“PAY IT FORWARD”
Barwon Community Leadership Project
Project Members:
Annette Devereaux
Barry Breguet
Lyndall Horton-James
Julie Rogers 1 CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Project Overview
3
1.1 Participants’ details
3
1.2 Acknowledgements
4
2. Project development
4
2.1 Background to the project
4
2.2 The scientific reason behind kindness
5
2.3 Why kindness cards?
5
2.4 Development of the cards
6
3. Operating the scheme
7
3.1 How the Geelong Kindness cards will work
7
3.2 Gaining support
8
3.3 Exit strategy
8
3.4 Risk Assessment
9
3.5 Budget needed
9
4. Conclusion
10
5. References
11
Appendix A Annette’s experience
12
Appendix B Julie’s experience
13
Appendix C Lyndall’s Project Questions for Agencies
14
Appendix D Annette’s Geelong
15
Appendix E Letters of Support - City of Greater Geelong
16
Letters of Support - Geelong East P.S
17
Letters of Support - Whittington P.S
18
2 1. Project Overview
1.1 Participants
details
This project was developed by the following participants in the 2013 Barwon Community
Leadership Program:
Annette Devereaux
Annette Devereaux is currently working as a financial counsellor at Bethany
Community Support after 20 years in the community services sector, including youth work
and foster care. As well as a demanding career, Annette is raising four boys (aged 11 – 16) to
be gorgeous young men and continues to volunteer on her local community and social justice
projects.
Barry Breguet
Barry has lived in Geelong all of his life, first living in Norlane as a child and then spending
many of his married years living in Lara. A proud father of three with five beautiful
granddaughters, Barry decided to take on volunteering and has become quite involved with
Barwon Health. Barry is also a member of the Geelong East Men’s Shed (GEMS) and has
served on the committee. He thoroughly enjoys meeting with other men, chatting over a
cuppa and giving others encouragement when necessary.
Lyndall Horton-James
Lyndall has been a primary teacher, manager of a statewide child safety organization,
Director of an Education Centre and a consultant. As a three-times award-winning author, she
has written books, CDs, DVDs, television shows and many other things. Now retired, she is
focusing on her community. Her favorite quote is Mahatma Gandhi’s, “be the change you
want to see in the world.”
Julie Rogers
Julie has lived and worked in the Geelong and Surf Coast areas for 25 years. She is part of the
team at Mandama Primary ‘Out of School Hours Care’ program. She is a volunteer at the
Grovedale Neighbourhood House. Until recently she facilitated the Men’s group, which is
now The Men’s Shed. She has two children, both adults now. Her interests are painting and
artwork, gardening and cooking.
3 1.2 Acknowledgements
The team gratefully acknowledge the input into this project by:
Ms Di Bennett, Welfare Coordinator, East Geelong Primary School
Ms Sue Cannon, freelance graphic designer
Cr Kylie Fisher, CoGG
Mr Grant Forest, retired engineer
Mr Shane Goodall, Lavish Café owner
Cr John Irvine, CoGG
Ms Wendy Kalsambrisis, Salvation Army Geelong
Ms Lisa Neville, Member for Bellarine
Ms Annabel Newnham, Program Manager, Barwon Community Leadership
Program
Mr Barrie Speight, Principal, Whittington Primary School
Ms Cathy Walker, Place Manager, Corio
Ms Jacqui Smith, Pharmacist, Community Care Chemist
“Pay It Forward” the book and the movie for inspiration
2. Project development
2.1 Background to the project
Initially the team wanted to ‘suspend’ goods in the same way as coffees could be
‘suspended’. So a team meeting was set up with Shane Goodall of Lavish Café to find out
how the ‘suspended’ coffees worked. After this meeting, there was a great deal of team
discussion about what kinds of goods could be suspended in this way. Ultimately it was
decided that medications were appropriate and the team met with both an agency who dealt
with needy clients (our end-users) and a representative of Community Care Chemists (our
stakeholders and facilitators of the scheme). (See Appendix A, B and C for more detail of
these meetings.)
This experience was depressing for the team as the issue of creating a dependency through
such a kindness scheme had not occurred to us and was an unwanted outcome as far as we
were concerned. We were also aware that we hadn’t thought the idea through enough to
encourage someone else to come on board. What we wanted was a way to “PAY IT
4 FORWARD” – a kind, low-cost, easy to operate scheme. We had good intentions but the
wrong plans. We weren’t there yet.
2.2 The scientific reason behind kindness
“The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of
serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies.” “Both the recipient of the
kindness and the person extending the kindness…” experience these effects. “Even more
amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results.”
“The Power of Intention”, Dr Wayne Dyer, 2004, page 25.
2.3 Why kindness cards?
The team struck upon the kindness card idea after doing some internet research. This
included looking at a website where people could download a free app for their mobile phone
and donate to their chosen charity. The concern was that not everyone had that type of phone,
so exclusion would be a problem. The team also looked at some ‘ripple effect’ cards which
seemed more promising.
The team decided on ‘kindness cards’. It met our goals of ‘paying it forward’ kindness, lowcost, easy to operate and could involve everyone, no matter what their age or economic
status.
5 It was decided to call them “Geelong Kindness Cards” so that the location was prominent.
Hence why they are navy blue and white. Having the location prominent meant that Geelong
people would have a sense of pride in what they were doing. We already knew from our
research that Geelong folk are very giving, for example, Barwon Health has over 1,000
dedicated volunteers. These volunteers give around 60,000 hours each year and are involved
in all aspects of Barwon Health, including Mental Health, Aged Care, Rehabilitation, Acute
Care, Community Health and Retail.
2.4 Development of the cards
A graphic artist, who was a friend of the team, designed the cards initially and has made the
subsequent changes as they evolved. Unique amongst teams was the unanimous vote for her
initial design!
The team met to develop the cards, each time commenting on the design work that had been
done by Sue. Annabel attended one meeting and agreed to print 250 of each card to get us
started.
6 3. Operating the scheme
3.1 How the Geelong Kindness Cards will work
Two kinds of cards were developed – adult ones and children’s ones. On the back of each
kind are age-appropriate suggestions of kind things people could easily do. This is not an
exhaustive list, merely an indicative one.
Initially, we thought that both types of cards would operate in the same way. However, it
became clear to the team that schools varied in their approaches. So the children’s card
operation will be left to each school.
The concept with the adult card is that it is left by the giver when a kind deed is done, thereby
encouraging the receiver to ‘pay it forward’ or pass the kindness on. No personal details, such
as name, address or phone number should be included with the card, the concept being that
the kindness is done anonymously.
Adult card
Child card
7 3.2 Gaining support
Support was gained by the team members showing people the design and talking about how
the cards would operate. Barrie Speight, Principal of Whittington Primary School, was
interviewed to ensure the concept worked for schools. He agreed to write a letter of support,
indicating that the school would distribute the children’s cards. East Geelong Primary School
was also willing to do this, as they teach specifically about kindness so it fitted nicely into
their curriculum.
Lisa Neville, Member for Bellarine, was also supportive. After a meeting with her to discuss
the cards, she asked for a short report to be sent electronically to her so she could expand the
number of people who knew about the concept. She also offered ideas about sponsorship and
funding.
Cathy Walker, Place Manager at Corio, City of Greater Geelong, was also willing to write a
letter of support as she liked the concept. Consequently, we got a letter of support from the
Manager of Community Development, Paul Jamieson.
The team met with Cr Kylie Fisher, who was also supportive of the concept. Cr Kylie Fisher
suggested that the adult card be given to the volunteers at Neighbourhood Houses. She also
suggested that both cards be laminated by schools and Neigbourhood Houses as a further
means of stopping any writing of personal details on them. She further suggested that
Volunteering Geelong might distribute the adult cards and get them known.
Cr John Irvine, Austin Ward (Whittington) suggested that a Community Grant could be
sought for their continuation and that he was supportive of the great work that the BCLP do.
To seek a Community Grant requires a local organisation with a ABN to auspice the
endeavour.
3.3 Exit strategy
The team got only positive feedback from principals, councillors, managers, and directors
who were shown the cards and had the concept explained. This high level of support ensures
that the team will be able to find an organisation in the future that is willing to continue this
idea.
Although letters of support have been gathered from these people, and continue to be
collected, a suitable future exponent has not yet been found. Barry and Lyndall will continue
this search into 2014. Julie has recently gained support from a local chaplain and
Neighbourhood House.
8 3.4 Risk Assessment
The team has identified the following dangers and taken steps to prevent them:
•
Adult’s card – the risk of unwanted contact removed by lack of personal details
provided. Lamination will further reduce this risk.
•
Children’s card – as above plus ‘stranger danger’ taught by schools. The operation of
the cards will be left up to schools to ensure it will fit their practices.
An email address has been set up and two team members are willing to act as advisors giving
their mobile phone numbers as a point of reference. The organisations distributing the cards
will be given this information in their ‘welcome packs’ in case there are any questions we
have not foreseen.
3.5 Budget needed
ITEM
COST
Graphic designer
450.00
Printing:
Adult’s cards
depends on quantity
Children’s cards
depends on quantity
Delivery of adult’s cards
depends on quantity
Delivery of children’s cards
depends on quantity
Promotion
depends on means
9 4. Conclusion
The Geelong Kindness Cards are a big hit. The team is gratified that this concept was so
successfully greeted by those who heard about it, given that the initial idea of ‘paying it
forward’ through the community chemists caused so much angst, both among the team and
the agencies they spoke to.
We are very grateful that Sue Canon, who did the design work, was so in tune with what we
wanted to create through the cards.
We are also grateful to have had the opportunity to work together and to be so inspired by our
colleagues, families, friends and Barwon Community Leadership participants, who were all
great! A special thank you to Annabel Newnham, without whom we would never have got so
far!
Creating something like the Geelong Kindness Cards is truly giving back to our wonderful
community.
We believe that some time in the future someone else will take on this project and we’ll be
working hard next year to make that happen. Meanwhile if someone does you a kindness,
pass it on.
10 5. References
Books
Dr Dyer, Wayne, W, “The Power of Intention”, 2004.
Newsletters
The Gordon Health and Wellbeing newsletter, May 2013
Articles
The Advertiser, 22 May 2013, “Café feeds the spirit”.
SmartSaver ad, Proud supporter of “Suspended Coffee Geelong”
“Serving with a smile”, page 24, Our Place magazine, 2013. Written by Jenny Shand.
Websites
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1122&page=2, “7 Good Reasons to Give
Back”, accessed on 04/06/2013.
www.ripplekindness.org, accessed on 08/08/2013.
www.shoutforgood.com, accessed on 04/06/2013.
11 Appendix A
Annette’s experience
I met with Jacqui a pharmacist at the Geelong branch of the Community Care Chemist to discuss our
ideas. I had originally phoned and she invited me in for a meeting on the same day so unfortunately it was
too short notice to get the team involved.
We met over coffee and I explained the Barwon Community Leaders programs and also the project that we
are all completing as part of the program. Jacqui was aware of the suspended coffee concept and therefore
didn't need much introduction into that side of things.
However, to be honest, when I started discussing our 'pay it forward' 'suspended something' idea it became
apparent to me that we are really in the infancy stages of the concept and therefore it was difficult to 'sell
the idea' to Jacqui when I wasn't convinced that it would work myself. It was really difficult to have a
discussion around an idea without any funds, ongoing longevity plans for the project etc. I was honest
with Jacqui and stated we are just testing ideas currently and also researching what people (particularly
disadvantaged people) may require/use. Jacqui understood and was reluctant to put the chemist up for an
opportunity given that we don't know how it’s going to work.
Jacqui was concerned about the chemist staff workload in managing it and also working out who gets what
in products or medication. She suggested we try and refine our idea to a particular health concern or
nutrition need. For example, Jacqui stated North Geelong has an over proportion of residents with diabetes
so the chemist at North Geelong will be specialising in diabetes with a clinic, information sessions,
qualified/educated staff (via diabetes Australia etc) working there etc. Jacqui suggested the idea might
work if we teamed with a chemist and Diabetes Australia and use the suspended idea there as at times,
medication, syringes etc can be expensive and out of reach of some disadvantaged people with diabetes
etc. She also cited the Rotary Bowel Scan Initiative or Anti Cancel Council etc.
So, although the answer isn't no, it’s not yes either. Jacqui feels our project isn't at the point where a
chemist (or other service) could adopt it. We did discuss the other alternatives such as myki cards and
suspended coffees and Jacqui commented that these are probably much easier to manage and continue.
I feel a bit disappointed in our project at the moment as I know we are all committed to the kindness/pay it
forward concept. I have been looking at the kindness or ripple effect websites for ideas and have one of
these sending me some kindness or random act of kindness information to see what that is all about.
12 Appendix B
Julie’s experience
Meeting with Wendy Kalsambrisis, Salvation Army Geelong
3/7/2013
The purpose of the meeting was to research whether there is a need within the community for a
concept (similar to suspended coffee) whereby customers at a pharmacy could give money to be
suspended for those in need to pay for medical items.
Wendy was skeptical about this concept. She indicated to me that there was already a voucher system
in place within the Salvation Army and other agencies whereby those deemed in need, could access
free or subsidized pharmacy goods.
This voucher system was already being well used. However, she indicated that all agencies were very
careful to not create a “dependency” upon such a system, whereby users would use the voucher
instead of money they already had. She gave me several examples of this.
She also indicated that we may find it difficult to find anyone willing to facilitate the project as there
were already systems in place. She was adamant that there is a need within the community for charity
but to be mindful of the trap of creating a dependency situation.
I was grateful for this insight and thanked her.
13 Appendix C
Lyndall’s Project Questions for Agencies
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
What do clients ask you for most often?
When do they ask for this?
How can our project support what you do?
What do they need at a chemist shop?
Do they go without food to get this?
What would you like us to understand?
How can our project help?
Have you any ideas on how our project should be administered?
What would you like mainstream folks to know?
Who should take over our project in 5 months time?
Can we access clients/case studies?
Can case workers give us an outline of cases?
Thank you for your time.
14 Appendix D
Annette’s Geelong
Get to know Geelong
Geelong has taken some major hits recently with redundancies and/or funding cuts announced at
tertiary TAFE and universities, Ford and Target. Large industry and manufacturing firms are also
closing over the next 10 years, like Alcoa, Boral Cement plant at Waurn Ponds and Shell Refinery.
Unemployment in Geelong (Barwon Region) currently sits at around 5.1%. With 284, 191 people
living in Geelong and surrounding regions (Barwon Region), around 12, 000 commute daily to
Melbourne or outside the region for work purposes.
Whilst all of the above can put a dampener on spirits and shoot us into the lime light as a depressing
city that’s going backwards, this is far from the truth.
Geelong…… its time to celebrate what we do well!
Within every suburb, coastal town and outlying region there are schools, footy clubs, local
milkbars/IGA’s, parents groups, social clubs at the pub etc doing something about feeling good and
doing something positive for their community.
Many people give generously to fundraising appeals, chocolate drives at schools, passing the plate
around at church, buying a sausage from the local community or sporting group at Bunning’s on
Saturday morning etc. Part of this project is to recognise this, celebrate it and encourage it to
continue. Communities helping their own communities: what better way to live!
Volunteering Geelong
Volunteering Geelong has been operating since 1998 and advertises over 350 volunteer positions
within 250 not for profit organisations in Geelong. Each day people visit Volunteering Geelong to
find roles within the community that they can undertake in their time available and at their skill level.
People get enormous satisfaction in helping others and Volunteering Geelong is a ‘one stop shop’ to
find that opportunity to give back locally.
An article on page 24 in “Our Place” G21 2013 stated that about “22 per cent of the region’s
population volunteer in areas including sporting clubs, schools, neighbourhood houses, religious
institutions, community groups and emergency relief. The National average is 18 per cent.” Way to
go Geelong: already volunteering above the national average!!
Barwon Health.
Barwon Health is our regional health service incorporating community health, aged care,
rehabilitation and outpatient services as well as a major teaching hospital. Barwon Health employs
over 6000 people in the health care sector, and even more importantly for this project, has over 1000
dedicated volunteers! These volunteers give around 60 000 hours each year and are involved in all
aspects of Barwon Health, including mental health, aged care, rehabilitation, acute care, community
health and retail.
15 Appendix E
Give Where you Live
Give Where You Live (formerly United Way Geelong) is the leading philanthropic not for profit
organisation, whose task is to raise money for Geelong and then distribute it (via grants) to agencies
and services who support Geelong’s disadvantaged communities.
In 2013 financial year, Give Where You Live collected and raised funds to enable them to provide
approx $1.78million to the Geelong Community via grants. These grants are available to three main
streams:
Health and Well being: promoting social inclusion as well as physical and mental health.
Live and Learn: educational opportunities for those disadvantaged
Survive and thrive: food security, shelter, pharmacy and household goods (our basic needs).
Give Where You Live raises fund in three main ways:
Community events. Activities and events that are staged locally in the Geelong region include Golf
classic, Blue ribbon ball, fun runs, festival of sails etc
Workplace giving. Through regular donations through payroll, individuals can contribute to Give
Where You Lives’ vision
Donations, bequests, corporate partners and sponsors.
Community Agencies and Services
There are many community organisations and services within the Geelong region available to all
residents (too many to list individually). The larger agencies include Salvation Army, St Laurence,
Bethany, Diversitat and Uniting Care, as well as many small groups provide much needed financial
aid, material aid, accommodation, clothing etc. Many of these groups raise funds internally, receive
some government funding and they may apply for Give Where You Live grants to enable them to
meet the needs of their community in ensuring everyone has adequate shelter, clothing, support and
comfort. There are many opportunities for individuals to assist these groups within their local
community, including:
•
Volunteering at the Community Meals at Uniting Care Church on Tuesday evenings.
•
Assist school aged children to raise funds within their schools for State Schools Relief, medical needs and
community awareness (i.e. daffodil day and R U OK? Day)
•
Volunteering at the Salvation Army opportunity shops
•
Volunteer within Community agencies by mentoring a young person, home visiting an elderly person, assisting
with recreation activities for those with mental health concerns etc.
Many of these organisations would not survive without the grants, funds from the corporate
sector, donations from individuals and time from volunteers. Another opportunity to show what
we do well!!
16 Letters of Support
17 City of Greater Geelong
Letters of Support continued
Geelong East Primary School
29/10/2013
To whom it may concern,
I am the Primary Welfare Officer at Geelong East Primary School and would like to add my
support to the initiative of Geelong Kindness cards.
Our school is central to the 3219 postcode area that has been acknowledged as having
extremely high disengaged youth and socially marginalised families. Our school is of the
strong belief that attitude changes can occur when proactive wellbeing initiatives begin as
early as possible in an individual’s life.
These cards are a positive step in empowering children and adults to make a self-less
difference to others in the community.
Yours Faithfully
Dianne Bennett
18 Whittington Primary School
Worden Court, Whittington, 3219
Phone: (03) 5248 1795
Fax:
(03) 5248 5949
[email protected]
30 October 2014
To Whom It May Concern
Lyndall Horton-James met with me as the principal of Whittington PS to outline the main
ideas behind the concept of the Geelong Kindness Cards.
I am very happy to endorse the idea as explained by Lyndall.
In 2014, our school will be placing a major emphasis on taking our student’s already
improved behaviour to the next level. We believe that the Kindness Cards concept is well
and truly in line with the basic positive behaviour philosophy that underpins our teaching. As
more details become available, discussions with the school may in fact reveal a way to
directly link the cards to our activities in a way that will benefit both the school and the
scheme. We are open to possibilities.
We wish all people associated with the concept the best of luck.
Yours sincerely
Barrie Speight
Principal
19