Lisa Button, CEO
Honestly, I’ve been at a bit of a loss for words given everything that is happening in the world right now. Aside from those impacted by conflict and violence globally, my thoughts are with Australian communities whose loved ones are directly impacted by war, and all of those who feel most impacted by the divisive rhetoric that surrounds us.
But we have to hold in mind that we are not powerless and the greater the forces of fear, division and hate, the more we need to lean into the power of kindness, hope and connection. I am reminded of the power of this choice every day through the actions of community supporter groups involved in the CRISP, who have chosen to welcome refugees into their local communities and support them to thrive and contribute, rather than be swayed by divisive, fear-based rhetoric.
It’s human nature that in times of fear or uncertainty, people turn inwards and focus on those closest to them. Cost of living pressures, political debates about Australia’s migration program, social division and conflict in the Middle East – all of these things have a chilling effect on public engagement in altruistic endeavours including community sponsorship of refugees.
But we need to keep resisting the temptation to turn inwards. Despite all of those challenges, we as Australians live in one of the most affluent, peaceful and well functioning countries in the world. War may be constantly in the news but we are not
at war. While cost of living pressures are real, some of us still have more than we need and there is still so much that people can offer – time, skills, networks and most of all, kindness.
One of my colleagues recently reminded me of an old saying:
“When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.”
Some of you may have seen the recent front page news story featuring a group of CRISP participants that epitomises this saying and shows Australia at its best.
“This is modern multicultural Australia at its very
best. People caring for each other across religious
and cultural lines and discovering they have more
in common than difference. A Jewish group of
friends welcoming a Muslim family who fled
Islamist extremism is the kind of story
we don’t hear enough.
Programs like CRISP strengthen social cohesion
and belie the myths pushed by extremists who
want Australians to fear each other. In truth, we
live well together when we actually meet, talk,
share a meal and build trust. Naima, Feisal and the
Hope for Eden group are showing us what that
looks like.”
Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs & Multicultural Affairs
My appeal to you all as supporters of our work is to be loud and proud about your Australian values, encourage people around you to ‘make their table a bit longer’ by getting involved in the community sponsorship movement, and consider deepening your engagement with our work.
Whether that be joining the more than 1,600 Australians who have already formed community supporter groups to welcome a refugee household to Australia or making a donation to CRSA’s work, our work together is more important than ever!
Your tax-deductible donation will help CRSA to keep growing the community sponsorship movement – supporting the integration of refugee newcomers, building a cohesive and connected Australian community and contributing to more global solutions for innocent people displaced by persecution and conflict.
CRISP Snapshot
