On Tuesday 5 March Commitee of Management Members, Subcommittee members and staff attended a 3-hour workshop with Amanda Maitland-Smith as the first step towards creating a Courage to Care Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
We are delighted that Amanda will be working (volunteering) with Courage to Care over 2024 to help us to achieve a meaningful and responsive Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which reflects the views and values of our community. Amanda will consult broadly and attentively with volunteers and staff to develop a RAP that every member of our organisation can embrace and uphold.
What is a Reconciliation Action Plan?
A RAP is a means for Australian organisations to formalise their commitment to reconciliation, and more than 2,700 organisations have done so. RAPs enable organisations to strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing recognition, economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
Who is Amanda Maitland-Smith?
Amanda is a Noongar Yamatji woman with a life-long commitment to learning, human rights, and equality. An experienced educator for more than 18 years, she has filled leadership roles at a number of highly respected Victorian government and independent secondary schools, creating, implementing and delivering various Wellbeing and Teaching & Learning projects for students, parents, staff and in the private sector.
Amanda is also a graduate of the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem in 2020. The lessons from Yad Vashem inform Amanda’s approach to the principles of Reconciliation. She has led the writing and implementation of two Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) across two multi-campus schools, engaging with many stakeholders.
We are looking forward to this year long journey with Amanda who will also be the guest speaker at our Volunteer Morning Tea on Friday 24 May during National Volunteer Week.
