Reconciliation Action Plan 2o13-2o15

Reconciliation Action Plan 2o13-2o15

Acknowledgement of Country Save the Children respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work, and pays respect to Elders past and present. Foreword I am delighted to introduce Save the Children Australia s 2013-2015 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which embodies Save the Children s enduring commitment to Reconciliation. Having supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families for over 50 Years, Save the Children made a public commitment to Reconciliation with the development of its first RAP in 2011. As an organisation we learnt a lot about Reconciliation through the implementation of the 2011-12 RAP. We ve used these learnings, together with insights and knowledge from staff nationally and the expertise of our Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC), to develop our latest three year plan. This RAP continues the work and actions outlined in our first RAP and our commitment to Closing the Gap. It has an increased focus on the professional development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff; dedication to strengthening community owned and controlled services and initiatives around Australia; and a commitment of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture across Save the Children. I look forward to working with our passionate and dedicated RAC and Save the Children staff to implement our 2013-2015 RAP and continuing our journey to Reconciliation. Suzanne Dvorak, Chief Executive Officer our vision Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. our mission Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. page b

page 1 Photo: Save the Children

Our Vision for Reconciliation Save the Children s vision for reconciliation is centred on realising the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities. We believe that for reconciliation to take place the history of injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be acknowledged and the diversity of their cultures and heritage recognised and respected. Our vision is of a reconciled Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can reach their full potential and where their right to survival, development and protection is attained. This means working closely with communities, building relationships based on equity and respect, and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to play a meaningful role in the development of policies and programs that affect them. Reconciliation is a long term process, and Save the Children is firmly committed to bringing our vision of reconciliation to life at every level of our organisation and through every aspect of our programs, policy work and relevant operations. Our Reconciliation Action Plan Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a significant document outlining how Save the Children will continue to bring its vision of reconciliation to life, both within the organisation and through our program and policy work. The 2013-2015 Reconciliation Action Plan is a high level plan, developed by Save the Children s Reconciliation Advisory Committee, drawing on the achievements and learning from the previous Reconciliation Action Plan (2011-2012), and through extensive consultation with staff. Each year indicators will be operationalised through Business and State Plans. The implementation of this plan will be overseen by the Reconciliation Advisory Committee. The Committee, established in 2011, gives a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within the organisation, and will continue to play an instrumental role in guiding the reconciliation process and informing our work more broadly. Both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal staff are members. The Reconciliation Advisory Committee reports to the Executive Team via executive advocates. The Reconciliation Action Plan 2013-2015 builds on the strengths of the previous plan, and extends the organisation s commitments to meaningful partnerships; strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations; advocating for supportive policies and giving a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in public policy discussions; building a culturally aware workforce that is respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and modelling this respect in the communities where we work; and providing career development and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our organisation. This plan is a significant step forward in our reconciliation journey, and brings us closer to our vision of a reconciled Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children reach their full potential. I took this photo because I wanted to represent the different skin tones of Aboriginal People. I am Aboriginal, but I am white. I often get teased for being a white/black. I felt ashamed of my skin colour, until I took this photo. Racism has to stop everywhere in Australia. Aboriginal girl South East Perth PhotoVoice Project participant page 2

Our Business Save the Children is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to achieve lasting change in the lives of children in 120 countries around the world. Save the Children is driven to protect and uphold the rights of children, and under the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), strives to realise child rights through innovation, partnership and policy development. We also acknowledge the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in recognising the particular challenges they have face in numerous countries around the world. Save the Children s global programs focus on six key initiatives, including Child Protection, Child Rights Governance, Education, HIV and AIDS, EVERY ONE (Health and Nutrition), and Emergency and Humanitarian Response. Our programs in Australia focus on Education and Child Protection. In Australia, we work in over 100 sites across the country (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities), and reach more than 20,000 children, young people and their parents each year. Education programs include Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Access to School and Youth Engagement programs; Child Protection programs focus on parenting support; and emergencies. Darwin Wadeye Dampier Peninsula Broome East Kimberley (Wyndham, Kununurra, Warmun, Halls Creek) NORTHERN TERRITORY Mornington Island Normanton Doomadgee Townsville QUEENSLAND WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth SOUTH AUSTRALIA Ceduna, Yalata, Koonibba Wilcannia Bourke NEW SOUTH WALES Brisbane Gold Coast Murwillumbah Sydney Adelaide Riverina Canberra VICTORIA Shepparton ACT Melbourne Nowa Nowa TASMANIA Deloraine Hobart page 3

Relationships Save the Children will continue to strengthen its relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations. Save the Children works in meaningful partnerships to support the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their families and communities in the public policy discussions that affect their lives and to support the development of policies and programs that fulfill their rights. Focus areas Continue to support and promote Save the Children s Reconciliation Advisory Committee to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people s perspectives are acknowledged and valued within the organisation. Build new, and strengthen existing, partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Build capacity and support increased participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the development of policy and programs that affect them. South East Perth PhotoVoice Project participant When I was in year 2 everyone was asked to put our handprint on the wall. It makes me remember all the kids that left. It reminds me of my culture and how Aboriginals did their paintings in the past. I feel that lots of people think that Aboriginals are bad and stuff because they drink. I like being Aboriginal, but when I tell people I am, they don t believe me because I am white. This makes me feel sad. Aboriginal boy Photo: Sonya Sleep/Save the Children page 4

Action Responsibility Timeline Indicator(s) 1. Strengthen and support the Reconciliation Advisory Committee to oversee reconciliation activities, and contribute to the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs. Head of Australia Programs and Reconciliation Advisory Committee November Every two months Reconciliation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference reviewed annually. Reconciliation Advisory Committee meet at least five times per year including teleconferences and face-to-face meetings. Executive Advocate/s attend all face-to-face Reconciliation Advisory Committee meetings and receive regular updates from Committee Chair. Quarterly Reconciliation Advisory Committee members and their work publicised through a quarterly internal newsletter. Reconciliation Advisory Committee members participate in State planning days. Every six months Progress on RAP reviewed by the Reconciliation Advisory Committee. Every six months RAP progress reports provided to staff by the Reconciliation Advisory Committee. 27 May-3 June Hold at least one event during National Reconciliation Week to provide opportunities to build relationships. 2. Advocate in partnership for policies to fulfil the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their families and communities. Director, Public Affairs With partners, staff and the Reconciliation Advisory Committee, key advocacy issues are identified and presented to policy makers and government. Three or more submissions sent to relevant policy enquiries and consultations. Participation in local and national working groups where appropriate. 3. Build on Save the Children Australia s program strengths and share capacity with organisations that promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, their families and communities. Head of Australia Programs and State Managers 2014 Where possible, work in partnership (rather than in competition) with local Aboriginal controlled organisations. Processes are in place to support both formal and informal partnerships. 4. In consultation with community partners, work towards handing over programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and representative organisations. Head of Australia Programs and State Managers April Partners acknowledged on the website and in Annual Reports. Where appropriate, plans for hand-over included in partnership agreements, program design and other planning documents. support provided where required to ensure successful hand-over. Hand-overs are documented and publicised where appropriate. Opportunities are sought to work with additional Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities to build capacity to deliver programs in partnership. page 5

Respect Save the Children respects diverse cultures and is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in an environment of trust, equality and two way learning. We will continue to promote and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and build cultural awareness at every level of the organisation, within our programs and in the communities where we work. We acknowledge that the development of cultural competency is an on-going learning experience. Focus areas Increased levels of appropriate cultural awareness amongst all staff within the organisation. Cultural Protocols are applied in Save the Children programs, events and promotions. Celebration and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within our programs and the communities where we work. South East Perth PhotoVoice Project participant Photo: Save the Children This photo of the Aboriginal Flag represents lots of different Aboriginal Tribes. It represents my family, my culture and me. It also represents the racism that exists in Australia between blacks and whites and different skin tones. I feel that as Aboriginal people we can t be trusted because we are black. We often get blamed and get racist looks and comments for things that one person might do in our communities. Aboriginal child page 6

Action Responsibility Timeline Indicator(s) 1. Increase cultural awareness at every level of the organisation. Director, Human Resources, State Managers and the Reconciliation Advisory Committee June 2014 A Commitment to Reconciliation is included in the Employee Code of Conduct. At least one cultural experience undertaken by all employees (e.g. cultural awareness training, guest speakers, national cultural celebrations). Reconciliation discussed regularly at Team and State meetings. 2. Ensure that the Cultural Protocols are applied in all Save the Children programs, events and promotions. This includes Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country at relevant events. State Managers Welcome to Country ceremonies are delivered at major public events by Traditional Owners of Country and Acknowledgment of Country delivered at all large internal meetings and events with external participants. September 2013 Acknowledgement to Country is displayed in all Save the Children shops and offices, including signage in local language where appropriate. 2014 Save the Children s Cultural Protocols are adapted for each community where we program. June 2013 All employees have received a copy of the Cultural Protocols and RAP as part of their induction. Guidelines on use of language and images, and protocols regarding consent are adhered to. 3. Continue to support national and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events and activities in the communities where we work. State Managers and the Reconciliation Advisory Committee February One week from the first Sunday in July Calendar of cultural events developed and distributed within Save the Children. Hold at least one event to celebrate NAIDOC. Cultural events and activities are publicised internally and acknowledged on the website. page 7

Opportunities Save the Children is committed to providing recruitment and career development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the organisation to foster leadership and skills development. Focus areas Build and strengthen leadership capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff within Save the Children. Flexible and culturally sensitive human resource policies and processes are developed. Accountability Save the Children is committed to bringing about measurable outcomes towards reconciliation, both within our organisation and in the communities in which we work. We will track and review progress against this plan six monthly, and will share learning and celebrate achievements on our reconciliation journey. South East Perth PhotoVoice Project participant Photo: Sonya Sleep/Save the Children The two flags represent the culture of the Aboriginal people and the people of Australia. James Cook wandered into Australia without permission from the Aboriginal people. Aboriginal boy page 8

Action Responsibility Timeline Indicator(s) 1. Continue to develop flexible and culturally sensitive human resource policies, to attract and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers. Director, Human Resources and Head of Australian Programs 2015 2013 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represent 20% of the Save the Children workforce (from 19% in 2012). Recruitment guidelines and processes are reviewed to ensure they are culturally sensitive and flexible to meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team member needs. 2. Offer management training, leadership and other professional development opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Director, Human Resources 2013 Two staff participate in cultural exchanges annually. Performance development and review systems are culturally appropriate. 2014 Aboriginal Leadership Program implemented in line with Save the Children s People Strategy. 2014 Professional development opportunities are culturally appropriate and based on staff need e.g. mentoring, on the job training. Action Responsibility Timeline Indicator(s) 1. Include RAP Actions in Save the Children business and organisational plans. Executive, State Managers and Reconciliation Advisory Committee RAP Actions included in State and National Office Business Plans. Reconciliation Advisory Committee annual plan developed and implemented, including a communications strategy. 2. Review progress against the RAP, share and celebrate outcomes. Executive, Head of Australian Programs and Reconciliation Advisory Committee September Annual State and National Office plans for reconciliation circulated within the organisation and reported on every six months. Achievements, challenges and learning reported to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in the Annual Impact Measurement Report, and included in Save the Children s Annual Report. Every six months The Reconciliation page on Save the Children s website updated every six months. April 2013 RAP circulated to key stakeholders including corporate, government and program delivery partners. 3. In recognition of the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement and participation at all levels, Save the Children will encourage representation on the Board of Directors. Board of Directors and the CEO 2015 Board members will seek an amendment to the Constitution to include the desire for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and facilitate such representation. page 9

more Information For information on Save the Children s Reconciliation Action Plan and related activities, please contact the Australia Programs Team in the Melbourne Office on 1800 76 00 11. Save the Children Australia Head Office: Level 6, 250 Victoria Parade East Melbourne VIC 3002 1800 76 00 11 info@savethechildren.org.au savethechildren.org.au ACN 008 610 035 facebook.com/savethechildrenaustralia youtube.com/savethechildrenaus @savechildrenaus 1800 76 00 11 savethechildren.org.au Photo (and cover photo): Les O Rourke Courtesy Department of Education and Early Childhood Development STC00732 page 10