Resources

In this section you will find a growing list of RESOURCES  to empower you to achieve your vision and affect change.  It is hoped that the Resources will be informative as well as pragmatic. Some resources might merely be tools or means to achieve your goals such as the Guide to Lobbying, others might deal with specific areas such as gender and race issues and act as strategies for creating change. 

If you would like to suggest a Resource, please email me and your suggestion will be considered for possible inclusion.  Thank you.

"The flow of information and decisions emanating from Parliament, government departments and agencies, and the interests which seek to influence government are growing at an increasing rate. Achieving the correct balance between passive awareness and a preparedness to act to safeguard your interests is essential." (Lobbying Australia)  This 5 Part Guide prepared by the National Women's Media Centre, a national independent organisation dedicated to developing a media ethic in Australia which assumes equality of women and men in all aspects of its operations, includes practical advice on how one can lobby and where one can seek assistance to improve lobbying skills.

"The Oxford Dictionary definition of a Lobbyist as ...someone who seeks to influence members of the legislature, attempts to get Bills through by interviews in the lobby and solicits the support of influential people...- 5 Part Guide is not far wide of the mark, although lobbying now encompasses far more than this prescriptive range of activities. 

Anyone who wishes to influence the outcome of government decisions and has taken steps to achieve their aims has been involved in lobbying."

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Bullying can be defined as the act of repeatedly and deliberately putting a weaker person under stress. In August 1994, a two-day conference on Queensland’s Gold Coast, BEYOND BULLYING - Towards National Guidelines, focused on bullying as a major problem in Australian schools, homes and workplaces. It was organised and self-funded by the founding members of the Beyond Bullying Association.  This Resource focuses on the following using materials authored by the founding members of the Beyond Bullying Association in Queensland. 

• What is workplace bullying? 
• How many people experience it? 
• What impact does it have on the individual?
• What forms may psychological abuse take in the workplace?
• Why do some people become perpetrators of abuse?
• How do abusers reduce a confident, skilled worker to a state of helplessness?
• How can this happen in the workplace?
• Why is this type of abuse so difficult to detect and document?
• What is being lost if this is allowed to continue?
• What can the aware manager do?
• About the abuser
• For the victims
• 7 principles that could be adapted in the formation of national guidelines for Successful anti-bullying programmes

Additional Resource: 

Bully OnLine at www.successunlimited.co.uk is an Internet resource for identifying and dealing with bullying at work and related issues including stress, PTSD, school bullying and harassment. It is a website of the UK National Workplace Bullying. The following page on the site looks at the reasons why people do not assert their right not to be bullied: http://www.successunlimited.co.uk/bully/standup.htm

The page at: http://www.successunlimited.co.uk/bully/amibeing.htm looks at what is bullying; how do I recognise a bully, where are people bullied and its effects on one's health.

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Eliminating Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is the administrative body responsible for the implementation of federal human rights and anti-discrimination law in Australia. The Commission is committed to providing employers with the necessary information and resources to understand and implement their obligations under the legislation. 

The employers page at the site aims to assist employers in understanding their rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti-discrimination law in Australia.  Included on this page is: 

• information on the responsibilities of employers to their staff under human rights and anti-discrimination legislation.
• a summary of federal and state anti-discrimination laws 
• developing policies and procedures to combat discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• a guide to establishing complaints procedures for both small and large employers.
• best practices guidelines: recruitment, selection, workplace practices.
• Race For Business: an information package for employers about racial discrimination in the workplace.
• Publications on eliminating harassment and discrimination in the workplace and links to relevant sites
• A Disability and Employment information page.

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• What are Mailing Lists and how do they work? 
• How are people using them? 
• Why choose a Mailing List? 
• What do you need to Get Started? 
• Which organisations offer lists for joining?

This Resource answers the above questions and offers links to organisations offering lists which you may wish to subscribe to.

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Every Woman's Guide to Getting into Politics was prepared by Kate Tulley for the Office of the Status of Woman. Below is a link to the second edition published in October 1996.

"During the preparation of this book, many women politicians made the point that every woman is 'in politics' already. Politics in this general sense might be described simply as the knack of arranging things to happen in a way that suits the arranger and various other people to differing degrees. 
So a woman engages in politics when she joins a union, works for a job promotion, dissuades the School Council from making a certain decision, votes for officeholders of a union or a professional or community group, writes a letter to the paper, joins an interest group, ... However, when we talk about 'getting into politics' we are usually talking about politics in its more formal sense - doing the same work of arranging things but this time as an official part of 'the government'. So, this website looks at what it means to get into the politics of government and how to go about it. (Of course, the upshot of most women being practiced in informal politics already is that a great many of them are better prepared for 'getting into politics' than they think ... )" 
Contents include:

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Agriculture, Coasts, Dryland Salinity, Irrigation, Land, Natural Resource Economics, People, Rangelands, Soils, Vegetation and Biodiversity and Water are topics which are investigated through Theme Reports and Facts.  

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New South Wales Home Based Business Kit

An information resource developed by the New South Wales Government (DSRD) to help you grow your business at home.

The HomeBiz Kit addresses all stages of the business cycle and aims to help you to identify some of the factors you need to take into account before deciding to run a business from your home. It also explains how to go about setting up the business and offers strategies for effective management and growth, should you decide to go ahead.

The Kit consists of five sections: planning, starting, managing, growing your home business and assistance available from the Department of State and Regional Development. Links to external website resources are provided throughout the Kit. To access these resources you will need to be connected to the Internet.

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Indigenous communities without access to trade, professional or any other skills can now seek assistance from the Foundation from anywhere in Australia by phoning the Foundation's Info Line (1800 819 542).

The Foundation, which has been operating successfully for about 12 months, supports skills transfer projects in indigenous communities which have lasting value by ultimately leading to better employment and business prospects.

"The Foundation assists Indigenous communities and organisations by providing access to much needed business, management, technical and other professional skills.

In this way the Foundation seeks to bring within reach the skills, knowledge and advice that will make a difference to the short and long term development goals of Indigenous communities. It recruits volunteers with business, marketing, IT, office management, horticulture or other skills to work in communities for periods of 2 to 12 weeks and to transfer their skills to communities to ensure lasting benefit.

The Foundation finds a volunteer with the right skills for each community. It ensures that the volunteers are well prepared by arranging for them to attend a cultural awareness program before arriving in a community and that they receive support in the community through a cultural mentor system. It also monitors progress throughout the life of the project." (Foundation)

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The NSW Government's Communitybuilders web site aims to help local communities across the State to share ideas on how to enhance and strengthen their community.  A resource entitled Getting Organised shows one the steps involved in identifying a common community goal, setting up the organisation to undertake the project or provide the service, planning and efficient management of the organisation, developing necessary people skills and using the media to get your message across.

Included are the following sections: 

• Setting up
• Planning your service/project
• Managing your service/organisation
• Developing people skills
• Getting your message across

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Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal ("FRRR") commenced in early 2000 and is based in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.  FRRR provides an opportunity for business, philanthropy, government and the community to work together to improve regional, rural and remote communities' capacity to respond positively to the challenges facing rural Australia. It will take a leadership role in assisting regional, rural and remote communities to respond to social, cultural and economic change. It will do this through collaboration with communities around Australia. It will support regional, rural and remote communities to develop and diversify their activities through a rural capacity building program, through an information and training program and through the provision of grants for rural development projects with the aim of improving the social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of rural Australia.

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Launched in March 2001, the Human Rights Institutes Database provides information on some 600 research and training institutes in 121 countries.

It is based on the output of the Dare Data Bank and prepared on the basis of information received by UNESCO in response to a Questionnaire which took into account recent developments and trends in the field of human rights, including procedures for their protection.

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The Peace Institutes Database provides information on some 600 research and training institutes in 90 countries.

It is based on the output of the Dare Data Bank and prepared on the basis of information received by UNESCO in response to a Questionnaire which took into account recent developments and trends on the subject.

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Youth Challenge - Teaching Human Rights and Responsibilities is a human rights education program developed by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.  Youth Challenge delivers a practical and engaging approach to human rights education. Using the website, students will address real-life issues such as sex, race and disability discrimination, sexual harassment and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.  It provides online teaching strategies, structured activities and links to other human rights resources ideal for the classroom. The online program is broken into three distinct units:

• Human Rights in the Classroom
• Case Study 1: Doug and Disability Discrimination
• Case Study 2: Young People in the Workplace
•  

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UNESCO and UNAIDS have developed a kit entitled "HIV/AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS - Young people in Action" - a kit of ideas for youth organizations. The kit is available on-line in English in PDF format. Should you need more information about the kit, please contact Ms.L. Haxthausen at <l.haxthausen@unesco.org > or Ms. A. Taftali <a.taftali@unesco.org>.

The Kit focuses on Public Education and Peer Education; Advocacy; Care and Support.

A step by step approach to organising workshops that can help you become more involved in your community.

This kit was produced in partnership with NSW Agriculture's Rural Women's Network and the Central West Regional Council of Adult and Community Education.

The kit is for people interested in organising workshops in their local area such as individuals, community groups or educators and service providers. The Kit has all the material needed to organise your own workshops and is presented in two parts - 

Part 1: 21 steps to get your started ~ an action kit for those involved in the planning process; and 

Part 2: Background sheets and worksheets to be used as a guide for your workshops ~ a sample of information, ideas, and examples to get you started.

For a copy of the Kit visit the Rural Women's Network website www.agric.nsw.gov.au/rwn  and look under the resources section. Alternatively give Allison a call at the RWN on 02 6391 3620, fax 02 6391 3650 or email: allison.windus@agric.nsw.gov.au.

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The Women in Decision Making Kit is a resource for women who are interested in becoming involved in decision making or who are already involved on communities and boards in our community. It aims to inspire women everywhere to take an active, creative and visible role in decision making and to share the experiences of women who already participate in decision making.

The kit recognises that every woman will approach decision making in her won way, learning as she goes, and based on her own unique experiences, background and the conditions at the time.

It can be read by individuals who are taking the plunge , or used by organisations who are encouraging their members to become active in decision making in their communities.

In the kit you'll find information about the kinds of decision making bodies and the legal responsibilities they entail, hints on how to get started, some useful qualities and skills of good decision makers, ideas about how to get on a board or committee, what board and committee participation entails, and information about getting support form networks and mentors.

A copy of the Kit is available from the Department for Women's website under Providing Information - Publications www.women.nsw.gov.au/publications/publica2.html  alternatively you can call Allison at the Rural Women's Network on on 02 6391 3620, fax 02 6391 3650 or email: allison.windus@agric.nsw.gov.au

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The Rural Women's Network was approached by NSW Health to develop an innovative project aimed at improving access to wellness information for older women living in rural, regional and remote areas of New South Wales. The Older Women Out There wellness project coordinated by NSW Agriculture's Rural Women's Network and targeting women living in rural and remote communities across New South Wales was the result. Funding was provided by NSW Health under the National Women's Health Program.

A review of the Rural Women's  Network program in 1999 identified health and access to information and services as priority issues for rural women. The OWOT project was developed to meet some of these needs with the aims of promoting awareness of wellness in a holistic sense, encouraging rural women to think more positively about being an older woman, presenting information and resources on wellness in a readily accessible format such as the radio and internet, improving older women's access to up-to-date information on wellness, and breaking down some of the barriers which isolate older rural women and limit their access to relevant information and resources.

6 Priority Focus Areas of the Project

Body Image; Older Women & Violence; Taking Charge; Managing Change: Grief & Loss; Transport & Technology; Having a voice; 

More information about the OWOT Project and accompanying information sheets are available at The Older Women Out There website at www.zipworld.com.au/~ownnsw/ 

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A unique opportunity for selected rural and regional leaders to undertake a program of personal growth and develop the skills, knowledge and networks needed to be effective in regional, state, national and international arenas.
The objective of The Australian Rural Leadership Program by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is to increase the economic, social and environmental benefits for the people, communities and industries of rural Australia by developing and supporting committed rural and regional leaders to become inspired and highly effective at regional, state, national and international levels.

The Program is for men and women, already active in community or industry affairs, who:
• want to shape the future of rural and regional Australia;
• have the capacity and prospects to lead at regional, state or national levels;
• are committed to developing and sharing a vision for rural Australia;
• will attend all seven sessions of the course; and
• will actively participate in and support the graduates' association.

To balance the requirements of leadership experience and long term return on investment, participants are normally in their 30s and 40s.
For information about the Program see: http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/arlp.htm 

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Communitybuilders.nsw  have published 'Directory of Community Leadership Programs in NSW' on communitybuilders.nsw.

Community Leadership Programs detailed in this directory provide for developing the skills of existing leaders; emerging youth leaders and emerging leaders from under-represented groups in the community.

This directory has been prepared by Lisa Andersen, Pauline O'Loughlin and Anette Salt, UTS Shopfront, for the Strengthening Communities Unit, NSW Premier's Department. December 2001.

To view the Directory see:  <http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/builder/leaders/dir_lship.html> 

Other useful leadership resources, including a Bibliography of Leadership Resources and an interview with Robyn Gaspari can be found at:

<http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/builder/leaders/> 

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This Guide was developed by the Center for International Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the United States. The guide, which is entitled "Universal Voices: Online Human Rights Internet Guide," can be accessed at the following URL: http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/CIS/humanrights/index.html Universal Voices offers sections that highlight important links and resources related to topics including: general human rights, human rights education, children, women, humanitarian aid, human rights lesson plans, international justice, and news and media resources.

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The Women's Learning Partnership (WLP www.learningpartnership.org) has recently released a new training manual for women's leadership. It poses an alternative leadership model based on the concept that effective leadership-- leadership that serves both women and men, poor and rich, and the powerless and powerful-- is inclusive, participatory, and horizontal. This model avoids the presupposition that certain individuals or classes of individuals have the innate right or authority to make decisions for others. Instead, it says that leadership should be about capitalizing on the ideas and skills of as many individuals as possible and appropriate in a given situation. 

Leading to Choices: A Leadership Training Handbook for Women 

By Mahnaz Afkhami, Ann Eisenberg, and Haleh Vaziri in consultation with Suheir Azzouni, Ayesha Imam, Amina Lemrini, and Rabea Naciri

Leading to Choices features a contextual chapter, twelve workshop sessions,and an appendix containing culture-specific scenarios relevant to the cultivation of effective leadership skills. At the heart of each workshop session is a case study or scenario. These scenarios depict individuals who discovered personal leadership skills that enabled them to address a challenging situation in their community. The scenarios also feature the innovative work of organizations from around the world that emphasize participatory decision-making and communication, both internally and with their target constituencies.

Leading to Choices has been used in leadership training workshops in Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan (with Afghan women), Palestine, and Uzbekistan. Participants have included women, young girls, and men; Muslims and Christians; and human rights activists, university students, women NGO representatives, refugees, and domestic workers, among others. Culture-specific editions of Leading to Choices in Arabic, French, Hausa, Persian, Russian, and Uzbek are forthcoming.

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The Adelaide Central Mission has published this handbook to explain the concept of Social Enterprise in relation to today's needs. The handbook is divided into three parts:

Part One

An introduction to Social Enterprise. Covers questions such as:

• What is Social Enterprise?
• What is the difference between and enterpreneur and a social enterpreneur?
• Why do we need social enterprises?

Part Two

The elements of Social Enterprise. Topics include:

• Raising finance
• Organisational growth
• Developing enterprising people and communities
• Forms of social enterprise organisations
• Categories of social enterprise in Australia

Part Three

Handbook.

The Business Plan. Topics include:

• Business plan outline
• Project concept and development
• Marketing
• Management and production
• Financial planning
• Business structures

The Handbook contains a useful reference section guiding the reader to websites which give additional information about setting up social enterprise businesses.

Social Enterprise in Australia: An Introductory Handbook

For further information

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A project report by Prof.Tony Vinson and Julie Hornibrook, of the Clarence Valley Research Project which designed and tested indicators for an effective community service system. 

The project on the North Coast of NSW contributes to the critical debate about strategies for integrated approaches to development which will have the capacity to provide services to disadvantaged communities and at the same time strengthen the fabric of the community and the well being of its members

Contact : Julie Hornibrook, Interagency Development Manager
Northern Rivers Area Health Service  Phone:02 6620 2287

Source: communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au

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For a  summary and reading list on social capital see this UK informal education site http://www.infed.org   It also includes information on various topics relevant to 'community' - which always include a reading list as well.

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How can leadership be developed in Students and Staff, in a School environment and why is it necessary for leadership to be developed in students and staff are two central themes focussed on in a speech that I recently presented to Principals and Executives of the South Eastern Cluster of the Catholic Education Office in Wollongong.   

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is responsible for the registration of companies and provides information and resources online.

ASIC provides resources on line where you can find forms to search and lodge as well as information on companies:

• starting a company
• frequently asked questions
• your legal obligations
• checklist for registered companies and their officers
• lodging your information
• ASIC lodgement fees
• annual returns
• what books and records should a company keep
• company resolutions
• resignation or removal of auditors

For further information

Contact ASIC Infoline: 1300 300 63  http://www.asic.gov.au

Source: Communitybuilders

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The Victorian Government, local communities, businesses and service providers will work together to bridge the gap between the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria and their surrounding communities. Vibrant places will be created where people want to live. To achieve this, the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy will:

• Increase people's pride and participation in the community.
• Lift employment, training and education opportunities and expand local economies.
• Improve personal safety and reduce crime.
• Enhance housing and the physical environment.
• Promote health and wellbeing.
• Increase access to transport and other key services and improve government responsiveness.
  
  Neighbourhood Renewal will see a new approach in the way Government and agencies relate to and provide services to communities. The new approach will:
  
• Empower local communities to shape their own futures.
• Develop a shared vision for neighbourhoods through local Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans. To achieve this vision, the efforts of the whole of Government will be co-ordinated around people and the places they live, work and play.
• Create vibrant places where people want to live.

For further information contact: Connie Hughes
Phone: 03 9616 8992
email: neighbourhoodrenewal.vic.gov.au 

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Racism. No way! is designed to assist school communities develop an understanding of the nature of racism. It provides practical information and strategies to help address racism in the learning environment.  Resources include games, activities, lesson plans, fact sheets, programs and strategies.

To view the Website Racism. No Way! see: http://www.racismnoway.com.au/classroom/lesson_ideas/index.html 

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This communitybuilders.nsw Negotiation Toolkit is a summary from a variety of sources of some of the principles, steps and strategies in the process of negotiation. It was compiled by Roslyn McDonald, Project Officer, communitybuilders.nsw and it was inspired by a presentation by Sam Jeffries, Chairperson of the Murdi Paaki Regional Council at the NSW Premier's Department, Strategic Projects Division Conference on 12 December 2002.

During his talk, Sam made a distinction between consultation and negotiation.

Consultation is now a popular and common strategy in community development.
But for true community participation, people must also have the power to influence and help determine the decisions being made, i.e. be part of negotiating a final outcome that is acceptable to all parties.

Negotiation is a partnership in problem-solving, a joint decision-making process that works towards better solutions that give everyone more of what they really need in the long term.

Negotiation moves beyond compromise. It promotes a collaborative approach in which parties pool resources to solve a problem to their best advantage.

To view this Resource see: http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/getting_organised/people/negtkt.html 

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Window on Women is part of the Commonwealth Government 2001-02 Budget initiative - 'Informed Choices for Australian Women'. It is a unique, single reference point designed to provide free access to integrated statistical data about women's needs and circumstances through a women's data warehouse facility. It will allow you to search for historical and current data in key areas such as work, economic resources, education and training, health, culture, families, crime and safety.

To view this Resource see:

http://www.windowonwomen.gov.au/wdw/index.jsp

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Currently, a large amount of online government information, services and resources is scattered across a range of agency and programme websites. women.gov.au, also known as the Women’s Portal, aims to improve access to government information and services by providing a single website from which these online resources can be searched and accessed. It is essentially a directory of these resources, which is intended to simplify the process of locating government information.  women.gov.au provides women of Australia with easy to find information about government services of specific relevance to women. It has been constructed by the Commonwealth Office of the Status of Women (OSW), and has been funded from the 2001-2002 Budget of the Commonwealth Government.

To view this Resource see: http://www.women.gov.au/ 

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This Database contains details of over 2440 books, articles, conference papers and reports on various aspects of international education from publishers in Australia and overseas and will help you to keep up to date with emerging trends and to quickly locate research relevant to your needs. The Database encompasses Australian and international research and, where possible, includes links to the full text of catalogued research. It also includes links to over forty relevant websites, other useful databases and a range of international education journals and publishers. The Database is updated monthly.

To view this Resource see:

http://aei.dest.gov.au/general/research.htm 

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FAMILY HOMICIDE IN AUSTRALIA (2003) J. Mouzos and C. Rushforth

Trends and Issues Paper Number 255.  Australian Institute of Criminology

The family is viewed by most people as providing a nurturing and loving environment. But for some, the family environment can be deadly. In Australia , almost two in five homicides occur between family members, with an average of 129 family homicides each year. This paper explores the differences in the characteristics of the various types of family homicides in Australia and highlights the need for specific prevention strategies to target these homicides. It examines the circumstances and characteristics of the various types 

To view this Resource see:

http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi255.pdf 

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GoVolunteer is an initiative of Volunteering Australia and is Australia's first national volunteer recruitment website.

It is a not-for-profit site that provides free Internet advertising for not-for-profit community organisations looking for volunteers.

GoVolunteer provides volunteers with all they need to find out about volunteer opportunities, and helps them make the best match possible between their personal requirements and choice of volunteer work.

By using the Internet, GoVolunteer makes matching volunteers with non-profit organisations much faster and more efficient. It reduces the time and cost of recruiting volunteers and makes it easier for more Australians to make a difference in their local community.

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body working to advance volunteering in the Australian community.

To view the GoVolunteer website see: http://www.govolunteer.com.au

Source: Communitybuilders

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Practical ideas, insights, and tools to help you think through different approaches to change and to apply key principles to your own situation.

This toolkit was designed to support libraries in the UK as they grapple with the challenge of using the new infrastructure and technology of the People’s Network to develop their services.

Much of the Toolkit is applicable to other groups and organisations who are trying to implement change of various kinds.

The process of managing change is concerned with how people can be encouraged and empowered to work in new ways; what support strategies are needed to help overcome resistance to change; methods of consultation; the roles of managers at different points in the change process; and the influence of organisational climate, structures, and ways of working on how well change is managed.

Managing change is complex. The change process is too problematic and too dependent on local context to be captured in one model.

This kit provides ideas, insights, and lines of thought; tools to help you think through different approaches and to apply key principles to your own situation.

Most of the tools are designed to be used in collaboration with other people: they encourage discussion and consultation. Managing change involves building a common understanding of the nature, scope and purpose of the change - a shared vision of the future.

Download the Change Management Toolkit (pdf)

Source: communitybuilders.nsw

Strategic Planning and Management resources are available on the Charity Village website and include:

• Scenario Planning: A key to better understanding strategic risks
• Aligning Strategy and Governance
• Strategic Management and the Interim Executive Director

• Strategic planning often means strategic change
• Ethical Considerations in Strategic Planning
• Seven Tips for Successful Strategic Planning
• How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis
• Avoiding groupthink & strategic blind spots
• Best practices in strategic planning

Follow this link to Strategic Planning and Management articles on the Charity Village website

For further information: http://www.charityvillage.com

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The women of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), women who have experienced breast cancer, have developed the My Journey Kit to help those newly diagnosed navigate the breast cancer journey.  

“We have developed the My Journey Kit to make the breast cancer journey easier for all Australians dealing with breast cancer” she comments.  “Like all our resources, the My Journey Kit includes tips and suggestions from real women who have been through breast cancer themselves.”  

The My Journey Kit is a vinyl satchel which includes several components. The My Journey Information Guide provides tips gleaned through the experience of hundreds of members.  It offers suggestions regarding information and support resources they have found invaluable.  The Information Guide is divided into sections reflecting the breast cancer journey, allowing the woman (or man) diagnosed with breast cancer to look for resources relevant to their particular need at any time.  The My Journey Kit also includes the My Journey Personal Record where women can record details of their important contacts, appointments, pathology and treatments, side-effects, treatment costs and room to write down questions they might need to follow up with their health care providers. In essence the Personal Record provides women with their own breast cancer treatment record and a tool to facilitate communication with their health professionals.  

Breast Cancer Network Australia aims to send the Kit to every woman diagnosed with breast cancer within 2 weeks of her diagnosis.  Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer can request a copy of the My Journey Kit by phoning 1300 785 562 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.  

If you have any questions about the My Journey Kit you can call Mary Harvey, My Journey Project Manager at BCNA on (03) 9805 2511 or 1800 500 258.  www.bcna.org.au 

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Working Together for Change

2 Volume Self-Help Texts 

The North Island Women’s Services Society has produced a publication entitled Working Together for Change. The texts (referred to as the ‘Kit’) are designed to retain relevant educational value that can be utilized with the full inclusion of diversity (individual or geographic). The “popular education model” is implemented throughout – it is based on the theory that issues or concerns are best identified by group participants, who then create solutions, learn, and further, teach others the skills needed to affect change.

The Philosophy is…

• WE can understand our situation, discuss common concerns, and act on them. 

• WE can make changes in our lives and communities. 

• WE can improve our communication skills and support one another.

• WE can develop a belief in ourselves.

The Kit has 4 sections:

1.)    Groups - how to set-up, organize and facilitate.

2.)    Women Changing – a 12-session course on how to identify common issues and needs within a group, as well as the skills that are needed to take action.

3.)    Peer Counselling – a 12-session course on effective communication and support skills.

4.)    Modules – a supplementary addition to the courses available, which offers discussion on 10 topics from self-esteem, conflict resolution, community organizing, etc.  

How to order the Kit:

You can order the Kit or get more information by calling (250) 338-1133, by faxing (250) 334-9251, emailing kneuls@shaw.ca, or by posting your request to: Comox Valley Women’s Resource Centre, 103 – 780 Grant Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 5N4, Canada.

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Indicators of Community Strength in Victoria

This report examines community strength in Victoria, including a pilot study of community strength at the local government area level, and presents a set of indicators that can monitor the capacities of community members to be active, confident and resilient.

The report is published by the Strategic Policy and Research Division of the Department for Victorian Communities (DVC).

It is in four sections:

1. Background about the development and importance of community strength indicators in Victoria
2. Time trends in eleven key indicators of community strength taken from the Victorian Population Health Survey
3. Types of population groups faring best and worst in terms of community strength
4. Case study of indicators collected in four Local Government Areas

An Outcomes Framework has also been developed that explains DVC’s priority outcomes and their connection with its strategic objectives.

The   Framework, and the indicators created to report on it, provide the basis for monitoring changes in key aspects of community strength across Victoria.

For further information

Source: communitybuilders.nsw

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Cultural Competence in NSW Meals on Wheels: Research Report by Patrick Harris and Felicity Zadro

This report, released in July 2004, explores and discusses key issues surrounding culture and how it impacts on service delivery, specifically on the NSW Meals on Wheels/Food Service organisations network.

The research project on which the report is based investigated the applicability of a model of cultural competence to the NSW Food Services organisations.

Cultural competence has recently been offered as a framework through which human services can effectively meet the needs of growing numbers of clients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

This research, the first of its kind in the community care sector in Australia, tested an established model of cultural competence with food service organisations across New South Wales.

Findings indicated that cultural competence is a suitable concept for community care organisations to evaluate the extent to which they have the organisational and personal mechanisms, awareness, skill, knowledge, sensitivity, and desire to engage in effective service delivery to CALD communities.

A community care sector that is culturally competent would be better able to manage issues such as social isolation, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Importantly it will also encourage the participation of CALD background communities to design and carry out services to address specific needs.

Ultimately, this research has provided a timely insight into an important next step to improve service delivery for some of those most at need in increasingly diverse communities in NSW.

For further information

Source: communitybuilders.nsw

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The Illawarra Forum Inc has put together a profile of these communities which experience high levels of social disadvantage.

Communities in the southern suburbs of Wollongong ­- Warrawong, Lake Heights, Cringila, Port Kembla and Berkeley -­ experience high levels of social disadvantage.

The profile uses data from the 2001 Census of Population & Housing as well as Tony Vinson¹s 2004 report: Community adversity and resilience which shows Warrawong/Cringila/Lake Heights, Berkeley and Port Kembla are in New South Wales’ 40 most disadvantaged postcode areas.

Indicators of poverty are also evident in the Southern Suburbs 2001 Census data.

The Illawarra Forum Inc is the regional peak body for community service organisations, groups and interested individuals in the Illawarra region.

For further information

Source: communitybuilders.nsw

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The Report is available at: http://www.mhca.org.au/notforservice/

This toolkit from the Community Action Network (UK) takes you through three key stages of running a pilot project: planning, monitoring and evaluating.

A pilot is a test phase or prototype that aims to establish whether a project is conceptually and financially sound and that sufficient demand for the product or service exists, prior to becoming a full-scale operation.

The Community Action Network (CAN) Pilot toolkit takes you through three key stages of planning, monitoring and evaluating, providing the room and space for all the key players in your organization to contribute to its success.

The Toolkit contains:

Background:

• What is a pilot?
• When to run a pilot?
• CAN do: know-how & examples
• Three stages: plan, monitor and evaluate
• he team: engaging your organisation
• Other measuring tools

Key Questions

• Overview
• Stage 1: Plan
• Stage 2: Monitor
• Stage 3: Evaluate

The Toolkit was written by Stuart Elliott and Owen Jarvis for the Community Action Network.

Follow this link to the CAN website to download the CAN Pilot Toolkit for Social Entrepreneurs (opens in a new browser window).

Contact : Community Action Network (CAN) 

Address : 1st Floor Downstream Building 1 London Bridge London SE1 9BG; Phone : 0845 456 2537 Email : canhq@can-online.org.uk 

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This booklet contains important information about what you can do to make sure your wishes will be carried out and how to protect your interests, making sure your future is in good hands and things are done the way you want.

"Your Future Starts Now" is published by the Benevolent Society.It contains important information about:

• Wills
• Powers of attorney
• Enduring guardianship
• Advance care directives

You will also find useful information about what types of things you may need to consider in planning your future and where you can go for more information and assistance.

The Glossary of Terms at the end of this booklet provides simple explanations of words and phrases used.

Follow this link to the Benevolent Society website to download "Your Future Starts Now" (opens in a new Browser window)

For further information 

Contact	:	The Benevolent Society
Address	:	Level 1, 188 Oxford St Paddington, NSW 2021 Australia
Phone	:	(02) 9339 8000
Fax	:	(02) 9360 2319
Email	:	mailben@bensoc.org.au

WWW

:

http://bensoc.org.au

Source: Community Builders NSW

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Turn arguments into discussions and build relationships with these 10 points to guide you.

Discussions can build healthy relationships while arguments are forceful attempts to change another's viewpoint and therefore create winners and losers.

These 10 points in "Don't Argue - Discuss" from the Appleseeds website give some direction to help you turn potential arguments into constructuive discussions.

Follow this link to the Appleseeds website for Don't Argue - Discuss (opens in a new browser window)

For further information 

Contact	:	Appleseeds
Email	:	appleseeds@franciscan.edu

WWW

:

http://www.appleseeds.org

Source: Community Builders NSW

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Guide to producing and publishing information for community, small business and non-government organisations.

A useful online guide for small organisations wanting to get information before the public.

Getting Your Message Across includes:

• The Big Picture
• Reporting
• Online media
• News gathering
• Strategy

Follow this link to the Pacific Edge website to download the Getting Your Message Across Guide (opens in a new browser window)

For further information

Source: Community Builders NSW

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Windmill News 

The development of a community magazine - an exercise in community building focussing on community based assets, social entrepreneurship , developing social connectedness and maintaining a vibrant community.

Read an account of how the magazine was developed.

The NCOSS Management Support Unit has developed a resource to assist people in understanding the roles and responsibilities of members of the board of a not-for-profit organisation.

The board of a not-for-profit organisation is ultimately responsible for the organisation's management and activities. Specific responsibilities may include staff employment, compliance with government legislation, financial management and reporting, being accountable to, and reporting to its many stakeholders.

Board members often provide an organisation with guidance and support and are regarded as the guardians of an organisation's mission.

This short publication looks at the benefits of being a board member, and roles and responsibilities.

Follow this link to Roles and Responsibilities of a Board Member (opens in a new browser window) 

(go to Resources/Information sheets)

For further information

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Making Multicultural Australia is a website which aims to assist young people of upper primary and high school age, their parents, the teachers and the wider community explore our cultural diversity.

It provides information on the contributions that different cultural groups have made to the development of Australian society and on the various views towards immigration and multiculturalism that have historically influenced government policies and programs and transformed the Australian population.

The website contains:

• Multicultural History
• Ideas for Lessons in Multiculturalism
• Activities and Quizzes
• Library of over 3000 pages, including a major anthology of documents that includes key reports, legislation, academic writing, media reports and book segments in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word formats together with a large range of video, audio, and image resources are contained within.
• E-Learning
• 'Hot Words': Some words and phrases to do with cultural and political topics seem to appear in articles and headlines in the Australian news media every day

The website has been jointly developed by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Office of the Board of Studies NSW with assistance from Dr Andrew Jakubowicz, Professor of Sociology at the University of Technology Sydney.

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Families First NSW - www.familiesfirst.nsw.gov.au
Families First is a prevention and early intervention strategy funded by the NSW State Government to help parents give their children a good start in life.

The Raising Children website - www.raisingchildren.net.au
Informationfor parents of children up to 8 years

Parenting SA - www.parenting.sa.gov.au/pegs/
From the government of South Australia the site contains Parent Easy Guides that bring simple, easy-to-read information on many of the issues faced by parents from birth through adolescence.

Healthy Start — www.healthystart.net.au
Healthy Start is an Australia-wide strategy to support parents with learning difficulties and promote a healthy start to life for their young children.

Early Childhood Australia - www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au
Early Childhood Australia advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight yearsThe Early Childhood Australia website focuses primarily on supporting best practice.

Centre for Community Child Health - www.rch.org.au/ccch
The centre promotes good health practices, preventive action, early detection and early intervention.

Father-Inclusive Practice — www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/fac/efathers/includingfathers
This website offers information about the inclusion of fathers in parenting. It includes information, resources and fact sheets which promote father inclusive practices.

Mental Health Association—www.mentalhealth.asn.au
The Mental Health Association website offers state-specific information and fact sheets on mental health issues. This includes information on childhood disorders and resources for children who have a parent with a mental illness.

Child Welfare Information Gateway—www.childwelfare.gov
This is a U.S. government website providing access to print and electronic publications, websites and online databases covering a wide range of topics from prevention to permanency.

Tufts University Child & Family Webguide—www.cfw.tufts.eduThis is a directory of websites that have been evaluated by child development experts from Tufts University and can be searched by topic (e.g. family/parenting, typical child development) or age group (e.g. infants, teenagers).

NSW Health - www.health.nsw.gov.au
NSW Health publishes a wide range of materials about health related issues, including resources about parenting issues. Resources are available in a range of community languages.

Source: NSW Department of Community Services Research to Practice Program and Community Builders NSW

Empowering Young Women to Lead Change

A Training Manual

Author: World YWCA
No. of pages: 124
Publication date: 2006
Languages: English,

Empowering Young Women to Lead Change is an easy to follow resource manual designed to enable young women to prepare and facilitate training on a host of issues that are important to them. A joint publication of the World YWCA and UNFPA, the manual was developed by young women and contains modules on young women's leadership, economic justice, HIV and AIDS, human rights, peace, self esteem and body image, sexual and reproductive health and violence against women. The issues are complex and the publication has been developed for young women to lead themselves in learning more about the issues through fun and participatory activities and on to action. Trainings and workshops can be designed using the entire manual or pulling out modules of interest for shorter sessions. It was tested in six countries and was launched at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto. The manuals will be distributed to YWCAs in 122 countries as well as to UNFPA country offices and to organizations working with young women and youth.

Source: UNFPA

Source: Australian Policy Online

A new study has found that while giving circles have much to offer charities, in some cases the funding relationships can be uneven and have yet to reach their full potential.

Giving Circles are a form of philanthropy consisting of groups of individuals who pool their funds to donate to their communities and seek to increase their awareness and engagement in the process of giving. Through this process, they seek to impact their own communities or larger areas - possibly to global impacts. The circles can serve as a form of shared, or collective, giving in the context of community economic development or other social ventures.

The report, Giving Circles and Fundraising in the New Philanthropy Environment, was based on interviews with 17 leaders of charitable organizations that had received funding from giving circles and looks at the challenges and opportunities that this new type of funding mechanism presents.

The report was developed by Angela M. Eikenberry, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the Center for Public Administration and Policy, School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va. Eikenberry’s earlier research revealed that giving circles generally attract younger and female participants (as well as other groups not historically active in organized philanthropy) to the philanthropic table. Also, participation serves to increase levels of giving while bringing “new money” to the nonprofit sector, especially to small and medium-sized organizations. In addition, members are more thoughtful, focused and strategic in their personal giving because of their educational experiences through the giving circle.