Courage to Care Victoria, a not-for-profit organization, has been making a significant impact on the lives of students for the past 30 years. Having reached over 150,000 students in its history, the organization is now setting an ambitious goal to double that number in the next four years. Their mission is to create a generation of Upstanders, individuals who stand up against prejudice and discrimination.
In light of recent reports highlighting a troubling increase in racism and discrimination, Courage to Care is calling on the community to support their efforts by donating to this year’s fundraising appeal. To encourage contributions, all donations will be matched, effectively doubling their impact.
The urgency to address this issue is evident in the findings of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. According to their 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion Report, 61% of Australians consider racism and discrimination to be a significant problem. Discrimination persists, with approximately one in six people experiencing it based on their skin color, ethnic origin, or religion. Furthermore, almost one in four people born overseas and more than one in three people who speak a language other than English reported facing discrimination.
Courage to Care firmly believes that ordinary individuals possess the power to combat racism and discrimination. Their dedicated volunteers, trained and experienced in these matters, work closely with school students at a grassroots level. Through their programs, they aim to promote acceptance of diversity, transform bystander behavior, and inspire participants to become Upstanders in their own communities.
Evaluation of the organization’s programs has shown an impressive 86% increase in students demonstrating Upstander behavior after completing the program. These programs incorporate powerful testimonies from Holocaust survivors and other genocide survivors who were saved by the courage of others. Alongside these inspiring stories, practical tools are provided to empower students to take a stand against racism and discrimination in all its forms.
Judy Glick, Chair of Courage to Care, emphasizes the importance of education in creating a generational shift. She acknowledges that although many would like to believe racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination are things of the past, the data indicates otherwise. Judy Glick, a former educator herself, is passionate about the organization’s ability to effect change through education. She stated, “We know our Upstander Programs work, and we are determined to reach as many young people as possible so that one day we can make racism and discrimination a thing of the past.”
Courage to Care Victoria delivers Upstander Programs free of charge to public, private, and independent schools across Victoria. Their commitment to educating and empowering young people is driven by the belief that they can make a difference and create a more inclusive and tolerant society. By doubling their efforts and reaching more students, they aim to tackle racism and discrimination head-on, shaping a brighter future for all.
Donate online at couragetocare.org.au/home.
