ACT Council of Social Service Reconciliation Action Plan

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1 ACT Council of Social Service Reconciliation Action Plan

2 Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners ACTCOSS acknowledges Canberra has been built on the land of the Ngunnawal people. We pay respects to their Elders and recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and ongoing contribution to the ACT community. Our vision for reconciliation Photograph: Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Paradise, Our vision is to live in a fair and equitable community that respects and values diversity, human rights and sustainability and promotes justice, equity, reconciliation and social inclusion. ACTCOSS has long supported and built capability around reconciliation, to overcome the causes of division and inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This has included: The development of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Advocating for better opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our policy work Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector workers, and mainstream organisations, through our Gulanga Program and our learning and development calendar

3 Our work The role of ACTCOSS is to: Take action to achieve positive social change Influence the social change agenda and decision makers Provide support and guidance to build the social capital of people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable and the capacity of community managed organisations Our work is guided by the values of integrity, leadership, collaboration, reconciliation and social justice. ACTCOSS employs 11 people, including three people who identify as Aboriginal. Our work focuses on the needs of and decisions that affect people living in the ACT. We contribute to national advocacy on social and economic policy through the network of Councils of Social Service. Our long term commitment Our firm commitment to the reconciliation process is evidenced by a long and active commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Some examples include: 1980s Enabled access to alcohol and drug services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 1990s Held a conference on the importance of reconciliation Amendment to the ACTCOSS Constitution to reflect our commitment. The new clause read: ACTCOSS advocates for a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all. 2000s Made submissions to government on issues likely to impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and considered the position of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector in policy work In 2009 drafted a seven point Pledge for Reconciliation. The Pledge read: ACTCOSS pledges to work and advocate for the elimination of disadvantage, poverty and discrimination faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT. In particular, we will:

4 advocate for the elimination of economic, income, health and social inequalities which exist between Indigenous and non-indigenous people in the ACT; strive to ensure that the rights and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are considered, respected and addressed in all our activities; support and advocate for the development of appropriate community services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people provided by both Indigenous run services and non-indigenous services; consult with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to review and improve mechanisms for Government and community consultations and negotiations on issues affecting Indigenous people; promote recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander country, culture and history within the ACT community; provide appropriate support to networking and collaboration initiatives among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and individuals in the ACT; and support the principles of self-determination, justice and cultural integrity. ACTCOSS pledges to work towards these goals in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and we commit to a process of reconciliation and mutual learning in our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Began the ACTCOSS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project, which became known as the Gulanga Program, providing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in the homelessness sector, and developing cultural awareness tools and resources for the community sector Developed the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit, a set of good practice standards to assist community service organisations improve the quality of their services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users and communities and to improve organisations knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures Organised and ran training for the community sector on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness 2010s Launched our first RAP in We developed the RAP with assistance from Reconciliation Australia, the ACTCOSS Committee, our RAP Steering Group, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members With assistance from our RAP, we integrated reconciliation activities into business as usual, e.g. Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners at every meeting; sourcing catering, artworks and other purchases from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses; and regularly working through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit Continued making submissions to government on issues effecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, increasing our consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and stakeholders

5 Our RAP Organised and hosted reconciliation events for the community sector and community for National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, and Anniversary of the National Apology Included sessions on reconciliation at our biennial conferences Continued to run and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training and presentations for the community sector Expanded the Gulanga Program with an additional worker to provide support to community organisations working with children and families In refreshing our RAP for 2015, ACTCOSS determined we needed to develop a RAP that embedded and consolidated our previous actions, strengthening our internal capability and our leadership role in the community sector regarding reconciliation. We look forward to the refreshed RAP for guiding our work towards a fair and equitable community. Our Innovation RAP was developed by all staff with guidance regarding priorities and actions from our Aboriginal staff. We consulted with leaders of Aboriginal community controlled organisations and the Chair of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. The draft RAP was reviewed and endorsed by our governing body, the ACTCOSS Committee. Our RAP Steering Group is comprised of two ACTCOSS Committee members, the and Deputy and two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders. Our RAP is championed by all the staff team and by Committee members.

6 Relationships ACTCOSS values respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians as an important bridge to facilitate a diverse, tolerant and inclusive community. ACTCOSS looks forward to strengthening relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the ACT. Focus area: Building stronger relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies and associations Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Engage more effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media to raise public awareness of our policy, advocacy work and campaigns to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Distribute all media releases to publications that have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as core audience Koori Mail, Indigenous X, ACCHO, National Indigenous Times. Communications Officer Deputy Assist other organisations with their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations through training and consultancy. One member organisation (not in the Housing or CYFP sectors) utilise the Gulanga consultancy or training service. Deputy Commit to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities, including internal staff. Listen, learn and seek advice in relation to policy and sector development work, and identify one or more areas for collaborative action with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations or non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations funded to deliver activities/programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Policy Team Capability Team RAP Steering Group continues to actively monitor RAP development, including implementation of actions and tracking progress. Members of the RAP Steering Group, will include external Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representatives. Meetings will occur at least 2 times per year (and may be held via or phone to allow for flexibility). Celebrate National Reconciliation Week by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and other employees to build relationships. Organise at least 1 internal event each year. 27 May - 3 June each year

7 Focus area: Lead the Canberra community sector s engagement in reconciliation Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Be an active advocate for reconciliation by promoting RAPs in the community sector, RAP Journeys and the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit (CASAT). Set up a RAP learning circle/peer network meeting in the community sector. By end of December 2015 Deputy Include content relevant to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in ACTCOSS conference. At least one focused session at conference. Invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander speakers to present in all sessions. As part of 2016 conference planning

8 Respect Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, peoples and their diverse cultures is pivotal to strengthening the social fabric of Australian society. Reconciliation is only possible if it is built on recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of this land and their right to autonomy and sovereignty. Focus area: Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Extend Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners to web-based platforms. An Acknowledgement of Land will appear in the footer of every page of the new website. December 2015 Communications Officer Include formal role for Traditional Owners in ACTCOSS events. A Welcome to Country will continue to be provided by a Traditional Owner at 2 ACTCOSS hosted events each year. Contribute to the campaign for Australian constitutional change which recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian constitution. ACTCOSS will host at least one Recognise event every year. ACTCOSS will keep in touch with community views on Recognise campaign. Engage employees in understanding the protocols around Acknowledgement of Tradition Owners and Welcome to Country ceremonies to ensure there is shared meaning behind the ceremonies. Develop, implement and communicate a protocol document. December 2015 Deputy Focus area: Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Enable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff to attend NAIDOC events during work time. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can attend NAIDOC events in work time. Provide sponsorship/in-kind support for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation or event (e.g. community NAIDOC events, sporting events). Support 2 events/organisations every financial year.

9 Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Continue to use the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit to facilitate an ongoing cycle of cultural self-reflection. Staff will continue to discuss 1 standard of the Toolkit every 2nd month, seeking to identify ways to further improve the cultural competency of the staff and organisation and implement necessary actions. Engage employees in cultural learning to increase understanding and appreciation of different cultural backgrounds in order to lay the foundation for other RAP actions to be achieved. Develop and pilot a cultural awareness training strategy. In particular, provide opportunities for RAP Steering Group members, RAP Champions, HR managers and other key leadership to participate in training. December 2015 Deputy Empower ACTCOSS staff to confront racism. Provide whole team training for staff on how to identify and confront racism once every 2 years. Build ACTCOSS library of cultural resources. Allocate at least $200/year to purchasing resources, promote in staff meetings. Invite team members to nominate what resources to purchase. Deputy Celebrate culturally significant dates. Attend 3 events not related to NAIDOC (e.g. Sorry Day, Apology Anniversary, MABO Day, Human Rights Day). Greater participation in NAIDOC Week celebrations. ACTCOSS will hold or work in partnership to support at least 1 event annually during NAIDOC Week. All staff will attend 1 NAIDOC event per year in addition to the official ACTCOSS event.

10 Opportunities Capacity building opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities are vital for breaking cycles of disadvantage and reinforce a positive narrative of success. We believe the promotion of a sector culture which values skill sharing, benefits the entire community and enables ACTCOSS to better lead the social justice agenda. Focus area: Reinforce, in organisational structures, the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and ACTCOSS Committee members Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff report being valued members of our team in annual review with supervisor. Take action on issues identified by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff members to increase their experience of being respected and valued members of the team. All staff and visitors demonstrate acknowledgement and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the team and community, and when this does not happen, management follow up on any concerns. Ensure our recruitment and other HR processes are respectful and attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to work for our organisation. 50% of selection panels include an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff, board member or external Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member. All externally advertised jobs are advertised in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media electronically. Increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in positions of leadership within ACTCOSS. In succession planning for the Committee, aim to have 2 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated peoples on the ACTCOSS Committee. and President

11 Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Promote pathways which encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to work in the community sector. ACTCOSS will build a working relationship with services focusing on job readiness and employment support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and with the Yurana Centre at CIT. Deputy Procure products or services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses/individuals wherever possible or appropriate. Make available to staff a list of providers of goods and services. Use Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander suppliers at least 5 times per year (e.g. caterers, printers, artists, guest speakers). ACTCOSS will subscribe to Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times. Focus area: Sectoral investment in developing the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and organisation Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Pro-bono services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations/ communities. Provide up to 3 training and consultancy sessions to non-member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. June 2017 Deputy Actively encourage the community sector to invest in the professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Messages advertising professional development courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers will be included in weekly e-notices. Present information at all relevant forums that we attend on the importance and benefits of offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff professional development opportunities. Deputy Organise seminars and forums which raise awareness of topical issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector workers. 1 seminar will be organised each financial year. Gulanga Team

12 Commitments in previous RAPs that are now business as usual Progress on these commitments will be reported as part of our RAP review and reporting. Action Acknowledge Traditional Owners. Build knowledge of cultural resources. Target An Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners will continue to be given at every official meeting, seminar, training session and community event. An Acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners will continue to appear as part of all written publications including policy submissions, signature blocks and meeting agendas. Develop a policy surrounding Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners, including education around why we do it. Develop a protocol for Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and personal responses to a Welcome to Country. Print out ACTCOSS Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners for all employees and Committee members to use established protocols around Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Welcome to Country. Include a copy of Reconciliation Australia cultural awareness tool ( in orientation manual for staff and Committee Continue to support and facilitate involvement with local Aboriginal Elders, the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and Aboriginal organisations. Continue to consult with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to further develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Seek advice from and support Elders and leaders in the ACT (consult with United Ngunnawal Elders Council). Extend displaying of artwork, symbols and flags to ACTCOSS electronic and online publications. Incorporate artwork, symbols and flags into revised website and new publications.

13 Action Provide education and training around reconciliation, cultural awareness and engagement. Be an active advocate for reconciliation by promoting RAPs in the community sector, RAP Journeys and the Cultural Awareness Self-Assessment Toolkit (CASAT). Professional development. Target Continue to promote and deliver Aboriginal Cultural, History and Heritage training and Torres Strait Islander Awareness training sessions. Continue to ensure the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are placed in a prominent position in the office and the meaning of each flag is documented (e.g. an interpretive sign). Key dates in Australia s history related to reconciliation. Organise 1 seminar or event with Reconciliation Australia. This will be included in the Deputy s annual work plan. Review CASAT documents and incorporate links with RAP by December 2015 ready for implementing in Development of guide in Organisations Information Kit (OIK) about where reconciliation actions could be incorporated into organisation Policies & Procedures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff access annual career development advice session. Cultural competency training included in staff development plan agreed at annual reviews. Develop individual cultural development plans tailored for staff at different stages of their cultural competency training.

14 Tracking progress & reporting on our RAP Action Target Progress/Date Responsibility Whole of organisation ownership of our RAP. RAP discussed at staff meetings and at Committee business meetings. President and Progress, achievements and learnings in implementing the RAP are shared on a regular basis. A report on our RAP progress is provided yearly to our Committee, and Committee are invited to provide feedback. Reports on RAP progress are included in our annual reports. Complete the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire and submit to Reconciliation Australia annually. RAP reported on and refreshed annually. RAP report available on ACTCOSS and Reconciliation Australia websites. Activities linked to actions will be reviewed and updated (as required) annually. Updated RAP available on ACTCOSS and Reconciliation Australia s websites. Business as usual. Monitor at staff planning days. Annually ACTCOSS RAP contact ACT Council of Social Service Incorporated director@actcoss.org.au Ph:

15 Photograph: Kerry Reed-Gilbert, The Journey, ISBN (PDF version) Copyright ACT Council of Social Service Incorporated, June 2015 This publication is copyright, apart from use by those agencies for which it has been produced. Non-profit associations and groups have permission to reproduce parts of this publication as long as the original meaning is retained and proper credit is given to the ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS). All other individuals and agencies seeking to reproduce material from this publication should obtain the permission of the of ACTCOSS. ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) Ph: Website:

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