A group of socially minded leaders and entrepreneurs, in partnership with Big Brother Big Sister and AmCham Australia, have launched an innovative mentoring approach to guide and inspire at-risk youth. Co-Founded by Jon Michail and Mark Watt AM, AmCham & BBBS The Leadership Council is sourcing 100 business leaders to step up and achieve social good through collaboration, support and sharing of expertise.“We are creating a mentorship space to allow young people to enjoy creativity, learn effective entrepreneurial skills – critical thinking and self-leadership and sustainability,” says Jon Michail. “This will ultimately improve resilience and mental health in young people.” https://leadershipcouncil.org.au
“Where’s my money going?” and “What difference does my donation make?” are questions often pondered before donating to charity. I wonder how much impact is left on the table because of uncertainty. The Life You Can Save Australia – named after founder Peter Singer’s book – is focused on giving donors confidence. This is done through a collection of smart giving tools (such as their impact calculator), charity recommendations and free giving guidance. Executive Director Rickard Vikstrom says the platform "recommends charities that improve the most lives per dollar – then makes it easy for donors to support them.” https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org.au
A youth summit in Australia envisages a community that promotes a just and sustainable world that celebrates diversity. The NEXUS Summit invites young social entrepreneurs, impact investors and emerging philanthropists to connect with each other and generate ideas for social good (and how best to achieve them). In the process, creating beacons of social innovation and becoming role models in the not-for-profit sector. “The purpose is to catalyse new leadership and accelerate solutions to major social and environmental issues” says Lucy Steggles, Chair of NEXUS Australia. The sixth Nexus Australia Summit is on 2-4 November at Carriageworks in Sydney. https://www.nexusaustralia.org.au/about-the-summit
Share the Dignity wants women, girls and those who menstruate, who are waking up in a refuge or homeless shelter on Christmas, to feel love and hope. "For many who receive our bags, it's the only gift they receive'' says Rochelle Courtenay, Founder of Share the Dignity. Everyday Australians are encouraged to drop bags of essentials – including sanitary items – to any Bunnings store between 18-27 November (2022) for distribution to over 3,000 charities nationwide. "When Bunnings came on board it made it incredibly easy for our supporters to donate nationally and allowed us to reach new audiences." https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag
“Everyone should be curious. Anyone can make change and add value” says Louise Baxter, Starlight Children’s Foundation. With Innovation Awards and Innovation Champions, this not-for-profit is constantly exploring new ideas to support seriously ill children, young people and their families. One such innovation is the Livewire program that connects teenagers living with a serious illness or chronic health condition. Livewire is an online community that’s moderated, secure, and accessible to those at home or in hospital, available when they need it. “Livewire promotes the voice of lived experience through live chat, private messaging, community, entertainment content and creative projects.” https://www.starlight.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/livewire
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence through registered charities, safe houses, and authorities. "Phones are often one of the first items to be taken or broken during domestic violence, leaving the victim with no way to call emergency services or helplines” says Ashton Wood. “Our Safe Phones are provided as part of an individual's 'safe' or 'escape' plan offering a lifeline to call for help.” Along side this work, DV Safe Phones has launched ‘One Phone, One Life’ – a community tool to start conversations about healthy, respectful relationships. https://dvsafephone.org/onelife
