The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) was proud to launch its much anticipated Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to mark the beginning of Reconciliation Week 2021 and demonstrate its ongoing commitment as an organisation to reconciliation.
A Reconciliation Action Plan provides schools, businesses, and organisations with a framework to support the national reconciliation movement. No matter where an organisation is on its reconciliation journey, there is a RAP to suit.
By pursuing a RAP, organisations gain insight into the process of reconciliation, and the tools to build strong, respectful relationships and opportunities with First Nations peoples within their organisation and community.
After more than a year of researching, planning, and writing, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation’s RAP Working Group launched their Innovate RAP, a comprehensive document that will direct the organisation for the next 24 months.
The RAP formalises the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and reinforces the values that underpin how they work and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
“The RAP provides us with an opportunity to do things in a better way, to change things when they’re not right, and respectfully point things out when they’re not working the way the RAP was designed to have them work,” says ILF Customer Relationship Administrator Brad. “I think it’s going to make us be more thoughtful about the decisions we make and to take responsibility for our actions as an organisation.”
While some actions might be a challenge, ultimately, they hold the Foundation accountable to its social responsibilities.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a plan for the whole organisation to be able to work as one, and to have reconciliation drive our actions and work in remote communities,” says Peter, ILF Technology Coordinator.
“Having a RAP is a necessity for any organisation.”
Tina, ILF’s Program Director, also expresses the importance of having a RAP and the positive effects it has for a broader workplace. “We all have a responsibility, as individuals…to hold people accountable. It has to be a collective effort.” says Tina.
Developing the new Innovate RAP has been a wonderful learning journey for the ILF Working Group. Not only have they grown as a team, it has led to meaningful change and inspired ambitious plans for the Foundation.
According to ILF’s Communication Lead, Elizabeth, “There is a lot of work to be done, but we encourage more organisations to join us on the journey toward reconciliation.”
If you are interested in creating a Reconciliation Action Plan at your school, you can find out more at Narragunnawali | Reconciliation Australia.