RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010-2011
Our vision for reconciliation is of an inclusive nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples thrive and the wider Australian community has a deep understanding and respect for the peoples whose land we live on.
OUR VISION
OUR SUPPORTERS
Amnesty International Australia’s vision for reconciliation is of an inclusive nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples thrive and the wider Australian community has a deep understanding and respect for the peoples whose land we live on. This is an Australia where all peoples are reconciled and all human rights are upheld.
Amnesty International Australia has more than 100,000 supporters across the country. Many participate in local groups, joining with others who care about and take action for human rights. Some 150 groups around the country meet on a regular basis.
OUR PURPOSE Amnesty International is a global movement of millions of people working to ensure everyone’s human rights are respected and protected. We have a vision of a world in which every person enjoys all of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. Our core work is to search out the facts, expose what is happening and then mobilise people to put pressure on governments and others to stop the violations. We protect people and communities whose rights are violated, encourage governments and others to respect human rights and raise awareness of the international standards that protect us all.
Each state or territory is referred to as a region and has a branch committee, with a president who represents Amnesty International Australia in that region and a regional representative who reports to and is a member of the national Board. We have an action centre in every capital city of Australia (except Darwin, where activists are connected through our Adelaide action centre). In each action centre a community campaigner provides direction, coordination and support to their many local groups. We also have around 400 school groups across Australia who take action, meet in their lunch hours and choose to become educated about human rights. Amnesty International Australia has 85 staff members and two identify as Aboriginal.
A Reconciliation Action Plan is fundamental to the operation of Amnesty International Australia.
Our organisation has a unique network and we hope that this leads to a consultative and meaningfully implemented Reconciliation Action Plan.
WHO WE ARE
OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
We are a diverse and democratic movement of people who share fundamental global values: dignity, freedom, justice, equality and a fair go for all. We are outraged by human rights abuses and create change by inspiring people around the world to take action. We demand, and hold to account, governments and other decision makers to protect and respect human rights. We are an international movement that speaks out with one voice, without compromise or fear, to help protect human rights. We are a grass roots organisation founded in 1961, truly independent of government, business, religion or political groups. We work for individuals – giving them a voice and standing with them – to secure fundamental human rights for all. We work collaboratively and in partnership with others to achieve our shared human rights outcomes.
Our plan has been developed by a staff project team that includes Aboriginal representation. We started our journey with an engagement workshop, including all staff, and invited participants to offer ideas. Amnesty International representatives also engaged in consultation with Aboriginal groups and individuals and this feedback has been incorporated into the plan. Our Indigenous advisory group was consulted in the later stages of drafting the plan. Our Board’s diversity committee oversees the plan and we intend to use it as one of many conversation points with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and groups around the country. With clear governance and reporting mechanisms in place, the impact of our plan could be widespread. Our activists and staff are members of sporting clubs, religious organisations and community groups. They are parents and family members and can affect all the people they meet. With this in mind, our first Reconciliation Action Plan has: An inward and outward focus. Much can be done within the office environment, at our stalls, during regular external activities and through new relationships and experiences. A focus on ensuring that our staff and activists have ownership of the plan and feel responsible for and rewarded by its implementation.
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Relationships Amnesty International Australia campaigns for the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to be respected by the Australian Government. It is vital that we continue to do this in partnership with the rights holders themselves. Truly empowered relationships are vital for us at every level, from grass roots to senior figures.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
FOCUS: Our plan is to continue to invest in and deepen respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to enhance our human rights impact and enable positive change for Amnesty International Australia and all those involved in our work. 1. Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, elders, leaders and organisations (including both men and women) to be meaningfully involved in planning Amnesty International Australia work that impacts on their rights.
Indigenous Rights Programs Manager
2. Actively promote understanding of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to all staff, key activists and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Demand Dignity Program Manager
by October 2011
Ensure that 80 per cent of staff and key activists undertake declaration training.
Director Campaigns
by March 2011
Employ a human rights education staff member whose key responsibility is the development and delivery of declaration outreach training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Director Campaigns
by October 2011
Develop a train-the-trainer model, in a consultative manner, with each community we work with to reflect local needs.
Director Campaigns
by October 2011
Deliver declaration outreach training to 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in two or more locations.
Indigenous Rights Programs Manager
by May 2011
Distribute the declaration to 200 or more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations (this will build on the 500 organisations that have already received our declaration booklet). Ensure 30 per cent of organisations who receive the booklet are agencies specifically involved in women’s rights.
Indigenous Rights team and Publications team
by May 2011
Incorporate at least one article on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human rights in each Human Rights Defender magazine (includes articles written by staff, activists and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples we work with).
Reconciliation Action Plan team, Demand Dignity team and Online team
by May 2011
Create a dedicated space on our website for content relating to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Branch Committees (directing action groups) and Community Campaigners
by October 2011
Ensure that each region has at least two stalls a year with a focus on human rights issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (eg NAIDOC Week, Survivor Day, local events etc).
3. Engage the public in understanding the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and reconciliation.
by October 2011
Include a plan for consultation (to be adapted as required) for activities or projects to be held on country. Ask our Indigenous advisory group to contribute to relevant plans.
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
4. Amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights holders in public communications.
Homelands campaign coordinator
by October 2011
Support a female and male representative of Alyawarr peoples* to go to Canberra on two advocacy trips. Support a female and male representative of Alyawarr peoples to attend one UN event. Coordinate: • Two media pieces telling stories of Alyawarr peoples. • One campaigning document including Alyawarr case studies. • Four web features. • Three all-supporter emails. • Four stories in Amnesty International Australia publications
5. Encourage our 400 school groups to understand and campaign for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through developing their own reconciliation action plan.
6. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
Campaign Coordinator and Youth Coordinator
by June 2011
Article in school pack focusing on the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and reconciliation action plans.
Campaign Coordinator and Youth Coordinator
September 2011
Follow up action or article in subsequent school pack encouraging feedback from schools and students.
Campaign Coordinator and Youth Coordinator
October 2011
Ensure 10 per cent or more of our school groups formally commit to developing a reconciliation action plan.
Indigenous Rights Programs Manager and Indigenous Rights Education role
by October 2011
Maintain contact made in June 2010 with Barunga and south Queensland people. Visit again (as requested) and conduct declaration training. Replicate relationship with Barunga and South Queensland people in at least one other regional or urban community. Develop relationship and regular meetings or briefings with National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. Support at least 10 per cent of Amnesty International Australia to volunteer at local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations events or on particular projects as part of their paid work.
*The Alyawarr community is mentioned because Amnesty International Australia has an established working relationship and commitment with Alyawarr elders and the Alyawarr community. We look forward to expanding this work to other communities in the future.
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Respect Amnesty International exists to campaign for the protection of human rights for all individuals. This involves an inherent respect for all peoples. In Australia, respect for the peoples on whose land we live is integral to our work. Acknowledging the ancient histories, cultures and languages of this land will help us grow here in Australia and contribute more experiences and knowledge to the global movement.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
FOCUS: Acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ special place as the first Australians. Develop Amnesty International Australia’s activists’ and staff understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to enable us to provide a respectful and welcoming campaigning organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to participate in. 7. Create a culturally respectful and welcoming environment through visual displays in each action centre and acknowledge traditional owners in our publications.
8. Ensure that a welcome to country or acknowledgment of country takes place at all key events.
Director Support Services
by May 2011
Display a plaque in acknowledgement of land and the traditional owners in all action centres.
Director Support Services
by October 2011
Work with local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples to develop visual educational displays referring to the land they are on in 50 per cent of action centres.
Director Support Services
by October 2011
Display artwork or support a local exhibition involving Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists (with full acknowledgment) in action centres.
Director Communications
by February 2011
Insert an acknowledgment of country in all email signatures and printed stationery.
National Director
from January 2011
All board and annual general meetings include a welcome to country or an acknowledgment of country.
Branch Presidents
from January 2011
Include welcome to country or an acknowledgment of country (as appropriate) in all staff meetings, major planning meetings and branch committee meetings.
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
9. Develop our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultures, histories, perspectives and contributions.
Human Resources and Indigenous Rights Programs Manager
by August 2011
Introduce an induction process for all new board members, branch committee members, volunteers and staff that includes familiarisation with: • Our Reconciliation Action Plan. • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols, local to the area they live in. • Reconciliation Australia’s online cultural training tool modules on Indigenous Australians and culture at www.shareourpride.org.au
10. Support and encourage activists and staff to get to know their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through promoting and participating in key dates and events on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar.
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Human Resources
by October 2011
Support 30 per cent of staff to participate in half-day cultural training by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander facilitator.
Community Campaigners, Office and Volunteer Coordinators and Line Managers
October 2011
Support 50 per cent or more of our staff and action centre volunteers to learn about local history from elders or traditional owners (where there is mutual benefit), onsite or offsite, as directed by those sharing their knowledge.
Indigenous Rights Programs Manager
by October 2011
Ensure that 80 per cent of staff members attend an information session explaining the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and 80 per cent of feedback indicates confidence understanding this declaration.
Indigenous Rights Programs Manager
by February 2011
Distribute a calendar of significant dates to all action centres.
Community Campaigners
by October 2011
Promote local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events in regular action centre ebulletins.
Senior and Line Management teams
by October 2011
Ensure 50 per cent of staff members participate in at least one cultural celebration a year with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as part of their paid work.
Opportunities Ensure that internal and public processes – that lead to empowered positions where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men can exert influence – will assist our campaigning work nationally and globally.
Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
FOCUS: Ensure that Amnesty International Australia invests in genuine two-way working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples based on empowerment, learning and respect for human rights. 11. Develop and implement a strategy to strengthen the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in all aspects of Amnesty International Australia as supporters (governance and activism) and staff.
Human Resources Manager
by October 2011
Develop strategy in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Human Resources Manager
from January 2011
Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples represent 3 per cent or more of our staff.
12. Support the ambitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through a dedicated internship program and volunteer roles.
Human Resources Manager
by October 2011
Display a plaque in acknowledgement of land and the traditional owners in all action centres.
Community Campaigners
by October 2011
Create two or more group liaison volunteer positions to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outreach responsibilities following the South Australian model.
13. Where possible, make Amnesty Office and International Australia meeting Volunteer spaces available to Aboriginal and Coordinators Torres Strait Islander organisations at no cost.
by October 2011
Advertise to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.
14. Support organisations committed to reconciliation.
Director Support Services
by October 2011
Ask potential suppliers whether they have a reconciliation action plan. When all else is equal, decide in favour of suppliers with a plan.
15. Support the economic self determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and businesses.
Senior Management by January 2011 Team, Community Campaigns Team, Office and Volunteer Coordinators and all staff involved in procurement.
Place a copy of a local and national Indigenous Business Directory in each action centre.
Senior Management by October 2011 Team, Community Campaigns Team, Office and Volunteer Coordinators and all staff involved in procurement.
Request quotes from one or more Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander businesses on all major Amnesty International Australia tenders.
Director Support Services
Allocate annual budget to purchase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks for each action centre, in line with agreed procurement protocols.
Advertise all new staff positions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media and include the phrase: encouraged to apply.
by October 2011
PHOTO CREDITS: Cover: Alyawarr children Rachel Loy, Tellisha Loy, Alisha Loy and Delilah Brown from the Mosquito Bore homeland, Northern Territory. © Mervyn Bishop/AI Page 5: Amnesty International researcher Lucas Jordan consults with Alyawarr women Topsy McLeod Ngal and Pansie McLeod Petyarr on a visit to the Utopia homelands, November 2009. © Rusty Stewart/AI Page 6: Amnesty International National Director Claire Mallinson (left) and former Secretary General Irene Khan talk with Topsy McLeod Ngal at Camel Camp, Utopia homelands. © Rusyt Stewart/AI
RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2010–2011 Amnesty International Australia
Tracking progress and reporting Action
Responsibility
Timeline
Measurable Targets
16. A project team, which includes members from strategic positions across the organisation and Aboriginal representation, actively supervises the progress of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Director Support Services
by October 2011
Project team meets monthly by October 2011.
17. Ensure our reconciliation journey evolves in collaboration with external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Director Support Services
by November 2011
Our Indigenous advisory group comments on our Reconciliation Action Plan annually as part of a planning and reporting process.
Reconciliation Action Plan Project team
from January 2011
Each action centre actively seeks local comments, feedback and ideas throughout the year on how the plan could grow in future years.
18. Ensure that our staff and activists have ownership of the plan and feel responsible for and rewarded by its implementation.
Director Support Services
from February 2011 Our plan is a standing agenda item at all staff meetings to:
Project team develops terms of reference by end of March 2011. A member of the Board diversity committee attends one or more project team meetings a year.
• Create an opportunity to discuss our journey. • Promote external activities. • Share personal stories of learning or action. Senior Management by October 2011 team
19. Report quarterly on the progress of the plan.
Develop sections on our website for reconciliation information, ideas for personal action and comments.
Reconciliation Action Plan team and Director Support Services
by August 2011
Develop an activist and staff reconciliation honour system to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions.
Reconciliation Action Plan team
by October 2011
Include short quantitative and qualitative reporting in our usual quarterly reviews.
by October 2011
List plan as standing agenda item at all Board meetings.
20. Connect Amnesty International Director Supporter Australia's Board to the plan. Services
Provide a short report or presentation on the plan’s progress to the Board quarterly. Report the plan’s progress at national annual general meetings. 21. Publicly celebrate and share the journey of our plan.
Reconciliation Action Plan team
by October 2011
Place plan on Amnesty International Australia website.
22. Develop an annual report of the progress towards meeting the plan’s action targets and key learning outcomes. Make the report publically available.
Director Support Services
by November 2011
Place report and refreshed plans on Amnesty International Australia and Reconciliation Australia websites. Refresh the plan annually and share with the public to ensure it is actively progressed.
Amnesty International is a global movement of 2.8 million people in more than 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion – funded mainly by our membership and public donations.
Amnesty International ABN 64 002 806 233 Locked Bag 23, Broadway NSW 2007 1300 300 920 supporter@amnesty.org.au www.amnesty.org.au