There’s no end to the number of special days we can celebrate in Australia. I don’t feel particularly stressed from having missed Data Protection Day and Library Lovers’ Day this year, but this week there are two days that I don’t think should go unnoticed.
Today, March 21 is Harmony Day which was established to recognise the multicultural nature of our society, to recommit to tolerance, goodwill and understanding for people from all groups in our community and to say no to racism.
Also this week, on March 24, we celebrate National Close the Gap Day which acknowledges the need for us to close the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are still dying 10 to 17 years younger than other Australians.
Such special days are an opportunity for us to pause in the midst of our busy lives to think about the great things that are a part of living in the lucky country, but they also give us cause to reflect on those aspects of our society that need significant change. I have to say that my life has been enriched by relationships with people of many different cultures, but even as I give thanks for those relationships I have to hang my head in shame as I think about injustices that have been experienced by the original Australians and may yet be experienced by those who are finding their way to Australia in rickety boats as we speak to escape hardship, poverty and war.
To gain a better understanding of the issues raised through these two special days this week I encourage you to find out about Harmony Day at http://www.harmony.gov.au/ and Close the Gap Day at http://www.socialinclusion.gov.au/initiatives/pages/closingthegap.aspx.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Hope is the limitless belief ...
Last week I was privileged to attend a consultation for the Commonwealth People’s Forum which is a parallel event to be held in Perth at the time of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. Every two years, the People’s Forum brings together hundreds of non-governmental groups from the association’s 54 member countries to seek agreement and action on key issues facing Commonwealth people.
During the consultation we covered subjects as diverse as health and wellbeing, environmental issues, poverty, human rights, cultural diversity, and governance and heard some inspiring presentations as well as working in small groups to develop action statements that could go to the larger Commonwealth People’s Forum in October.
One of the things that impressed me about this activity was the passion that was evident from people who are not satisfied with a society where mental illness is growing; people’s human rights are being overlooked; animal and plant species are dying out; indigenous culture is being lost; and people continue to live in poverty. I personally find it a joy to associate with people who are committed to bring hope to a world where we can so easily fall prey to hopelessness.
On my wall is the following statement which does not bear the name of an author, but was written to address the hope that comes when a person with a mental illness begins the journey of recovery, but can be adapted to many circumstances:
Hope is the limitless belief that things do not have to be remain the same and that change can and does happen. It is about concentrating on strengths rather than weaknesses, focussing on the future rather than the past and celebrating small successes rather than insisting on rapid change. Hope fuels the recovery process through expanding the sphere of possibility, colouring life perceptions and sustaining individuals even during periods of relapse.
During the consultation we covered subjects as diverse as health and wellbeing, environmental issues, poverty, human rights, cultural diversity, and governance and heard some inspiring presentations as well as working in small groups to develop action statements that could go to the larger Commonwealth People’s Forum in October.
One of the things that impressed me about this activity was the passion that was evident from people who are not satisfied with a society where mental illness is growing; people’s human rights are being overlooked; animal and plant species are dying out; indigenous culture is being lost; and people continue to live in poverty. I personally find it a joy to associate with people who are committed to bring hope to a world where we can so easily fall prey to hopelessness.
On my wall is the following statement which does not bear the name of an author, but was written to address the hope that comes when a person with a mental illness begins the journey of recovery, but can be adapted to many circumstances:
Hope is the limitless belief that things do not have to be remain the same and that change can and does happen. It is about concentrating on strengths rather than weaknesses, focussing on the future rather than the past and celebrating small successes rather than insisting on rapid change. Hope fuels the recovery process through expanding the sphere of possibility, colouring life perceptions and sustaining individuals even during periods of relapse.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
International Women's Day.
On the centenary of International Women's Day it is good to hear the words of renowned author and poet Maya Angelou ...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Be Still ...
Each Monday morning at our Applecross office, some members of Baptistcare staff spend some time in reflection as a way of starting our work week together. It usually takes the form of a reading from the Bible, a thought from someone about what the reading means to them, and a time when people can pray together for the coming week.
This morning we heard the words from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”
In a world of chaos and confusion, a working life of busy-ness and pressure, and in some cases, a home life where things don’t seem to go the way we would like them, these words come as a welcome invitation.
As I reflect on these words, I don’t see a requirement to take more action, when there’s already so much happening around me; I don’t see a requirement to establish an academic knowledge of religion; and I don’t necessarily see an expectation to conform to a particular pattern of behaviour.
What I see is an invitation to pause from the rush and bustle of life to feel the welcoming presence of One who knows exactly how I am feeling right now and longs to share my journey with me. It is the still, small voice of One who prizes a relationship with me above all other demands and expectations.
By the way, if you’re near Applecross at 8.30am Monday come and join us for a time of reflection.
This morning we heard the words from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”
In a world of chaos and confusion, a working life of busy-ness and pressure, and in some cases, a home life where things don’t seem to go the way we would like them, these words come as a welcome invitation.
As I reflect on these words, I don’t see a requirement to take more action, when there’s already so much happening around me; I don’t see a requirement to establish an academic knowledge of religion; and I don’t necessarily see an expectation to conform to a particular pattern of behaviour.
What I see is an invitation to pause from the rush and bustle of life to feel the welcoming presence of One who knows exactly how I am feeling right now and longs to share my journey with me. It is the still, small voice of One who prizes a relationship with me above all other demands and expectations.
By the way, if you’re near Applecross at 8.30am Monday come and join us for a time of reflection.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Chaplains Dedication
Today chaplains from Baptistcare, Bethanie Care, Amana Living, Uniting Church Homes, Adventist Care, Catholic Homes, Southern Cross Care, Mercy Care and Alzheimers Association gathered for a special dedication service for aged care chaplains and pastoral carers.
This is the first time a service of this nature has been held in WA across such a wide range of aged care services, and it was a great time to acknowledge the important role of chaplains within aged care. Dr Brian Harris, the Principal of Vose Seminary presented a thought provoking message to the group, encouraging chaplains in their responsibility of holding on to people's stories.
One of the statements read by the leader of the service was this: God welcomes you as people who pause alongside - to give and to receive - those who struggle and search, those who tell stories of delight and sadness, and those who grieve and seek healing and hope.
Baptistcare has 11 chaplains who provide a unique service to residents, clients and staff.
Thankyou chaplains for your committment and service. Your presence is highly valued.
This is the first time a service of this nature has been held in WA across such a wide range of aged care services, and it was a great time to acknowledge the important role of chaplains within aged care. Dr Brian Harris, the Principal of Vose Seminary presented a thought provoking message to the group, encouraging chaplains in their responsibility of holding on to people's stories.
One of the statements read by the leader of the service was this: God welcomes you as people who pause alongside - to give and to receive - those who struggle and search, those who tell stories of delight and sadness, and those who grieve and seek healing and hope.
Baptistcare has 11 chaplains who provide a unique service to residents, clients and staff.
Thankyou chaplains for your committment and service. Your presence is highly valued.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Lessons from Jessica
Thanks to those contributed to the discussion from last week’s blog on accountability. Here’s another thought on the same subject.
A few weeks ago Jessica Watson was named Young Australian of the Year in the Australia Day honours. Jessica, at the aged of 16, became the youngest person in the world to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, completing her journey in May last year after 210 days at sea.
As a solo yachtswoman, Jessica did not achieve this great feat without being accountable. She had six major sponsors who expected her to honour their investment. She maintained regular contact with a team of people, including her family, who were intimately concerned for her safety; and detailed reports were kept of her position, wind directions, and weather. She had thousands of Australians reading her blog each day and expecting to hear the details of her adventure. Most of all Jessica was accountable to herself, by maintaining her health, safety and emotional stability.
Some of us have a habit of travelling solo and feel that accountability is an intrusion into our privacy; but we could do well to learn from Jessica Watson. While there may be times we work alone, and perhaps even work best alone, it is important we recognise the importance of the team that is around us, and acknowledge their contribution to our success.
Too often people’s emotional and physical health deteriorates because there is a failure to see the signs that the conditions on the ocean are changing. By building effective accountability structures into our lives we are able to benefit from other people’s wisdom and take adequate precautions to deal with the big waves that are coming.
A few weeks ago Jessica Watson was named Young Australian of the Year in the Australia Day honours. Jessica, at the aged of 16, became the youngest person in the world to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, completing her journey in May last year after 210 days at sea.
As a solo yachtswoman, Jessica did not achieve this great feat without being accountable. She had six major sponsors who expected her to honour their investment. She maintained regular contact with a team of people, including her family, who were intimately concerned for her safety; and detailed reports were kept of her position, wind directions, and weather. She had thousands of Australians reading her blog each day and expecting to hear the details of her adventure. Most of all Jessica was accountable to herself, by maintaining her health, safety and emotional stability.
Some of us have a habit of travelling solo and feel that accountability is an intrusion into our privacy; but we could do well to learn from Jessica Watson. While there may be times we work alone, and perhaps even work best alone, it is important we recognise the importance of the team that is around us, and acknowledge their contribution to our success.
Too often people’s emotional and physical health deteriorates because there is a failure to see the signs that the conditions on the ocean are changing. By building effective accountability structures into our lives we are able to benefit from other people’s wisdom and take adequate precautions to deal with the big waves that are coming.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What is accountability?
The fifth of Baptistcare’s values is: Accountability for our performance.
For some reason the word accountability seems to conjure up negative ideas. Maybe it comes from bad experiences in the past, but sometimes when people talk about accountability they give the impression that accountability is about punishment, or at the least, something to be feared.
Essentially accountability is about taking responsibility; accepting that we all need to give account to someone for what we do, and as a result take responsibility for our actions.
At a basic level we need to be accountable to ourselves; to answer to our conscience that we have done what had to be done according to the best of our ability.
But most of the time we are required to be accountable to others. In organisations like Baptistcare that includes ensuring that contracts to government are met, legislation is followed and work schedules are met.
Even more important than such formal accountability is the need to be accountable to the people we serve. Whether we are washing someone’s floor, attending to their health needs, writing a report, fixing a tap or paying a bill, we need to accept responsibility for our performance.
As we carry out our duties, the resident of a nursing home, the recipient of mental health services or the participant in a disability programme may not ask us for a formal report but they are expecting a job well done, a friendly smile, a willing spirit, and an attitude that reflects hope and generosity.
What does accountability mean to you?
For some reason the word accountability seems to conjure up negative ideas. Maybe it comes from bad experiences in the past, but sometimes when people talk about accountability they give the impression that accountability is about punishment, or at the least, something to be feared.
Essentially accountability is about taking responsibility; accepting that we all need to give account to someone for what we do, and as a result take responsibility for our actions.
At a basic level we need to be accountable to ourselves; to answer to our conscience that we have done what had to be done according to the best of our ability.
But most of the time we are required to be accountable to others. In organisations like Baptistcare that includes ensuring that contracts to government are met, legislation is followed and work schedules are met.
Even more important than such formal accountability is the need to be accountable to the people we serve. Whether we are washing someone’s floor, attending to their health needs, writing a report, fixing a tap or paying a bill, we need to accept responsibility for our performance.
As we carry out our duties, the resident of a nursing home, the recipient of mental health services or the participant in a disability programme may not ask us for a formal report but they are expecting a job well done, a friendly smile, a willing spirit, and an attitude that reflects hope and generosity.
What does accountability mean to you?
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