| Neville,
Last year, a small and diverse group of women sat down at a dinner table (with a little bit of wine) to discuss the sorry state of gender issues in our country. Their conversation took place in a big year: one that saw the ousting of a female Prime Minister who had been subject to an unprecedented level of gendered attacks, a new Prime Minister who appointed just one woman to his first cabinet, and had a slew of bad news when it came to equal pay, representation, domestic violence and reproductive rights.
That night they discussed the “F” word, the glaringly obvious inequalities that still confront us on a daily basis and – most importantly – what we can do about it.
They reflected on the amazing individuals who are blazing trails for change, and the organisations driving critical policy work — and recognised an opportunity and need for an organisation that could help bolster and complement this vital work, by rapidly harnessing community energy in critical moments – to put pressure on decision makers, and demonstrate the “critical mass” needed to drive changes that bring us closer to a fair and equal future for women.
With those criteria in mind, Fair Agenda was born: an independent, inclusive, community campaigning organisation using the best parts of new “digital style” tools to fight for fairness and equality for women.
It’s no overstatement to say that Fair Agenda’s first year – and the wins that our small community has achieved together – could not have happened were it not for you.
Want to see the inspiring things our small but fierce community has already achieved? Check out our community’s 5 key achievements in its first year – and learn how you can ensure 2015 builds strongly on the foundation you’ve created this year:
www.fairagenda.org/whatwedidtogether
Now, some stats that might surprise you: In 2014, 80 Fair Agenda members chipped in to raise $7,364 dollars to support our campaigns. It doesn’t sound like much, does it? That’s because it’s not. To put it into perspective, that’s less than a quarter of the amount that many NGOs would spend on just one campaign. But with a small group of amazing supporters, volunteers and one part-time staff member, Fair Agenda managed to make some amazing things possible this year: including two election campaigns, and high profile campaigns on: women’s representation in cabinet, family violence and reproductive rights.
We’re only getting stronger — but we need your help to make an even bigger impact in 2015.
Can you imagine what will be possible next year if we can spread the word further, double our resources, hire full time staff and take on the issues you care about, firing on all cylinders? Right now, we don’t have the resources to make that possible.
Will you become a Fair Agenda Champion and commit right now to give $25 a month in 2015?
The Fair Agenda story so far is one of what a group of dedicated community members can achieve if they have the will, and there’s a way.
I’m so proud of everything our passionate supporters, campaigners, volunteers and advisors have achieved on so little. It’s quite amazing, really. And I’m also confident that if we all dig deep now, we can be bigger, better, louder and more hard-hitting in 2015, and help bring closer our grand vision of a more fair and equal Australia.
Together, we can be fierce, powerful and unforgettable.
Are you in?
Renee
Executive Director, Fair Agenda
PS – At the end of 2014, it looks like we’re still up against the same old battles. Just before Christmas Tony Abbott said that his top achievement in his role as the “Prime Minister for Women” was getting rid of the price on carbon because “as many of us know, women are particularly focused on the household budget…”.
Can you imagine a future in which women are not only, not “focused on the household budget”, but are on equal pay, earning as much superannuation as their male counterparts, and making decisions as equal members of cabinets and boards? Let’s take it even further – and imagine a future where women can feel safer in their homes and walking down the streets because we’ve fought for changes that protect our bodies, and our rights.
It’s not an unrealistic dream. But we’re not there yet; and that’s why Fair Agenda was created. Can you help support our work to make it a reality? Become a regular supporter here, or make a once off end of year donation here. |
