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Who We AreEARLY INITIATIVESUpon its formation RAR undertook a number of national activities to promote the objectives of its 10 point plan. These include: RAR has recently launched a number of new initiatives in which you can be involved. To find out what you can do to support these visit the Campaigns and Initiatives section of our site. Welcome BooksRural Australians who want to show refugees that they are welcome as our future citizens have begun signing and writing messages in Welcome Books. These books, inspired by the Sorry Books that were so successful in the Reconciliation process, have proved a very popular idea. Each asylum seeker in the detention camps will eventually receive one and the many thousands of messages so garnered will also be presented to Government. City people have also taken up the Welcome Books with enthusiasm.Welcome TownsRAR is canvassing the participation of several rural towns in a Welcome Towns scheme. We propose a trial scheme whereby at least two families of asylum seekers waiting for acceptance into the community will be sponsored by a particular town which will provide emotional and material support during the waiting period. Once the families are processed and accepted, the town will continue to provide support for a one- to two-year period.This scheme is seen as an adjunct to and possible eventual replacement of the detention centres. It should be noted that other countries either allow asylum seekers immediately into the community or place them in detention for the shortest possible period. The idea of welcoming refugees into our community rather than fearing them is nothing new. Welcome Towns echoes the Good Neighbour Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The idea of Welcome Towns was first broadcast nationally by RAR founding member, Ken Davidson, a Moss Vale vet, on Radio National's 'Bush Telegraph'. The Welcome LobbyRAR members are aware of the need to change the hearts and minds of the politicians before there can be any real change. RAR letter-writing and lobbying groups are forming everywhere with a view to keeping pressure on our politicians and also feeding them new ideas. See 'sample letters' for a guide to writing to politicians.The Welcome Soccer TourAustralia is a nation where everyone is touched by sport. In Brisbane a soccer team consisting of youthful asylum seekers has been formed, the Tiger 11s. The soccer team keeps these kids, who are separated from family and friends in a strange and often unwelcoming country, together. It's proposed that some time in the first half of 2001, the Tiger 11's will tour country towns in NSW. They will be billeted with local families and visit local schools, as well as, of course, play against the local soccer team. The value of such a tour in reaching hearts and minds could be incalculable and could be repeated elsewhere in the country. The support of towns who have a soccer following is needed for this idea to come to fruition. |
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