Help turn the tide against hate speech
Shortly after joining Courage to Care, Lewis met Susan Hearst, who shares her mother's story of Holocaust survival with students across Victoria.
Courage to Care volunteer relationship manager Lisa Lewis’s grandmother was saved from the Holocaust by an “upstander” when she was issued a visa by a Japanese diplomat named Chiune Sugihara.
Shortly after joining Courage to Care, Lewis met Susan Hearst, who shares her mother’s story of Holocaust survival with students across Victoria.
In an incredible twist of fate, Hearst’s mother’s family was also saved by Sugihara.
For more than 30 years, volunteers such as Hearst have been visiting schools educating students through Upstander programs, equipping them with practical tools to stand up against all forms of prejudice, racism and discrimination.
Holocaust survivor speakers share their stories of acts of courage of ordinary people who intervened to save them, powerful testimonies demonstrating to students that they too can be “upstanders”.
“We are calling on the community to help create a generation of upstanders who stand up against injustices and help build a more inclusive and respectful world,” Lewis said.
The message is universal and non-political. More than 175,000 students have been impacted to date.
This year, Courage to Care aims to educate an additional 20,000 students across Victoria.
“We are actively seeking new volunteers to join the team, offering diverse opportunities to match their skills and passions with comprehensive training and ongoing support,” Lewis added.
From delivering Upstander programs to supporting administrative tasks and governance, there’s a role for everyone.
Courage to Care’s inspiring volunteer community is welcoming and supportive and fosters long-lasting friendships and a real sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
“Our volunteers are our life blood, and we rely on them to deliver our Upstander educational workshops to school students,” Lewis said.
“No teaching experience is required as we provide ongoing training and mentorship. Volunteers need to be passionate about creating change and fighting the tide of hate speech, which has seen an alarming rise since October 7.”
In the current climate, many feel understandably anxious at the increase in racism and antisemitism.
Acknowledging the current anxiety and fear felt throughout the community, volunteering with Courage to Care is a tangible way to feel empowered and make a real and immediate impact.
“With optimism and education, we can learn lessons from history and preserve the cohesive community we know and love.
“There is much we can learn from our courageous volunteers, most importantly that we can all be upstanders against hate.”
Find out more about becoming a volunteer and how you can help create a generation of upstanders at couragetocare.org.au/home.
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