Together we have accomplished much since we started in late 2020. Three years later, we’re aiming to do much more. Which is why we’re launching this appeal.

We need to raise $20,550 in two months. We are confident that with your help we can reach, perhaps exceed our target.

WHO WE ARE

We’re an independent, forward-looking network committed to advancing the wellbeing of people and nature through conversation. A vibrant conversation is vital, nationally and internationally, if we are to address the critical issues of our time.

Our mission is to create spaces for thoughtful, informed and respectful conversation that enable us to make full use of our diversity, reimagine the future, and set new priorities for the environment, society, economy and politics.

OUR PROJECT

Now in our fourth year, we know we can’t rest on our laurels. There is so much more we can and must do. We need to plan, innovate, reach out, sustain energies and lift the spirits.

Over the next year and beyond, we are making it a priority to reach out to a younger generation, to our culturally diverse communities, and to a wider national and international audience.

Planned activities include:

• A series of podcasts aimed at reaching and engaging a younger audience.

• Skills workshops aimed at capacity building in three key areas: engaging in, facilitating and promoting conversation. In April we held the first of these workshops. Two more are planned over the next 12 months, aimed at meeting the needs and interests of a more diverse gathering.

• Development and growth of the Patreon community

• Visual and Performing arts engagement as a medium to engage new and different cohorts in conversation.

• A series of occasional forums (online and in-person) on pressing issues of national and international importance

• Big Ideas in the Pub. People are invited to gather in a pleasant social setting with food, drinks and informal conversation, stimulated by one or more guests on a theme of topical interest.

• An interactive six-week course led by Professor Joseph Camilleri Greed and the lust for power in public life – What of ethics and integrity? 6 consecutive Tuesday evenings (9 September – 15 October), University College, University of Melbourne, delivered online and in person: presentations, interviews with Australian & international guests, debates, role play, conversation, surveys and much else.

• An enhanced website and more effective engagement with social media

• Surveys of attitudes on the role of conversation in addressing the pressing challenges we face.

• Formation of an active group in Sydney

USE OF FUNDS

The tipping point goal is $20,550 (minimum needed to fund the program outlined above)

These funds will be used to:

• maintain the role of the administrative and communications assistant – we can no longer rely solely on the contribution of our volunteers, which is why we have established this casual position

• Fund scholarships to facilitate youth engagement in our programs

• Indigenous Australians to initiate and/or participate in project activities by covering the cost of interstate travel, accommodation and registration fees

• Meet ongoing operational commitments such as insurance, and maintaining essential resources, including the website, Patreon, Mailerlite and Zoom accounts

• Establish charitable status and application for DGR eligibility

Endowment fund stretch goal

These supplementary funds will be used to:

• Sustain the project long term so that its volunteer capacity can be invested in its mission rather than constant fundraising.

Generous funding support will allow for:

• Commission new work (e.g. research, poetry and performance)

• Give all our events and activities more user friendly features

• Mount a more extensive and professional promotional effort to ensure a wider reach

• Offer substantial concessions (and where needed complimentary tickets) to those on very low incomes to ensure equitable reach and accessibility to our activities.

We invite you to join and support this vitally needed initiative. Thank you.