Open Letter to All Australian Politicians
Wednesday November 18, 2020
Dear Members and Senators,
CCA would like to acknowledge the support that politicians from all sides and at all levels have shown the charities sector throughout the course of 2020. The active engagement of charities in policy decisions about COVID-19 responses and the way that our concerns have been listened to has been critical for the sector through these unprecedented times.
2020 has demonstrated to all of us how vitally important it is to remain connected and to support our communities. On December 1st we have an opportunity to lend our voices to help amplify the collective spirit of generosity we have seen time and time again this year, by supporting the Australian GivingTuesday campaign.
The role of charities in Australia’s economic and social fabric has never been more vital. Charities are at the heart of every community, employing over 1.3 million people and contributing over 8% of GDP. After a year of natural disasters, a global pandemic and economic uncertainty, it is clear that charities have never been more critical, from supporting the most vulnerable in our community to helping our natural environment to recover, to providing essential health services and helping people into employment.
On Tuesday December 1st 2020, thousands of Australian charities, volunteers and supporters will take the opportunity to get behind GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity that inspires giving and collaboration. Charities and communities will celebrate in any number of ways, from donor thank you events, to fundraising campaigns, to sharing giving stories. Most importantly, GivingTuesday will be an opportunity to recognise the spirit of generosity and immense value that people, volunteers, and supporters from the charities sector bring to our communities every day of the year.
CCA has partnered with OurCommunity (the driving force behind GivingTuesday in Australia) to offer politicians across Australia an opportunity to show their support for their favourite charities in two ways this GivingTuesday:
- #MyGivingStory campaign: Everyone has a story to tell about a time they acted generously or witnessed an act of generosity. The #MyGivingStory campaign will bring these stories to the forefront of public awareness, encourage conversation and celebrate acts of generosity (people giving time, talent, financial support or voice). You can demonstrate your support for the important work of charities and community organisations in both your electorate and across Australia by posting a story or video on social media. Use the #MyGivingStory and #GivingTuesdayAus hashtags to talk about your favourite giving story and the organisation it relates to, with a call out for others to support GivingTuesday in Australia.
- Charities Open Day: On or around GivingTuesday is the perfect opportunity to pay a visit to a charity or community organisation in your electorate in a kind of informal ‘Charities Open Day’. CCA is encouraging charities across Australia to open their doors for local members to see first-hand the incredible work of our charities sector. This could be physically (in line with COVID-safe guidelines) or virtually.
In a year of so much uncertainty, GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to celebrate the power of generosity – a fundamental value, so vital to building the flourishing communities we all desire. We hope you will lend your voice to help elevate GivingTuesday in Australia by posting for the #MyGivingStory campaign and engaging with your local charities. For more information and a guide to the #MyGivingStory campaign see www.givingtuesday.org.au .
Please feel free to contact sarahg@communitycouncil.com.au or davidc@communitycouncil.com.au (0419624420) for more information about GivingTuesday, or to explore ways in which you might be more involved in this important event.
Yours sincerely,
Rev Tim Costello AO
Chair, Community Council for Australia
Co-Chair, Charities Crisis Cabinet
Ambassador, GivingTuesday Australia
