 |
|---|
Creating An Inclusive Narrative Project
The Creating an Inclusive Narrative Project is an initiative of the Australian Baha'i Community that began in 2019. It aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, whose experiences and perspectives contribute towards fostering a just and socially cohesive Australia. It was initiated in response to a need identified in the national discourse—the need for a more inclusive story of Australia. A story of who we are, where we want to be, and the shared values and principles that could unite and guide us on this journey. Such a story helps to address fragmentation and offers a common centre around which all Australians can see themselves. It draws on our rich diversity to weave together a common vision that contributes to a sense of belonging and inclusion, strengthening our resilience and fostering greater social cohesion.
These publications are a gift from the Australian Baha’i community to Australian society. It is the sincere hope of those involved in this consultative process that its findings and content are helpful and applicable in every neighbourhood, community, organisation, institution and in government.
Read the first iteration by clicking the image on the left.
The second iteration will be published early 2027, stay tuned!
Aims and Purpose
In the spirit of adopting a systematic approach and a posture of learning, we consult, act, reflect and make necessary adjustments according to shifts in the country's social landscape. This project aims to take stock of progress made in Australia over the last five years, and examine the questions and obstacles that remain. Through a series of roundtables run nationwide over the course of a year, it is expected that a range of themes will emerge. Themes that could include, but are not limited to, resilient communities, neighbourhoods as learning environments, engagement of First Nations People, media’s role, re-thinking education, drawing on religion, new leadership models, youth participation and fostering inclusive dialogue.
The insights, questions, and reflections captured in these conversations culminate in a published issue, Creating an Inclusive Narrative. The first iteration (published June 2021) can be access above. The aim of this publication and the iterations to come is that they will synthesise the more prevalent insights, ideas, descriptions, lessons learned and questions that remain at the time of the publication; it aims to capture the diversity of perspectives that make up the country. Our hope is that these conversations will be a resource and framework for all engaged in social endeavours. It can be utilised to foster ongoing conversations from the grassroots to the national levels of society, to encourage and motivate neighbourly interactions, and contribute towards the thinking, which shapes and inspires community projects, government policy and public opinion.
Such a conversation will advance the national discourse on social cohesion by re-examining our prevailing conceptions and highlighting constructive characteristics that can draw us closer to realising our common humanity. It can harmonise our thoughts and actions, foster constructive interactions amongst diverse groups, strengthen inclusion and belonging. By bringing together Australians from a broad array of backgrounds, perspectives and cross-sections of society, this consultative dialogue will advance social cohesion.
