Together, Yes
Become a host for a conversation about what it means to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in our constitution.
April 5, 2023
The upcoming referendum is a historic opportunity for Australians to acknowledge and honour First Nations people in this land and to walk together as a nation toward a better future. Uniting Church people have an opportunity to be a part of this.
Together, Yes is looking for people to act as conversation hosts, bringing together small groups in their homes or in communal spaces. With the support of high-quality, curated materials, leaders facilitate conversations that will build empathy and connection to the historical and contemporary issues underpinning the case for a Voice.
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Together, Yes uses the tried and tested Kitchen Table Conversations model of the Victorian Women's Trust.
Mary Crooks, Executive Director of Victorian Women's Trust, and Project Director, said the aim was for people from all walks of life to enjoy safe and respectful conversations, have their opinions tested and ultimately clarify their thinking around referendum issues.
Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis encouraged UCA members to consider becoming hosts of Together, Yes conversations.
“Uniting Church members who have experience of using consensus-decision making bring a unique set of skills in facilitating spaces for people to have respectful and open conversations,” said Rev Hollis.
“Many Uniting Church people and communities are deeply passionate about justice for First Nations people, a commitment that is grounded in our long-standing covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.”
“I urge members of our church, particularly those of us who are Second Peoples, who want to be a part of the work towards constitutional recognition and the full implementation of the Uluru Statement, that this is a meaningful and impactful way to help make that a reality.”
The Together, Yes website has all the information about the process and you can sign up now to be a host.
An online information session was hosted for Uniting Church members who want to know more. Email comms@nat.uca.org.au if you would like a recording of this session.
To learn more about the Uniting Church's support for a First Nations Voice and for more resources go to our Uniting for the Voice page.
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