Luba Kassova’s Post

🗳️ The power to choose their own destiny: Why I vote YES for Aboriginal empowerment 🌟 As an immigrant from a country without racism, I've experienced the profound impact discrimination can have on every aspect of life. It's disheartening to witness the remnants of a time when Aboriginal people were not even considered humans. This policy of exclusion was reinforced by a white immigration policy that sought to maintain a homogenous society. But progress is possible, and change starts with us. By voting YES, we can empower Aboriginal communities to determine their own future. We have the opportunity to break the chains of a discriminatory past and pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and equal Australia. Let's not forget that many who hold racist views are not even aware of their own biases. They have been indoctrinated and educated to believe in a flawed system. It's time to challenge these misconceptions and create a society that embraces diversity and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. A YES vote signifies our commitment to equality and justice. It's a vote that acknowledges the historical injustices and seeks to rectify them. Together, we can forge a brighter future, where Aboriginal voices are heard, their cultures are celebrated, and their self-determination is respected. Join me in voting YES to give Aboriginal people the power to choose their own destiny. Let's build a nation that stands united in the pursuit of equality, and create a legacy of empowerment for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference. 🌟🗳️ #VoteYES #EmpowerAboriginalCommunities #EqualityAndJustice #ChooseYourOwnDestiny

SDN recognises the unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and custodians of the land. We recognise that as a result of past experiences of colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience particular disadvantage, and that we can play a part in a reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. But the old adage is true – actions speak louder than words.... SDN's vision is for an equitable world where all children thrive. In our work, we take action to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families to have the same life chances, choices and opportunities as non-Indigenous peoples. We are committed to listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to continuing to advocate for inclusion and inclusive attitudes. Reconciliation is not yet a reality in Australia, and now is a good time to take action towards achieving it. Take the time this Reconciliation Week to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to learn, and to share what you learn. ShapeLast year’s referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament didn’t succeed, but the reconciliation process won’t stop there. In the words of Reconciliation Australia, “Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty-making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education and in tackling racism.” In the spirit of reconciliation, we urge our staff, families, children and young people to continue the journey towards a reconciliated Australia. #NationalReconciliationWeek #Reconciliation #FirstNations

Our latest blog article has just been published. It's a 3-minute read. We're sure you'll learn from it. Indigenous Membership vs Citizenship: What's the Difference? https://hubs.la/Q02FnwKn0

Our latest blog article has just been published. It's a 3-minute read. We're sure you'll learn from it. Indigenous Membership vs Citizenship: What's the Difference? https://hubs.la/Q02FnLDg0

For anyone who hasn't watched this...you should. Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, a 3-part series aired on Channel 4. The resilience of our ancestors is something I am grateful for. They fought against injustice even when those with authority, were against them. They did not give up their fight. Although we have moved on in the UK since these times, I still believe that racism is around and will be around until we begin to give it the same energy as we do to other issues. From a time where racism was quite overt, I feel that it is now quite covert and embedded within policies and procedures and demonstrated through organisational culture and sometimes 'unconscious bias' but also, 'conscious bias.' Racism has become institutionalised. People often feel uncomfortable having conversations around race and calling out racism out of fear, lack of knowledge or consequences they may face, but sometimes it simply comes down to the fact that it doesn't affect them personally so they decide to be a bystander. It takes courage to raise accounts of racism, and in my experience, when I did, I was greeted with a defensive attitude by the organisation and the situation was swiftly swept under the carpet, leaving those who called out racism without hope. The traumas experienced by the ethnic minority community should be addressed and given importance within every organisation. I still hear and see comments on social media platforms stating "It's our country!" but if only we educated these people and educated children in school about British colonisation, what Britain took from other countries and what immigrants have given to Britain. Without immigrants, Britain wouldn't be what it is today. #equality #diversity #inclusion #equity #freedomofspeech #culture #education #knowledge #foodforthought

An Indigenous child is twice as likely to die by age 4 than a non-Indigenous child.   There's a greater chance of an Indigenous young male going to jail than university.   Australia right now faces an extreme gap in outcomes for First Nations peoples, whose 65,000 years of culture is recognised around the world as unique and iconic.    But only four of nineteen Close the Gap targets are on track. The last few decades have seen innumerable policies made by politicians in Canberra without listening to the Voices of our First Peoples.   We need solutions to close these gaps, so that our First Australians can live with the same opportunity as everyone else.   Indigenous people have asked for a Voice.    "Nothing about us, without us."   The Voice will give First Nations peoples a say on the policies and laws that affect them. It's what they've asked for, and that's why we'll be voting yes. #yes23 #voteyes #historyiscalling #closethegap

Diversity, Inclusion, and Legacy: It takes courage to look one's own narrative of Self in the mirror and accept the blemishes. Our perceived identities are invariably tied up with our understanding of national history, and when we don't like what we see in the mirror, the initial reaction is often rejection. History is replete with colonising people committing ethnocide and genocide against indigenous peoples all over the world. It requires education and a certain honesty to dare start reconciliation. Evidently, many nations have some way to go. https://lnkd.in/ex-zgMX4 #Diversity #Inclusion #Reconciliation #Legacy #IndigenousPeoples #Colonialism #Ethnocide #Genocide

⚠️ As many as 39% of EU migrants, 25% of Black African, and 14% of Asian minorities in the UK aren't registered to vote. 🗣️ Our voices are crucial, but too often they go unheard. This lack of representation means that critical issues we care about are often ignored by MPs. Let's change that! ‼️You only have until 11:59pm on June 18th to register to vote - do not miss out!! Why Register? ✅ - Your vote can shape decisions on healthcare, education, foreign policy, and housing. ✅ - Representation matters, and our voices need to be included. How to Register: 1️⃣. Visit: https://lnkd.in/dBR7ZwQ 2️⃣. Have your National Insurance number, date of birth, and address handy. 3️⃣. Fill Out the Form: It’s quick and easy, taking just about 5 minutes! 🗳️ Every vote counts. Share this post to spread the word and encourage others to register today. Together, we can ensure our communities are heard and represented. #VoterRegistration #Democracy #EthnicMinorities #UKPolitics #YourVoteMatters

Today is Citizenship Day, also called Constitution Day. It's a holiday that observes and recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. The Quad Cities have such a rich history of immigrants moving in, building communities, and making our cities stronger. #CitizenshipDay #ConstitutionDay #ImmigrantsGetTheJobDone https://lnkd.in/dXNdB4m

"According to data from the Pew Research Center, there are nearly 45 million foreign-born (or first-generation) immigrants in the United States. Of this group, nearly half are naturalized citizens, and another 27% are lawful permanent residents who may pursue citizenship through naturalization after meeting certain requirements." As someone who comes from the #AAPI community, I am all too familiar with the challenges that arise from communities with limited English proficiency and how that serves as an obstruction to the ability of people to take part in their democracy. With National Voter Registration Day coming up, it's all too important that we focus on translation, digital media and successful ethnic constituency organizing methods to bring people into the political process. https://lnkd.in/e8HtC877