Advocacy and Allyship - what does it mean and how do we do it better?

These were the themes we explored on the 19th of March, in our first event for 2022 - ONE STEP: Advocacy and Allyship in Action, held at Seed Spaces Glebe. The Inner West for Refugees are proud to work in collaboration with Fern Events and with sponsorship from the City of Sydney. We are also so lucky to have Suzanne Waldron working with us this year for our 2022 event series.

On the day, our panel spoke with passion and vulnerability and we thank them for this. Speakers included Natalie Shehata from The Social Outfit and Dulce Munoz from Mums 4 Refugees, who spoke alongside a panelist with lived experience. There was electricity in the air and our guests said they felt more confident to act to progress human rights in Australia!

We heard our panelist describe what it’s like to re-apply for a visa every 3 months, to submit documentation to the Australian Government every 3 months and to pass a character test every 3 months. She told us:

“Sometimes in the community I feel included.. but with Government policies I feel like a different species.”

For the past six years our panelist has cared for her young children while juggling job seeking activities and financial stresses. She explained just what it means to have the practical support of Mums 4 Refugees to assist with school and household items.

One thing she told us was: the power of a smile from a stranger can’t be underestimated – a nice reminder that small things we do in our every day lives can make an impact on someone doing it tough.

So! What more can we do? Here are some suggested takeaways:

• Write to your local MP and ask them where they stand on refugee and asylum seeker issues. Our stance is that all people need security and a place to call home.

• Contact the Asylum Seekers Centre to host a guest speaker at your school or workplace.

• Share conversations about refugee issues with friends, family and young people.

• Shop ethically. Visit Welcome Merchant for details of refugee-powered businesses and eateries.

  • Buy fashion from The Social Outfit (Newtown and online).

And watch this space for details of next event!