Organisation profiles

This is a profile of some of the many non-government and not-for-profit organisations that are working for change in the world. Each has a distinctive philosophy and way of working. Many have resources available on their websites or by request and some run school-based programs. For a complete list of Australian organisations go to http://www.acfid.asn.au/

Amnesty International Australia (AIA) is part of an independent, politically impartial, worldwide movement of people who are united by a determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human rights. AIA's website provides fact sheets and case studies related to current campaigns, research papers and links to human rights issues in the media. AIA has a branch in each State or region. Each branch has a schools network that assists school groups to learn about human rights issues, write letters, raise funds, organise events and participate in activities organised by Amnesty International. In several States AIA runs schools conferences. Website: http://www.amnesty.org.au/ Resources for teachers: http://www.amnesty.org.au/resources/teachers Contacts for school networks in your area: http://www.amnesty.org.au/in_your_area Contact the Human Rights Education program by email: hre@amnesty.org.au

Australian Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the largest humanitarian organisation in the world with more than 97 million volunteers worldwide. Their mission is improving the lives of vulnerable people, particularly during emergencies and through the promotion of humanitarian laws and values. At the centre of the Movement are seven core values, or Fundamental Principles that shape and direct services and programs all around the world: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. Their website includes information about the organisation, their work overseas and resources for school projects. There are Red Cross offices in each state and territory to support various school programs such as Junior Red Cross, Red Cross Community Challenge, Save a Mate and the Good Start Breakfast program. Other activities include the National Poster Competition and the Red Cross Youth International Project. http://www.redcross.org.au/

Australian Volunteers International (AVI) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that works in Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Its largest program is funded by the Australian Government through AusAID. AVI volunteers share their skills and expertise, but they also build friendships and relationships with local people. This contributes to AVI’s vision of a more peaceful and just world. Services: AVI has training programs for people who will be living and working overseas, to help them understand more about the place and culture they will be living in. AVI volunteers, including young Australians, are often able to speak to schools and groups about their experiences of living and working overseas. http://www.australianvolunteers.com/

CARE Australia, an independent member of the CARE International aid network, is a non-political, non-religious overseas relief and development organisation. CARE is committed to helping people help themselves by providing them with the skills and resources to achieve lasting social and economic change. Its projects focus on health, education, the environment, micro-credit, women and children as well as work with community groups. Each year, around World Food Day, October 16, CARE undertakes the World Hunger Campaign. A free education kit is available to schools which register. http://www.careaustralia.org.au/hunger/

Caritas Australia is the Catholic agency for international aid and development, working in countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific and in Australia with Indigenous communities. Caritas Australia is part of the international Caritas network, supporting aid and grassroots programs in nearly every developing country. Information about the organisation’s projects, education programs, campaigns, and fundraising activities can be found on the site, in addition to news articles and publications. Programs: Think Globally, Act Locally; Just Leadership; Festival of Global Concern (April 2007); Professional Development programs for teachers Resources: Make Poverty History DVD, Tomorrow's Promise; HIV/AIDS in South Africa and PNG (DVD and Resources), Asia Our Neighbour Series, Reconciliation CD and educational notes OzSpirit: A free, fortnightly e-magazine containing news on world issues, with teaching and learning activities and spiritual reflection for teachers and community groups. Take Action: Make Poverty History, World AIDS Day, Debt, Landmines, Child Rights, What's in a label? http://www.caritas.org.au/ Email: education@caritas.org.au

Oxfam Australia is an Australian, independent, not-for-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organisation which is affiliated with Oxfam International. It promotes social justice and poverty alleviation through campaigning, education and advocacy. Oxfam Australia works in emergency relief and in partnership with local communities on long term development projects in 25 countries and Indigenous Australia. Their website includes information on participation in activities, news and events, as well as access to relevant reports. Oxfam support schools through online teaching resources which provide information about current issues and encourage students to take personal action by planning, promoting and participating in activities to support the work of Oxfam Australia. Their state offices can provide speakers. The Oxfam Walk Against Want is a national event, that is usually held in March. http://www.oxfam.org.au/

UNICEF is the United Nations Children's Fund, the world's leading development and emergency relief organisation working globally to support children. UNICEF is not funded by the UN. We rely on voluntary donations for our work with children in over 150 countries to make a lasting difference to the lives of women and children around the world. UNICEF's vision is to build a world where the rights of every child are realised. UNICEF contributes to children's well-being through programs that help them survive and thrive to adulthood, providing essential medicines, vaccines, educational, health and emergency supplies. UNICEF also uses its global influence to advocate for the long-term needs of children and women around the world. http://www.unicef.org.au/ Educational resources and information can be found at http://www.unicef.org.au/schoolroom Register your interest in keeping informed about new education programs and resources by email: education@unicef.org.au

World Vision is a non-denominational, Christian humanitarian agency, pursuing freedom, justice, peace and opportunity for everyone in the world. World Vision works to address poverty and its causes through humanitarian assistance in emergencies, community development and advocacy for policy change. World Vision depends on support from the Australian community through channels such as the 40-Hour Famine and child sponsorship, as well as contributions from corporate donors, the Australian Government and multilateral institutions. Information about World Vision's Global Leadership Conventions, resource kits and online resources can be found at http://www.worldvision.com.au/Learn/SchoolResources.aspx