|
The stories below are of people making a difference, mostly in ways that do not reach the newspapers. A key theme of the AIC is 'democracy starts with me'. Whilst what happens in Parliament is important, the individual also has great power to make a difference.
In the words of playwright Vaclev Havel, the first President of the Czech Republic after the fall of communist bloc, a man who suffered in prison under that regime, “It is becoming evident that a single seemingly powerless person who dares to cry out the word of truth and to stand behind it with all his person and all his life, has surprisingly greater power, though formerly disenfranchised, than do thousands of anonymous voters.”
This forum gives contributors a chance to encourage others through telling their own stories of making a difference. Common themes are taking risks, hard work, moving out of our comfort zones, building relationships, and a practical vision of how to make a more compassionate and co-operative society.
The stories are grouped uner the five tests:
-
-
Sustainability: environmental, social, economic - the triple bottom line
-
Fairness: city and country, mainstream and vulnerable, employer and employee
-
-
Please email us your story of making a difference to info@australianindependentscoalition.org
Stories of Political Integrity
Democracy at the grassroots
An over-the-top development proposal in my area led to me founding with a few others a resident action group, working for appropriate development and a fair dinkum consultation process in our local government area. We then called a meeting to network with other resident groups across our municipality, and contested the local elections. Whilst we did not win, we became involved in issues before Council. Recently the Council voted to look at ways of improving the working relationship with residents.
There is an ongoing battle, but the people you meet along the way are often inspiring. Our local mayor with our support is now running as an Independent in the next State elections, on the basis of honesty in the political process.
Graeme, New South Wales
Active at 80
I came from a politically minded family. From a young age I could be found handing out pamphlets at local shopping centres or manning election booths. I always marched on the May 1st workers march. In later years I have become interested in the plight of our indigenous people. I marched across the bridge for reconciliation in 2000, and have attended meetings at Myall Creek in commemoration of the massacre there, and also at Parliament House in Sydney. At the age of 80 I am still very much interested in politics and support where I can whether local, State, or Federal.
I feel perhaps my greatest achievement though is the raising of three children who have become fine people, and my ten grandchildren of whom I am so proud.
Jean, New South Wales
Back to Top
Stories of Establishing Sustainability
Sustainable Tourism
After many years in the corporate world I have founded an online booking company focussed on the developing world, relying on a network of local owner/operators who manage local content and bookings - the first global franchise booking business. This helps more bookings flow to the small little local guys and importantly the commissions stay in the country. The system also allows travellers to have a local person to talk to. We also have a 'caring for the destination' in addition to the normal service ratings, where the small local travel service providers tell of the good things they are doing for the environment, community, and local culture.
In four years the network has grown to 58 destinations in 36 countries with a further 32 sites in another 16 countries under construction, and expect 300 by the end of 2007. The franchisees are mostly small local tour companies/travel agents with an interest in sustainable tourism.
Len, New South Wales
Back to Top
Stories of Creating a Fairer Society
Aged Care
I work in community aged care, About two years ago I discovered my elderly neighbour was in a dementia-specific nursing home. Although suffering the onset of Alzheimer's, she was distressed at being away from her own home of 82 years.
As ahe had no immediate family friend and I made it our goal to try and facilitate her return. This involved me becoming her Private Guardian for six months after attending a tribunal, responsible for health and accomodation. Despite the nursing home doctor saying I was ill-advised and would regret her return, in fact my neighbour then enjoyed a further two and a half years at home. Contrary to the many healthcare officals' negative predictions, my neighbour thoroughly emjoyed her independence, with the daily help of carers, meals on wheels, and a community nurse. She defied all odds, and showed what can be done - also the triumph (and independence) of the human spirit!
Sallie, New South Wales
Back to Top
Stories of Dealing with Our Historical Injustices
Aboriginal Encounter
I first met Aboriginal people tutoring primary children as a University student in Armidale. As I encountered their faces looking up at mine, I came literally fact to face with an Australian story which I intuitively knew would change my Australian story forever. Aboriginal people have since crossed and re-crossed my life, though at times I was reluctant to meet up for there is so much pain in their story. Yet whenever I reached out I found acceptance, amazing given the history. My life has been enriched, and I realised over time how impoverished my view of Australia was.
My journey has involved going to the NT, just listening to stories, and taking overseas students to meet Aboriginal dance and other groups in Redfern and La Perouse. These days I participate in a reconciliation initiative commemorating a massacre in 1838, to my knowledge the first and only time the perpetrators were brought to justice. This has led to co-hosting occasions in the NSW Parliament. The main difference made I think was in me.
Graeme, New South Wales
Back to Top
Stories of Building a Better Community
Volunteer activity
I enjoy being involved in community activities and fortunately in Australia there are so many opportunities to get involved. As an immigrant to Australia myself over 30 years ago, I know how difficult it is to settle in a new country, especially if your knowledge if English is poor. Three years ago, I answered an ad to teach English to migrants and refugees. This was a huge learning process for me. The students come from a variety of backgrounds, ages and circumstances. Through a range of teaching approaches including shopping excursions, games and role plays the group has become more and more skilled in using English and as a result more confident. Now they are able to understand more things and they have so many questions about Australia.
This learning process has been a two-way street, as the experience has opened my eyes to numerous different cultures and viewpoints. My biggest satisfaction? When a student says: Now I understand.
Sylvia, New South Wales
Building Community between Countries
Building community can start with the person next door. In this case, it was the country next door. I've visited Indonesia three times since 2003 to support a growing team of mainly young people who are committed to bringing change where it's needed in their country. At first, I needed to overcome fear of the unknown and terrorism. I was privileged to visit educational institutions including an Islamic University and an Islamic Boarding School; then to visit in 2005 the biggest Muslim organisation (50 million members) and the Human Rights Commission. Representatives of both these organisations visited Australia a few weeks later to attend a conference on the theme of 'making a difference'.
Last year, I gave support to an Asia Pacific Youth Conference held near Jakarta - so the bridges continue to be built with our huge, beloved nearest neighbour. I recommend it.
Barbara
Christian-Muslim Dialogue
Concerned about the fallout of international terrorist strikes and the growth of negativity towards the Muslim Community in Australia, I helped to instigate several community dialogues around Sydney focusing on what Muslims and Christians have in common. Though also addressing the hard questions, they were designed to forge deeper understanding, friendship and appreciation between people of different cultures and beliefs. We brought together local committees to organise and run these dialogues, and the process is continuing.
It has also led to programs, particularly amongst younger people, which addressed the contentious feelings emanating from the Cronulla riots and the groups most involved.
David
Back to Top
|
