is sweet. Our newest book, Shordi Krik (Shorty Creek) is a joyful song book written and illustrated in Kriol and English by Students from Barunga School with support from ILF Lifetime Ambassador Justine Clarke. We are proud of this beautiful book and excited to share it with you!

LAUNCHING | Country Tells Us When...

This month our team travelled to Broome and Bidyadanga for the Community launch of Country Tells Us When..., a book published in three languages; Yawuru, Karajarri and Mangala. Our heartfelt congratulations to the authors, illustrators and everyone else involved in helping bring this gorgeous book to life. The Yawuru edition of this book is available for purchase.

 Ambassador News 

Anita Heiss AM

We warmly congratulate ILF Lifetime Ambassador Anita Heiss on her powerful and moving book, Bidhi Galing (Big Rain). The book celebrates the Wiradyuri heroes of the Great Flood of Gundagai in 1852, told through the eyes of a young girl who is rescued from the raging floodwaters by her father. Hot off the press - Anita has also a finalist for the 2023 NAIDOC Creative Talent Award! 

Shelley Ware

Congratulations to ILF Ambassador Shelley Ware on the publication of We Are Matildas, an energetic picture book celebrating football and the team spirit of the CommBank Matildas, which will have you cheering from the sidelines! Check out the book here.

Dr Jared Thomas

The shortlists for the 2023 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards have been announced. A massive congratulations to ILF Ambassador Jared Thomas, his book Uncle Xbox has been shortlisted for The Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and Young Adult Fiction.

Debra Dank

A big congratulations to ILF Ambassador Debra Dank, her book We Come with This Place won the prize for major book of the year at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and was also named winner of the Indigenous writers’ prize, the prize for non-fiction and the award for new writing.


 Special Thanks 

We are very grateful to HubSpot Academy who generously donated $5USD from every certification completed during World Certification Week (15-19th May) to support us in getting culturally relevant books to remote Communities.

A big thank you to Mills Oakley who supported the ILF at their annual Partners’ Conference in Singapore. Mills Oakley has a long-standing tradition of raising money for charity at the conference and this year was no exception with a total of over $28,000 raised.

We are indebted to our partner Australia Post for their support with the delivery of Book Supply packs to remote Communities and their ongoing fundraising.

 Community Fundraisers 

We would like to thank Wildwood Maps who are donating a percentage of proceeds to different First Nations charities each month, with this month's donation generating $3,287 for our Foundation!

A big thank you to First Nations Film Festival (30 May–3 June 2023) who are raising funds for the ILF. Audiences will have various opportunities to donate throughout the online screenings. The festival features award-winning features, documentaries, and short films, accessible over five days. Check out more information here.

MORE:

Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF)
Address: 17/207 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9280 0644
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn

S2b | UPDATING | What's On in June

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PAINTING | Plant Pots with Hussein Zobea | Friday 23 & 30 June 2023 | 10.30am–1pm (AEST)

Come and learn the art of pot painting with Iraq born Hussein Zobea.

Bring your own pot to paint, have fun, share ideas and get creative together! Hear his story, inspiration, art techniques and bring home your very own painted plant pot.

Don't miss out!
  • Where: Space2b Social Design, 144 Chapel St, St Kilda
  • Cost: $60, for a two-day workshop.
  • Bookings: online through Space2b

LAUNCHING | Space2b Artist Range 2023 Competition Exhibition | Thursday 8 June 2023 | 6-8pm

Join us for the unveiling of the recent Space2b Design Competition. See the winning artists gorgeous creations on Space2b products including tea-towels, soaps, chocolates & cards!

Meet the artists and view all of the competition entries.

MORE:

Space2b Social Design
Address: 144 Chapel Street, St Kilda, Melbourne Vic 3182
Email: info@space2b.com.au
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Arrestees from End Fossil Fuels Protests

[Edited extract from public address]

One of the harshest laws to stifle protest was recently rushed through, this time by the South Australian government in response to Extinction Rebellion’s headline-grabbing direct action. 

It gives me chills after the South Australian mining minister’s promise to the oil and gas industry that the state was “at your service.” 

Instead of serving the public, the state government wants to serve future protesters with outrageous $50,000 fines - 66x the current maximum fine! 

The protesters say “We’ve spent our lives being polite and complying with rules but no matter how serious climate change becomes, nothing seems to change. We feel there is now no option but to use non-violent civil disobedience.”

Will you chip in to defend their right to protest in court?

These parents, grandparents and workers bravely demanded protection for the people, places and creatures we all hold dear. While punitive laws are being rushed through across the country, your donation can protect everyday people when they take on vested interests for all of us.

Please give what you can to support their courage,


MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

FoSC | GATHERING | AVEOM Election Observer Mission report back | Tuesday 30 May 2023 | 6-7pm

[Edited extract from public address]

Join Friends of Suai/Covalima and 2023 Timor Leste Volunteer Election Observers reporting back their experiences at the Timor-Leste parliamentary election on 21st May.

Since the vote for independence in 1999, Australians have travelled to Timor-Leste to act as impartial election observers with the aim to promote democracy and improve quality of elections.

Australian East Timor Association (AETA) together with Victoria University Alumni Association in Dili has organised a group of 42 participants to volunteer as election observers.

You are invited to join us to hear from participants as they reflect on their experiences and the election outcome.  Speakers will include:
  • Jon Faine AM, writer and broadcaster will give the summary report from the AVEOM team.
  • Nancy Price, Friends of Suai Committee member will reflect on observing a Timorese election for the fifth time and change over time.
  • Hon Martin Foley, former Labour politician in the Victorian Government will reflect on his experiences in the Timorese elections.
Since the vote for independence in 1999, Australians have travelled to Timor-Leste to act as impartial election observers with the aim to promote democracy in support of free and fair elections. 

Where:  St Kilda Town Hall Council Chamber, followed by (non-alcoholic) drinks & nibbles. 
Cost: Free 

MORE:

Friends of Suai/Covalima (FoSC)

PWR | UPDATING | Voices of PoWR, Seeking Religious Literacy, and more | Friday 19 May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

CALLING | Voices of PoWR Answering the Call to Conscience

The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions is convening on the theme of A Call to Conscience: Defending Freedom & Human Rights and features over 700 programs from people of faith sharing resources, best practices, and network-building tools to commit to foster action in our communities.

Join us in Chicago, USA, 14-18 August 2023!

FEATURING | Luminaries

A diverse cohort of faith, spiritual, civic, and governmental leaders answering the call to conscience to defend freedom and human rights.
The cohort of luminaries leads exemplary lives dedicated to upholding human rights, advancing women's dignity, and fostering peace locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Dr. Rami Nashashibi is a MacArthur Fellow and the founder and Executive Director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN).
  • Bani Dugal is the Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations.
  • The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign.
  • Harvinder Singh Phoolka is a Senior Advocate of Delhi High Court, politician, human rights activist, and author.
  • Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, an internationally known speaker and author.
  • Michael Bernard Beckwith is the Founder and CEO of Agape International Spiritual Center.

EXPLORING | Chicago Community Sacred Space Tours

A unique and interactive offering at this year’s convening is the Chicago Interfaith Trolley Tour. In partnership with the Chicago Theological Seminary, ride onboard a trolley as we explore five sacred spaces in the Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhoods of Chicago, learning about their traditions, as well as the collaborative interfaith work happening in the community.

Join us on this fun 3-hour trip to educate ourselves about different faith communities active in the city of Chicago. Tour guides from both CTS and Parliament will lead the trolleys. Together we can help reshape the public narrative about what it means to live well together amidst our religious and cultural diversity and difference. Stops to be announced. Hop aboard the trolley!

SEEKING | Religious Literacy Course, Don't Miss it!

The Parliament of the World's Religions invites you to participate in Seeking Religious Literacy, an online course created in partnership with the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement.

Seeking Religious Literacy – is now open for registration! Take advantage of the $100 rate on the course now through the 2023 Parliament Convening. Enroll today and start your journey immediately!

 Upcoming Events 

  • Tuesday 23 May 2023: join Rev. Stephen Avino for A Place for All People: The Possibilities and Challenges of Interfaith Organizations.
  • June 2023: join a special pre-Parliament event series Art of Universal Language.
  • Thursday 6 August 2023: join us for the global observance of Nuclear Prayer Day.

STAYING | Up to date with the work of the Parliament

MAKING | The mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions possible with support from individuals like you!


MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

VMC | UPDATING | A big step forward in mental health services, the Multicultural Database and more | Tuesday 17 May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

Two members of our Multicultural Youth Network (MYN) attended the Victorian Youth Congress last week and advocated for culturally diverse youth by expressing their insights to critical policy-makers.

Congratulations to MYN members Rosie Thyer and Celil Kardaslar and our engagement officer Yusuf Liban for representing the VMC and yourselves so well.

The future is in good hands with these developing leaders.

Welcoming Australia Symposium inspired VMC staff

This two-day event explored the challenges, benefits and opportunities of migration, settlement, cultural diversity and inclusion. It was an excellent opportunity to be inspired by international, national and local practitioners, policy-makers and researchers making a difference in this space. It will inform our work for a long time to come.

Join the VMC database!

In the last couple of years, the VMC has played a significant role in supporting, engaging and informing the multicultural and multifaith communities during extremely tough circumstances, like the floods, fires and the pandemic.

In order to continue this effort we need a robust and up-to-date database to do it effectively.

Please help us by providing your organisation's contact details for our Multicultural Communities Database.

There are two questionnaires - please only fill out ONE.

You can complete a questionnaire on behalf of an organisation you represent OR as an individual.

You must complete the above questionnaire and consent to the VMC having information about your organisation to be among the first to know of relevant governmental or community resources, awards, grants, news, events, programs, and other opportunities, including VMC-hosted events such as the Multicultural Gala Dinner.

Mental Health and Wellbeing space now open in Brimbank

As part of our ongoing advocacy work in the mental health space, I will attend Brimbank's new walk-in mental health facility.

The local services act as a 'front door' to the mental health and wellbeing system, offering welcoming and inclusive spaces staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including peer support workers, to cater to all communities' diverse needs.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals were a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. They provide support and treatment for adults aged 26 and older experiencing mental illness or psychological distress in their community, including those with co-occurring substance use or addiction.

The first six local services opened last year in the Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield region, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong-Queenscliffe region, Latrobe, and Whittlesea.

Another seven local services in Dandenong, Shepparton, Melton, Mildura, Lilydale, Bendigo-Echuca and Orbost-Bairnsdale will open by the end of 2023.

With the remaining Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals to be operational by 2026.

Keep reading this EDM for more information on News and Events, mental health, family violence and gender equality.

Thank you
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

 News and Events 

Help support community radio and elevate diverse voices

3CR’s annual Radiothon will run again this June under the theme ‘Stay Tuned, Stay Radical’.

The station is calling for help to ‘Stay Radical’ and provide a vital platform for the issues that get left behind and the voices that get silenced.

3CR needs the community to 'Stay Tuned' to diverse voices and alternative perspectives in order to create meaningful social change.

A new round of Live Local grants is now available

Under the fund, local councils and community organisations receive grants of up to $200,000 for infrastructure projects, while smaller grants of up to $20,000 support the purchase of equipment, minor upgrades, and maintenance to facilities to continue to serve their local communities well into the future.

Successful grants include a refurbished community hall for the Tamil Educational Cultural & Charitable Association in Deanside, a cool room for the Muslim Women’s Council community kitchen in Brunswick, and the creation of a migration trail to celebrate Victoria’s multi-cultural history in Port Melbourne

 Mental Health 

Have your say on the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework

The Victorian Government wants your help to address the mental health and well-being needs of multicultural communities, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability - as they create the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework.

This framework aims to provide help accessing safe and responsive mental health services, reducing stigma and discrimination, promoting good mental health and well-being and preventing and responding to suicide.

To date, the Victorian Government has heard from nearly 400 people and 18 organisations to inform the Framework and has summarised this feedback in a new report titled What we have heard so far.

 Employment & Training 

Do you have an international qualification that you’d like to be recognised in Australia?

The Victorian Government offers free and confidential assessment services through the Overseas Qualifications Unit.

You can have your international qualifications assessed to be recognised in Australia to enhance your career or find pathways to further education opportunities.

Vietnamese:
Bạn có muốn bằng cấp quốc tế của mình được công nhận miễn phí ở Úc không?

Đơn vị Chứng Nhận Bằng Cấp Nước Ngoài (OQU) cung cấp các dịch vụ đánh giá miễn phí và bảo mật thông tin để các bằng cấp quốc tế của bạn được công nhận tại Úc nhằm nâng cao cơ hội kiếm việc làm hoặc học tập cao hơn.

Nếu bạn có bất kỳ câu hỏi nào hãy gọi 1300 492 606

Chinese:
您希望您的海外资历免费获得在澳洲官方认证吗？

海外资历认证组（OQU）提供免费评估服务，能够使您的海外学历在澳洲得到认可，帮助您找到工作，并可为教育机构包括专业机构或录取机构出具证明。

Farsi:
دولت ویکتوریا به طور رایگان، ارزیابی و معادل سازی استرالیایی برای مدارک تحصیلی غیر استرالیایی را برای شما انجام می دهد تا بتوانید شانس استخدامی بیشتر یا موقعیت های ادامه تحصیل و ... داشته باشید. برای اطلاعات بیشتر می توانید با شماره تلفن یا ایمیل زیر تماس بگیرید یا مستقیماً به وبسایت رفته و تقاضانامه را پر کنید و مدارک خود را ارزیابی نمایید:


Young Victorians Get Their Move On For Education Week

Victoria is kicking off this Education Week with Get Your Move On, an initiative designed to promote student health and physical activity.

Education Week runs from Sunday 14 May to Saturday 20 May and will this year celebrate students' participation in physical activity, hands-on learning and student voices in education.

Highlighting that just 15 minutes of activity, 4 times a day can have a lasting and positive impact on student wellbeing and learning engagement, the Get Your Move On initiative promotes a range of ideas to get students moving at home and at school – inspiring them to explore different activities to find something they love.

Better Outcomes For More Students With Tutor Program

The Victorian Government's Tutor Learning Initiative is celebrating a big milestone with 435,000 students having now participated in intensive small-group learning at school.

Launched in 2021 to manage the challenges of the pandemic, the Tutor Learning Initiative supported more than 185,000 students with over 8,000 tutors in that year alone, while in 2022, almost 160,000 students were supported by more than 7,000 tutors.

These figures are inclusive of more than 88,000 students in low-fee non-government schools who have been able to receive targeted small-group learning support in 2021 and 2022.

 Gender Equality 

Supporting Grassroots Gender Equality Work | applications close at 3pm on Friday 19 May 2023 

A Victorian Government program aims to support community organisations to advance gender equality through community engagement events, leadership and training programs, community projects and advocacy efforts.

The Investing in Women Grassroots Grant Program will provide $200,000 in grants designed to deliver projects that support women and girls from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds, identities and experiences, continuing to drive progress towards gender equality in Victoria.

Women, girls and gender-diverse people continue to face major barriers to equality, from gender stereotypes that limit their choices to unequal pay to violence and discrimination.

Funding To Stop Violence Against Women With Disabilities

Workers in the family violence prevention and disability sectors will be better equipped with the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities thanks to a funding boost to Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV).

The Victorian Government will invest $1.8 million to support the expanded delivery of its Gender and Disability Workforce Development Program, which gives workers the skills to prevent violence against women with disabilities.

Since it began in 2017, the program has offered training and professional development to more than 900 participants from disability, social services, local government, prevention and carer workforces.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

PESC | ANNOUNCING | Launch of Pertame "Ngetya Untya" Language Nest and Puliima Conference Workshop

[Edited extract from public address]

Announcing the launch of Pertame "Ngetya Untya" Language Nest, our early childhood language immersion playgroup.

We will make history as one of the first true immersion Language Nests in Australia.

This is a program for Pertame children from birth to 5-years-old and their parents/carers to be immersed within their language, culture and community to create bilingual, culturally resilient, and community-connected children, ready to transition into further schooling. We will create a nurturing environment where young children can be raised in their Indigenous language through meaningful interaction with fluent Elders and Educators, where all communication will be carried in Pertame as we run educational and engaging playgroup routines and activities.

We will leave English at the front door and create one of the only places in the world where Pertame language will be the dominant language. We want to raise our children as first language Pertame speakers once again, as our Elders were raised.

Puliima Conference Workshop

We are also excited to announce that we will be running a 3.5hr workshop at The Puliima Indigenous Language and Technology Conference in Darwin on Tuesday 22 August. This workshop is entitled "Raising our babies as First Language Indigenous speakers again" and will provide a hands-on-training on how to build adult and early-childhood immersion programs, focussing first on working with Elders to develop adult fluent speakers through a Master-Apprentice Program, then empowering second-language speakers to raise their babies as first language speakers within a Language Nest. 

When our babies say their first words once again in their native tongue, just as their ancestors once did, we know the future of our languages is secure

Kela marra,
Vanessa and the Pertame School team

MORE:

Pertame School (PESC)
Centre for Australian Languages and Linguistics (CALL)
Vanessa Farrelly, Arrernte Project Officer, 
Desert Peoples Centre Campus, Alice Springs
Tel: 0421 478 262
Website: batchelor.edu.au


VTMH | WEBINAR | How do I respond caringly to someone who believes they are Jesus, Mohammed or other revered sages? | Tuesday 13 June 2023 | 10.30am–12noon

[Edited extract from public address]

While person-centred care models include Spirituality & Diversity, workers often feel ill-equipped to support people in these all of their lives. 

This reflective peer group allows mental health practitioners to deepen their understanding about spiritual diversity, which can include beliefs, values, traditions and practices.
 
A partnership with Spiritual Health Association (SHA), Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) offering more opportunities for mental health practitioners to identify and explore challenges when spirituality or religion comes up during encounters with consumers.

Eligibility criteria
Spirituality & Diversity Discussion Sessions in this series are for practitioners working in the Victorian publicly funded mental health sector. This includes staff working in clinical and community-managed mental health services, as well as mental health programs in community health services. Unfortunately, these discussions are not currently open to those working in private practice, NDIS providers, or students on clinical placement.
  • Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, spaces are limited. Please register early to secure a place. Online via VTMH

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

VTMH | WEBINAR | Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings | 2-Day (Non-Consecutive) Virtual Workshop 14 June & 21 June 2023 | 3 hours per day: 9.30am–12.30pm

[Edited extract from public address]

A workshop is designed for all practitioners currently working with interpreters in mental health settings.

The workshop will explore challenges and realities in the interpreting environment, look at strategies for adapting practice for working with interpreters in a variety of mental health settings and consider key culturally responsive practices and principles, including cultural safety and cultural humility, in the context of working with interpreters.

Participants will receive hard copies of resources developed in the project (Approaching work with interpreters in mental health settings, VTMH, 2019), including a Practice Tips Poster and Report.

The workshop is delivered online via Zoom over 2 days, with a 3-hour session per day, and complimented with some self-directed learning activities.

Open to staff working in publicly funded mental health programs across Victoria, including staff in clinical and community mental health services, as well as people working within mental health programs in community health and social services. Visit the link below for more information about workshop eligibility.
  • Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
  • Cost: Free
  • Bookings: essential, online through VTMH

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: (03) 9231 3300

CoGD | HIRING | Executive Officer Interfaith Network (IFN) | applications close Monday 12 June 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

The Interfaith Network (IFN) of the City of Greater Dandenong (CoGD) is seeking an Executive Officer.

The IFN believes in harm prevention by educating and empowering people to strive for harmony, to come together and collectively engage in building trust aiming for relationships that endure beyond any differences. The IFN strives to achieve the vision of ‘Many Faiths, One People’ believing that peace, harmony and understanding have the power to prevent harm by uniting and including all people, bringing the stability so needed for the survival and development of humanity.

The Executive Officer will be required:
  • To provide overall management, support, planning and leadership for all aspects of the IFN.
  • To be the first point of contact for any interfaith/multifaith enquiries and promote the aims and objectives of the IFN.
  • To supervise and lead the staff employed by the IFN to achieve their potential and maximum outcomes in their stated roles.
  • To work with local faiths, spiritual traditions, other interfaith/multifaith organisations and community groups.
  • To work closely with local government, agencies, and organisations to support existing and new programs and initiatives that enhance the role and function of the IFN.
  • To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all staff, volunteers, participants and visitors.
  • To comply with IFN policies and procedures specific to services, community programs and activities as outlined in this position description and covering stated responsibilities.
  • To comply with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations relevant to the position.
Download the position description

MORE:

Interfaith Network of the City of Greater Dandenong

CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Scholarships for Aboriginal Midwives

[Edited extract from public address]

A team of incredible First Nations midwives are helping generations of new Mums and their babies thrive with culturally safe care. 

Drawing on 60,000 years of traditional childbearing wisdom, extended kinship and community care can save lives. But there simply aren’t enough First Nations midwives to provide it.
 
You can change that this Mother's Day by funding the upcoming scholarship round for First Nations midwives. 

Here’s what previous scholarship recipients have said, who have been funded by caring donors on Chuffed:
“Receiving this scholarship is going to help me achieve my dreams of hopefully one day becoming a midwife, just like my grandmother did back in the early days on the mission.”
– Eleanor McCall, Kamilaroi woman
“I want women to feel that they are wonderful and amazing and that they are in control of their bodies.” – Noongar woman Tamara Jones

 

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

CHUFFED | RAISING | Awareness, Support and Funds for Helping Shaher's family find a home where her kids can go to school

[Edited extract from public address]

Shaher is the sort of Mum who should be celebrated for her years of work improving women’s literacy in Afghanistan.

Instead her own two kids Danyal and Sorosh (aged 5 and 4) are deprived of school themselves!

As refugees stranded in Indonesia after escaping the Taliban, they can’t even open a bank account. 

Nina has found five Canadians willing to sponsor the family as part of the country’s refugee program, since they can’t come to Australia. Now she needs the help of the Chuffed community to cover resettlement costs.  
“Every day that Shaher’s kids are deprived of school will affect their future.” 
Would you donate to get Shaher a home where her kids can go to school? 

MORE:

Team Chuffed
Address: Level 2, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Website: www.chuffed.org

CUIN | UPDATING | Recounting Transformational Recommendations, Articles, Masterclasses, Events and more | May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

Recapping and Recounting: Our Transformational Recommendations

In this newsletter, we will highlight some of the exciting developments from this month. We are thrilled to announce that Diversity Atlas will once again map the diversity present at the 2023 TechDiversity Awards. We've published a new article by our Cultural Ambassador Wanah Bumakor on Ethnic Diversity in Africa. 

Our Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Roman Ruzbacky has written a blog on intersectionality. It's not too late to register for the Transforming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Masterclass hosted by our Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Wesley Payne McClendon. Finally, we spotlight two events upcoming in May on our Diversity Calendar. 

TechDiversity Awards

As the 2023 TechDiversity Awards draw near, the Diversity Atlas team is gearing up to once again map the diversity of the event in real time.

On the 25th of May, Diversity Atlas will map the awards for a second time in a row.

Last year's event brought together more than 500 DEI professionals and practitioners, with attendees from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Thanks to Diversity Atlas' surveying tool, it was possible to gain a real-time understanding of the immense cultural and demographic diversity in the audience.

As the tech industry continues to evolve and diversify, it's crucial that we have a clear understanding of who we are and who we want to be.

Diversity Atlas' surveying tool gives a granular understanding of the diverse communities and key stakeholders shaping the industry. We look forward to seeing the insights and data that will be generated by Diversity Atlas at the 2023 TechDiversity Awards, and we're excited to see how this information will help drive meaningful change and progress in the DEI space.

Ethnic Diversity in Africa: From Pitfall to Business Opportunity

By Wanah Bumakor, Cultural Ambassador for Diversity Atlas (Africa)

The article unpacks the concept of a homogeneous state as a harmful myth of colonialism. Human diversity is as natural as the world itself and we must reaccustom ourselves to it as our true nature.

Wanah states that ethnicity is a sense of collective identity in which a people perceives itself as sharing a historical past and a variety of social norms and customs. Because of the cultural aspect of ethnicity, which involves people’s passionate beliefs and the emotions they stir, ethnic conflicts are among the hardest conflicts to resolve.

This conflict impedes economic development, including the state-building of African states. There is an urgent need in African states to manage ethnic diversity and promote intercultural understanding.

Reinvention is possible. Through successful management of cultural diversity, companies in Africa could contribute immensely to political stability, economic prosperity and peaceful societies.

Reflection on Applying Intersectionality 

By Roman Ruzbacky, Diversity Atlas' Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

A comprehensive body of work in Australia on Applying Intersectionality into gender equity and DEI work, led by Div Pillay (MindTribes Pty Ltd) in partnership with Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector (Vic) and guided by the incredible Victorian Public Sector (VPS) Women of Colour Network (WoCN) (Australia), came to light in a big way in 2021, with the establishment of the Gender Equality Act (2020). The Act required the approximately 300 VPS Departments and Public Sector Entities to embed gender intersectional principles and develop actions for each of the seven gender employment indicators as part of their Gender Equality Action Plans.

The work is continually being strengthened and with the next round of plans due between 2024 and 2025, informed by more comprehensive cultural identity and other diversity data sets, should see some transformation of workplaces and the employee experience (the disruption of structural and systemic barriers experienced and compounded forms of inequity and more equitable and inclusive employment practices). I constantly hear talk about taking an intersectional approach, but what does that really mean?

The guidelines accessed from Applying Intersectionality and Applying Intersectionality to Gender Equality Action Plans starts to show you what it looks like in action. They provide a DEI and HR professional with some solid tips on how to embed intersectional principles and actions into your DEI and gender equity action plans. It's been in my digital library for a while.

For example, pages 14 and 15 in the document say to:
  • Provide safe spaces for employees to openly share their perspectives confidentially, trusting the processes and people involved, without fear of consequence. 
  • Share de-identified intersectional data as part of consultations with all groups.
If you are writing your next Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy or Gender Equity Action Plan or if you performing diversity data analysis across multiple dimensions of diversity, including gender and cultural heritage and ancestries (of which there are thousands), then these guidelines will give you a good guide to writing actions that count.

And as the work evolves, we get better at dealing with complexity, for example writing a plan that understands the unique experience of someone with three or more cultural heritages and ancestries? someone who speaks five languages? someone who doesn't see or know anyone from their cultural heritage in their workplace or community and experiences cultural isolation? The possibilities are amazing.

For more information or conversation please email Roman

Interested in transforming your DEI practice and unlocking your leadership potential?

Be one of the first 25 participants to register your interest in the upcoming Transforming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Masterclass and receive a free tailored DEI workshop from Chief Transformation Officer Dr. Wesley Payne McClendon.

Experience live webinars, virtual coaching sessions, real world cases studies and develop an actionable strategic plan in this executive offering.

The hyper-intensive, self-directed online course offers senior executives an opportunity to build DEI knowledge and a commercial business case and participants will take away a greater understanding of DEI through research and case study activities.

Register today at the button below or watch this video to find out more.

May Calendar Highlight

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on May 21st.

This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 to raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and harmony, and to encourage dialogue between different cultures and civilizations.

This day celebrates the richness of the world's cultures and the essential role that intercultural dialogue plays in promoting peace, understanding and development. It is an opportunity to recognise the value of diversity and encourages mutual respect between different cultures.

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an important reminder that diversity is not only a source of richness but also a driver of progress and development. By celebrating diversity and promoting dialogue, we can create a more peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous world.

The International Day of Action for Women's Health takes place on May 28th every year.

This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the need for comprehensive healthcare services that are accessible, affordable and appropriate for women and girls around the world. The day aims to promote the right to health and gender equity.

The International Day of Action for Women's Health was first observed in 1987 and is now recognised in over 50 countries, marked by various events and activities. These include rallies, marches, conferences and workshops that focus on issues related to women's health, including reproductive rights, sexual health, maternal health and gender-based violence.

The day is an opportunity for organisations, governments, and individuals to come together and advocate for women's health and wellbeing. It provides a platform for women to share their experiences, stories and challenges related to health, and to demand policy changes that promote gender equality and women's empowerment.


MORE:

Cultural Infusion (CUIN)
Address: Suite 2, 273-277 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066

PWR | UPDATING | Beyond Thoughts & Prayer, In Memoriam, Seeking Religious Literacy, & More PoWR Updates | 5 May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

GATHERING | Beyond Thoughts and Prayer, Commit to Action

Be Part of the Solution, Come to Chicago! Let's Show the World How People of Faith Will Defend Freedom and Human Rights

Thoughts and prayers has become, like many things in our society, a battleground phrase.

There are faith and political leaders who use the phrase as an easy way out to avoid addressing gun violence, domestic violence, natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, war and refugee crises in Latin America, Africa, and Europe, and the countless other crises facing humanity. All while refusing to commit to legislative or institutional changes to address the issues. Prayer is an important element of connecting with one’s faith but prayers must be realized through action.

To political and faith leaders hiding behind their weekly tweets of “thoughts and prayers” we say this, it’s time to answer the call to conscience and commit to action.
 

FAREWELLING | Dr. Arun Gandhi, In Memoriam

The Parliament of the World's Religions is saddened to report that Dr. Arun Gandhi – grandson of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, peace activist, and Parliament luminary – passed away on Tuesday 2 May 2023 in Kolhapur, India.

Dr. Gandhi served as a member of the Board of Trustees of PoWR, a featured luminary at numerous Parliament Convenings, and the winner of the Peace Award at the 2018 Parliament Convening. Gandhi had been announced as a featured luminary at the upcoming 2023 Parliament Convening in Chicago, USA where he would be addressing the theme of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

LAUNCHING | Institutional Partnership Seeking Religious Literacy Course

The Parliament of the World's Religions is honored to announce the launch of Seeking Religious Literacy, an online course created in partnership with the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement.

Seeking Religious Literacy – a self-paced course for individuals and groups who yearn to be pleasantly surprised and informed about religious worldviews all around us – is now open for registration! Take advantage of the $100 rate on the course now through the 2023 Parliament Convening. Enroll today and start your journey immediately!

CELEBRATING | Winners of the Global Ethic Essay Contest

In February of 2023, the Parliament of the World’s Religions invited essays that engage its signature document, “Towards a Global Ethic (An Initial Declaration),” in the lead-up to the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions and in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

The Global Ethic Essay Contest was open to individuals around the world directly engaging the Global Ethic document. Three prize winners and an honorable mention were selected from the submissions received by the Global Ethic Committee.

PoWR shares its deep-felt congratulations to the prize winners.
 

SHARING | Upcoming Events

On Tuesday 9 May 2023, the PoWR is joining the Illinois Holocaust Museum as a community partner in the screening of Stranger at the Gate.
 
On Thursday 11 May 2023 join Peace Education from the Perspective of Indigenous Knowledge & Traditions an official pre-Parliament event.
 
This 8-11 May 2023, join PoWR and people of faith at GreenFaith‘s No Faith in Fossil Fuels: A Climate Finance Summit.


STAYING | Up to date with the work of the Parliament

MAKING | The mission of the Parliament of the World's Religions possible with support from individuals like you!


MORE:

Parliament of the World's Religions (PWR)
Address: 70 East Lake St., Suite 230 Chicago, IL 60601 USA
Tel: (312) 629-2990

VMC | UPDATING | Support for Victoria's "gig workers" and a new committee to give voice to Victoria’s diverse African communities | 4 May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

May you be well and enjoying the last autumn weather before winter arrives.

I'm pleased to share with you the newly appointed Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC). This committee will voice the insight and experience of Victoria's diverse African communities and work with the Government to support the implementation of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan 2018—2028.

This committee will also help develop policies, projects and strategies that better respond to community needs.

In employment news, Victoria's gig workers will now have help accessing fair working conditions.

The Government defines "gig work" as employment accessed through or organised by digital platforms, and we all know how critical these workers are in our modern economy.

It's hard to fathom how we would have gotten through the COVID lockdowns without the estimated 350,000 Victorian gig workers that deliver our food and essential products. And yet, despite this, many of these essential workers lack the workplace entitlements that other Victorians enjoy.

So we are so pleased that the Victorian Government has stepped into this space to provide support.

There is good news for those looking for early childhood education, with the launch of two years of free Kinder for three and four-year-olds.

This program will save families around $2100 per child annually and hopefully provide some welcome financial relief.

But it is a good idea to get in early for 2024 and check with your local council for details, as many will begin allocating student places in July.

Please see below for details of these essential programs and services.

Thank you,
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson

 News and Events 

Meet the new members of the Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC)

Victoria’s African-born population represents over 50 different nations and a wide range of traditions, cultures and languages that strengthen our state.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of the new Victorian African Communities Committee (VACC), with Pauline Richards MP appointed as the new Chair.

VACC is an important advisory body to the Victorian Government, and all 14 members will work collaboratively to implement positive outcomes that better respond to the needs of Victoria’s diverse African communities.

Congratulations to all committee members!

Become a VMC Commissioner

Expressions of interest are now open to become a Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). VMC Commissioners are a voice to government for Victoria's diverse, multicultural communities


Affordable rental homes now available to eligible Victorians | registrations of interest close 11.59pm Sunday 14 May 2023

As part of the landmark $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, @homes-victoria are delivering affordable rental homes across Victoria, helping eligible Victorians access high-quality, energy-efficient homes close to shops, transport and workplaces.

 Employment & Opportunities 

Do you have an international qualification that you’d like to be recognised in Australia?

The Victorian Government offers free and confidential assessment services through the Overseas Qualifications Unit.

You can have your international qualifications assessed to be recognised in Australia to enhance your career or find pathways to further education opportunities.

Vietnamese:
Bạn có muốn bằng cấp quốc tế của mình được công nhận miễn phí ở Úc không?

Đơn vị Chứng Nhận Bằng Cấp Nước Ngoài (OQU) cung cấp các dịch vụ đánh giá miễn phí và bảo mật thông tin để các bằng cấp quốc tế của bạn được công nhận tại Úc nhằm nâng cao cơ hội kiếm việc làm hoặc học tập cao hơn.

Nếu bạn có bất kỳ câu hỏi nào hãy gọi 1300 492 606

Chinese:
您希望您的海外资历免费获得在澳洲官方认证吗？

海外资历认证组（OQU）提供免费评估服务，能够使您的海外学历在澳洲得到认可，帮助您找到工作，并可为教育机构包括专业机构或录取机构出具证明。

Farsi:
دولت ویکتوریا به طور رایگان، ارزیابی و معادل سازی استرالیایی برای مدارک تحصیلی غیر استرالیایی را برای شما انجام می دهد تا بتوانید شانس استخدامی بیشتر یا موقعیت های ادامه تحصیل و ... داشته باشید. برای اطلاعات بیشتر می توانید با شماره تلفن یا ایمیل زیر تماس بگیرید یا مستقیماً به وبسایت رفته و تقاضانامه را پر کنید و مدارک خود را ارزیابی نمایید:


MAKING | Free Two Years Of Kindergarten For The Best Start In Life

The Victorian Government is encouraging young families to enrol their children in Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten for 2024, ensuring every Victorian child can have the best start in education and life.

A survey of Victorian parents with children enrolled in funded kindergarten in 2022 found 94 per cent considered attending kindergarten to be important for their child’s education.

Before starting school, children can attend Three-Year-Old Kindergarten for 5 to 15 hours per week, followed by Four-Year-Old Kindergarten for 15 hours per week.

SUPPORTING | Victorian Gig Workers More

The Victorian Government is helping Victorian Gig Workers with a new support service that provides advice and practical assistance to thousands of on-demand workers across the state.

This will include translation and interpreter services and will help workers to:
  • Understand their rights, protections and entitlements under workplace and related laws
  • Make informed decisions about working for a platform
  • Understand which agencies and other services can help them resolve work disputes.
Workers can contact the service by email at info.gwss@dpc.vic.gov.au or by calling the 1800 000 478 hotline. Operating hours will be 9am–5pm Monday to Friday.

 Gender Equality 

CALLING | Nominees for Victorian Honour Roll of Women | nominations close Monday 29 May 2023 

Recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of outstanding women – or yourself – by nominating them to join the Honour Roll.

MORE:

Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901

GiveOUT | ANNOUNCING | New CEO, GiveOUT Day 2023 and more | 3 May 2023

[Edited extract from public address]

How time flies, can you believe it’s already May!? Since our last update, the GiveOUT team has been busy working on several exciting projects.

Read on to meet our new CEO, and for updates on GiveOUT Day 2023 and current granting opportunities for LGBTIQ+ organisations in Australia.

CEO Update – welcome to Emily Scott!

We are incredibly excited to announce that we have found our new CEO - Emily Scott (she/her).

Emily is the former CEO and current Board Director of Out for Australia (an LGBTIQ+ not-for-profit), with 5+ years experience as a health and human services management consultant at Nous Group. She is an admitted lawyer, and recently graduated as Dux of her MBA from AGSM @ UNSW Business School, where she continues as a casual academic in accounting and corporate finance. She is a water sport enthusiastic, and proud to play with the queer inclusive Sydney Stingers Waterpolo team. She is an AFR 100 Women of Influence Awardee for LGBTIQ+ inclusion, mental health awareness and sport participation. Some of her work as a consultant includes developing Strategic Plans for The Australian Federation of Aids Organisation (AFAO), LGBTIQ+ Legal Service Victoria and a drug and alcohol treatment facility for women. 
“I have been cheering on GiveOUT’s journey since 2016 and am thrilled to lead the organisation in this next important and ambitious stage. I have big Tracey Martinovich shoes to fill, and am so grateful for the incredible work she has done over the past two years to expand and professionalise GiveOUT’s operations. I am inspired by GiveOUT’s power to effect systems level change and to move the dial on persistent challenges facing our community. I look forward to working on behalf of the community to grow the pot of gold under the rainbow.”

Farewell message from Tracey

It has been my absolute pleasure to lead and grow GiveOUT over the past two years and I could not have wished for a more supportive Board, staff or volunteer team.

I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with over 100 LGBTIQ+ community organisations to shift the needle on the systemic challenges our rainbow communities face and build the change our communities need to thrive. Whilst I’m sad to be leaving, I have complete confidence in Emily and can’t wait to see where she takes GiveOUT next.

Message from the GiveOUT Board

Tracey Martinovich has made a huge contribution to GiveOUT in her tenure as CEO. Some of her many achievements include doubling the scale of GiveOUT Day, overseeing the publication of the inaugural Rainbow Resources Report, and launching the Amplify Pride Fund. The organisation has grown its reach and effectiveness under her leadership and we look forward to continuing to benefit from her energy and insights around LGBTIQ+ giving into the future. On behalf of GiveOUT's Board and partners, I'd like to thank Tracey for her hard work and dedication to our cause. 
 
We are very excited to welcome Emily Scott as GiveOUT's incoming CEO. The GiveOUT Board has full confidence that there is no better person to take on the role and build on Tracey's strong legacy. Emily brings a wealth of experience from the corporate and civil society sectors and a history of deep engagement with LGBTIQ+ communities. Her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style and above all, courageous commitment to growing funding for LGBTIQ+ communities, will take the organisation to new heights.

Queer Family – A case study from GiveOUT Day 2022

Queer Family is a community-based, peer-led organisation in Mullumbimby. They reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing through the creation of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to connect, build, and strengthen community. 

GiveOUT Day has helped raise the profile of queer organisations and projects like Queer Family, and strengthened their fundraising capacity. “We really enjoyed… the additional behind-the-scenes support we received after the floods… and the feeling of being part of a community of Queer workers across the country that GiveOUT Day provides”.

In the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods which destroyed Queer Family’s clubhouse, funds raised during GiveOUT Day have supported the organisation to build a temporary cabin. Queer family is now turning their focus to finding a new permanent home, and to providing queer-specific opportunities for young people in their local area for support and socialising, with the ‘Young Queerios’ program. 

You can find out more about Queer Family and their important work at the links below:

Save the date - GiveOUT Day 2023 | Thursday 19 October 2023

It’s official - GiveOUT Day 2023 will be back and bigger than ever.
Are you an organisation who would like to participate in GiveOUT Day this year? Keep an eye on your inbox – we’ll have more information about registration in the next few months.
 

Small Grant Round Grant Opportunity | applications close 5pm AEST Monday 17 July 2023

Pride Foundation Australia (PFA) Small Grant Round program supports projects proposed by individuals and/or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs.

This is the second granting round for 2023. 

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The GiveOUT Team (GiveOUT)