It only takes a minute or two, but signing a petition and adding your name to a cause you really care about is a great way to take action.
There are petitions to cover heaps of things, so pick something you care about and get involved. I use https://www.change.org/en-AU it's an online resource that allows anyone to create a petition, and there is a link to view some success stories. You can browse petitions to find some that interest you, and if you cannot find one - make your own!
It's amazing to see how such a small action can make a big difference!
I recently assisted my friend in starting a petition and campaigning against the closure of a respite centre that her sister uses regularly. In support of this petition, I sent letters to the Minister, and the campaign made local radio. While we didn't get the result we wanted, we managed to get the centre to remain open for an extra month, we secured a meeting with the Minister and families involved (something that could not be arranged until the issue began to get attention, as the Minister was reluctant to meet), and best of all, the families who were impacted felt supported and cared about by the community. In response to the campaign, strangers offered to help and support the cause, something that means a lot to people who are feeling failed by the system.
You can check out our petition here: https://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/minister-for-disability-services-canberra-joy-burch-reconsider-the-closure-of-the-north-side-adult-respite-centre-elouera
After starting this petition it was really great to see all the community support. Some people hide the fact they have a disabled person in the family, I know I did this when I was in primary school, but knowing that so many people out there are willing to support you and that persons rights is a really great feeling
ReplyDeleteYou did awesome! and so did every single person that took the time to sign and share and get the word out. It really did make me feel a sense of community, that people cared enough about people they didn't even know to help out!
ReplyDeleteI have paid it forward signing heaps of other petitions that I support!
and in an extra note: We are still fighting!
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