Doubling down on tackling racism and discrimination
The Upstander programs feature inspiring testimonies from Holocaust survivors and stories of other genocide survivors who were saved by the courage of others.
Courage to Care Victoria is setting its sights on doubling the number of students it reaches in the next four years, in its mission to create a generation of Upstanders against prejudice and discrimination.
Courage to Care Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers Upstander Programs to public, private and independent schools across Victoria, and has engaged with over 150,000 students in its 30-year history. Trained and experienced volunteers work with school students across promoting acceptance, transforming bystander behaviour and inspiring participants to become Upstanders in their own communities.
The Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, which monitors changes in social attitudes in Australia, found in its 2022 Mapping Social Cohesion Report that discrimination and prejudice towards groups from different backgrounds persists. These findings include one-in-six people experiencing discrimination based on their skin colour, ethnic origin or religion, and 61 per cent of Australians reporting that discrimination is a “fairly big” or “very big” problem.
“Most of us would like to think that we have left racism, antisemitism and discrimination in the past, but sadly the data is showing this is not the case,” said Judy Glick, Courage to Care chair.
“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.”
The Upstander programs feature inspiring testimonies from Holocaust survivors and stories of other genocide survivors who were saved by the courage of others.
These powerful stories, combined with practical tools, enable students to stand up against racism and discrimination in all its forms.
With a concerning spike in recent reports of racism and discrimination, Courage to Care Victoria is calling on the community to help it achieve its goal by donating to this year’s fundraising appeal. All donations will be matched to double the impact.
For more information, or to organise an interview with Courage to Care chair, Judy Glick, a Holocaust Survivor Speaker or a volunteer facilitator, please contact natalie@pryles.com.au
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