The Body Shop Activist

The Body Shop Summer Activist T-Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:32:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager
I love getting faxes like this from store land.

The Values team has been given the space on the back of this summer's t-shirt. I've opened it up for any staff to submit suggestions. The back of the current winter t-shirt says :

"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand up for much." - Marian Wright Edelman

Support The Body Shop in its campaign to stop sex trafficking of children & young people.

The above idea is from Katie & The Glen store here in Victoria. It's pretty rad and promotes our Community Trade Tri-Massagers. 100% of the profits from these go to the Children on the Edge 'child friendly space' in East Timor.

If anyone out there reading this has a good idea for the back of our t-shirts, please feel free to email it to me or leave a comment on this post.

Please click here for kids in East Timor. Quick!

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:09:00 PDT

By Elizabeth Crow - The Body Shop Highpoint (Vic)

Canon is having a photo competition for images related to worthwhile causes – the winning image wins $25,000 for their nominated charity. I would very much like Children on The Edge to win but I need a few hundred votes… in the next 2 days. That's where you come in.

I recently volunteered to help out at the Children on the Edge 'Child Friendly Space' in East Timor. Each afternoon, children were free to come and play with us. We skipped, painted and drew, played soccer, volleyball, frizbee and badminton… the list goes on. The older children had such a thirst to learn English and much time was spent pointing at objects that were being parroted in both English and Tetum. It’s a place where kids are free to be kids. A place where us adults were also free to be kids! I went with no expectations but came back with an appreciation, thirst & passion for the life we live.

I took some portraits of the beautiful East Timorese children while I was over there and have entered them into Canon's Creative for a Cause competition. Please help Children on the Edge and the children of East Timor. All you need to do is get you, your workmates, friends and family to vote for these photos.

HOW?
Simply click on any of my photos in this post. Each photo is linked to their place in the Canon gallery, all you have to do is vote for them to increase their chances to win!

Voting close 10 July 2009.

Rome burns while the G8 Fiddle

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:15:00 PDT

Via Oxfam International:

Image Via: Ucodep

G8 leaders lying on a triclinium, eating grapes and reciting ancient poems accompanied by a cetra, whilst huge flames destroy Rome. The eight leaders of the most powerful countries are, like Emperor Nero, ignoring the flaming crisis engulfing the world around them.

Stunts organised by Oxfam and its partner UCODEP

Poverty and inequality are getting worse in developing countries as a result of the global economic crisis. Poor families are eating less, being evicted from their homes, and having to pull children out of school. All of this is exacerbated by the effects of high food prices, the failure of rich countries to deliver on their aid promises, and the growing harmful impacts of climate change.

Knox and Eastland The Body Shop Climate Change Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:32:00 PDT

The Body Shop Eastland (Vic) Rowena Davies & Jess Wright

The Body Shop Knox City (Vic) Laura Gilbert

Green Marketing vs Green Washing vs Green Values

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:37:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

Image via: sinsofgreenwashing.org

A few days ago I had the privilege to present to a room of Corporate Social Responsibility and Marketing professionals at Ethical Investor's 2nd Annual Green Marketing Forum in Melbourne. If you're interested in greening your business or a student of marketing, I highly recommend you have a look through some of the presentation powerpoints etc here.

It was really heartening to learn that most organisations present were now being very careful and cautious of making 'green claims' eg: "Buy this it's carbon neutral!" for fear of being labelled or even prosecuted by the ACCC as 'green washers'.

Scott McDougall, CEO, TerraChoice (Canada) gave an excellent presentation which included the Seven Deadly Sins of Green Washing, which are:

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-off
2. Sin of No Proof
3. Sin of Vagueness
4. Sin of Worshiping False Labels
5. Sin of Irrelevance
6. Sin of Lesser of Two Evils
7. Sin of Fibbing

I came to a bit of a realization whilst talking about The Body Shop Australia's version of "green marketing" which is more like “Social marketing (community communication, education and action) to achieve local and global environmental justice”...

If a company wants us green/ ethical consumers to believe it's really, truly green, it has to win our trust. It must prove genuine concern for the environment as well as it's own profits. Companies can do this by:

volunteering to go above and beyond current industry environmental laws
trying to educate consumers about environmental issues.
using their marketing powers (jokingly described as the dark arts @ the conference) to influence stronger national and global political action on climate change. Eg: Lending their voices to the growing number of Australians demanding stronger carbon emission reduction targets from our Government.

Managing our carbon footprint, via reduction and offsetting strategies is crucial. But I think only the first step in gaining a green reputation. Once this is established, more companies can start looking beyond themselves and at the bigger environmental picture. Anita Roddick wisely said:

“The Body Shop recognised long ago that politics is far too important to leave to politicians.”

There are green groups like ACF, Greenpeace and WWF to name a few, who would love to get some mainstream partnerships, marketing and advertising advice, to help spread important environmental messages across to the masses.

To finish this unusually long post for a Friday. Here are a few websites I picked up on at the conference I'd like to share with you. Check them out:

Bindarri - a group who aims to support and promote Australian creatives who are working for positive change and to inspire others who are yet to begin.
Grow Me The Money - the simple way for small businesses to be sustainable & save money.
3 Fish - fairtrade and sustainable marketing merchandise.
The Good Brew Company - saving the world, one brew at a time.
Republic of Everyone - helping to build sustainable brands.

The Body Shop Westlakes joins the 40 Hour Famine

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:00 PDT

By Sabrina Oliver - Assistant Manager, The Body Shop Westlakes (SA)

The Global Food Crisis is into its second year.

You probably didn't even know it...

World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine, is on again. Get Involved... 21-23 August 2009.

The 40 Hour Famine is one of Australia’s biggest youth fundraising events. It’s our chance at The Body Shop Westlakes to do something real: we're giving up food or other stuff that really matters like our mobile phones or Facebook for 40 hours and raising funds for kids living in poverty overseas.

It’s a great way for Australians to actually experience what life’s like for children who have to go without – every single day!

This year the 40 Hour Famine funds will help to:

provide emergency food aid in Kenya and Cambodia
provide sustainable agriculture and development programs
increase reliable access to food and water
reduce the effects of climate change by creating sustainable environments
invest in agricultural education and development.

SOMETHING REAL you can do to help:

Donate to The Body Shop Westlake's 40 Hour Famine group. Our group is called "TBS girls with heart". Group number "671037711".
Do the 40 Hour Famine yourselves (especially other The Body Shop stores!) It's easy just jump onto their website. Let's see how many hungry kids TBS can help!
Watch the videos about how the Food Crisis has hit innocent children in Kenya (Beatrice's Story) and Cambodia (Chanra's Story).
Buy one of these cool 40 Hour Famine t-shirts.

Take the lead on Climate Change campaign

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:18:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

Today The Body Shop is proud to announce the launch of our 3rd annual climate change campaign "Take the Lead on Climate Change" in partnership with the Australian Conservation Foundation.

For three weeks you can go in-store and pledge your interest in becoming a Climate Change leader. Whether that means just learning more or taking action. Our staff aim to start important conversations with customers about the critical topic of climate change and Australia's lack of leadership on the issue.

When we can’t rely on our Government or our parliament to do the right thing (ie: debate critical climate change legislation instead of Utegate)! We need to step up! Every week we fall behind other countries (like the USA) who are already taking advantage of the green economy revolution. We need to step up!

Why do we need a 'Strong Global Agreement'?

The climate crisis is ultimately a global problem, requiring a global solution. The nations of the world have previously come together to solve problems like the hole in the ozone layer, and to rebuild after devastating disasters and wars. Now we need to come together under the United Nations umbrella to help solve our greatest challenge – the climate crisis.

"The crucial December 2009 Copenhagen* negotiations for a new global climate agreement are probably the world's best and last chance to avoid dangerous climate change."

- Don Henry
Executive Director, ACF

* The nations of the world will meet in December, in Copenhagen to agree on a new global climate treaty – basically a new and improved ‘Kyoto Protocol’.

We understand Climate Change is a complicated issue, that's why this campaign is designed to help our customers connect with ACF, who will (via a regular email) help them to simply learn more and do more about Climate Change. What's more it's totally free for The Body Shop customers.

More Action:

ACF will be intensifying their pressure on our Government to increase our leadership on Climate Change on the road to Copenhagen. You can help by donating to their campaign.

Follow ACF on Twitter or Facebook

Send a message to our PM or the Leader of the Opposition about your views on our Climate Change Leadership (or lack thereof)

The USA's fight against Human Trafficking

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:14:00 PDT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently launched the Trafficking in Persons Report 2009

Here's the video:

Human trafficking is modern slavery.
If you're new to the issue of read this very interesting extract from her speech:

"Around the world, millions of people are living in bondage. They labor in fields and factories under brutal employers who threaten them with violence if they try to escape. They work in homes for families that keep them virtually imprisoned. They are forced to work as prostitutes or to beg in the streets, fearful of the consequences if they fail to earn their daily quota. They are women, men, and children of all ages, and they are often held far from home with no money, no connections, and no way to ask for help.

This is modern slavery, a crime that spans the globe, providing ruthless employers with an endless supply of people to abuse for financial gain. Human trafficking is a crime with many victims: not only those who are trafficked, but also the families they leave behind, some of whom never see their loved ones again.

Trafficking has a broad global impact as well. It weakens legitimate economies, fuels violence, threatens public health and safety, shatters families, and shreds the social fabric that is necessary for progress. And it is an affront to our basic values and our fundamental belief that all people everywhere deserve to live and work in safety and dignity."

The Body Shop will be launching our campaign with Child Wise to Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People (an especially heinous form of human trafficking) in September 2009.

Respect for Indooroopilly

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:50:00 PDT

Jodi Meyers - Assistant Manager, The Body Shop Indooroopilly (Qld)

Hey there Values Team!

Just wanted to share some photos of the fabulous Indooroopilly team supporting the ANTaR Respect campaign and tell you about some of our thoughts and experiences along the way.

From the beginning the girls really got behind the campaign, with the whole team purchasing T-shirts and badge sets before the launch date.

The campaign launch pack was very informative and really got the team talking about what we did/did not know about Indigenous issues in Australia, as well as what some possible reactions might be.

Initially the team experienced some nerves when introducing the campaign to customers. The team were well aware that discussing racial issues can be quite confronting, so while learning the best way to introduce the campaign there was a bit of fumbling and butterflies in the tummy!

We discovered that more confident and positive we were about customers signing the pledge the more success we had. After all, pledging to improve the lives of indigenous Australians through respect is a wonderful thing to do! Why wouldn't they want to join us? The key was to keep it simple - describe the campaign aim, request their valued support with passion, then allow them to make their choice.

The Indooroopilly team experienced a range of responses from customers. Everything from negativity, to indifference, to enthusiasm for the cause.

What I noticed was that the negative reactions were usually due to a lack of knowledge about Indigenous issues.

Some customers thought that we were asking them to treat Indigenous Australians differently to Non-Indigenous Australians, rather than the mutual respect and equality we were truly promoting. On a few occasions this took a bit of explaining.

I could hardly believe my ears when a customer asked me if "they" made us put up the acknowledgment of country sign or if someone on our team was Aboriginal. Once the steam stopped coming out of my ears I managed to explain the campaign objectives, and point out the many respect shirts, signs and badges being worn by the team. I am proud to say that this customer listened and learned, then offered to sign the pledge book - what a turn around!

Throughout the campaign I also had some great conversations with customers interested in indigenous issues, several of which not only signed the book, but were excited to hear about purchasing the Kev Carmody CD and supporting ANTaR in other ways.

I am so proud of the 474 signatures our store collected. This took lots of hard work, but I think the team were also rewarded with the feel good factor of sharing a value close to our hearts.

Thanks for igniting our passion guys!

Join The Humane Train: End The Intolerable Cruelty of Live Sheep Export

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Baxter) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:25:00 PDT

By Deb Baxter - The Body Shop

WSPA has launched a new online campaign to mobilise Australians around the country to approach their local MP about the extreme cruelty of Australia’s live sheep trade to the Middle East.
Dubbed the Humane Chain, the campaign will see concerned Australians writing or talking directly to their local MP about live export cruelty and then sending a special chain letter to friends and family urging them to do the same.
A dedicated website - the humane chain - has all the information people need about the appalling cruelty of live export, letter writing tools and contact details of their local MP. Once a person has made contact with their MP they can add their name to a visual chain on an online map of Australia showing exactly where people have taken action in every corner of the country.
It’s all part of an exciting new phase of the Handle with Care global campaign to end the long distance transport of animals for slaughter, with emphasis in Australia on the live export of sheep to the Middle East.
“The online map will be a great visual representation of the sheer number of people in every part of Australia who’ve had enough of live export cruelty and want it to end, once and for all,” said Handle with Care spokesperson Emily Reeves. “Australians expressing their concerns about live export cruelty to their local MP is a major step on the path to the Australian government ending the trade, so I urge everyone who cares about animals and their wellbeing to get involved.”
Australia is the largest exporter of animals for slaughter in the world, with the sheep trade to the Middle East involving around 4 million animals annually. During the journey from Australia to the Middle East, heat stress and diseases such as scabby mouth, pink eye and salmonellosis are common. Tens of thousands of sheep die on the journey every year.
For sheep that survive the trip, a terrible fate awaits them in the hands of countries that have no or unenforced animal welfare laws. It is common for sheep to be horrendously handled and slaughtered in ways that would neither be legal nor tolerated within Australia.

Join the campaign.

The other global crisis

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:04:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

Two videos today to remind us about the other global crisis...

I'm lucky to be born into a country where even if I lose my job I am not going to starve. We are so fortunate, even in the midst of a global recession and we shouldn't forget this. The Body Shop cares about this issue because one of our core values is to Defend Human Rights. And Freedom from hunger is the most basic of human rights.

How much time do you have to spare to learn more about this?

One minute? Cool. Check out "REMEMBER ME" It's emotive and personal. Impacting.

Eleven minutes? Great! Then watch and absorb "SILENT TSUNAMI". It's scientific and comprehensive. Brilliant.

So what can we do about it?

You can make a difference. No matter how small. If you can try supporting an Overseas Aid Agency (eg: World Vision, Save The Children, Care or Oxfam.) Coming up in August is World Vision's 40 Hour Famine. Experience what it's is like to go without for 40 hours (or at least buy the t-shirt).

Shell Oil Finally Coughs up for Nigerian Human Rights Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:14:00 PDT

The Ogoni people are one of the many indigenous peoples in the Niger Delta region of southeast Nigeria.

They number about a half million people and live in a 404-square-mile (1,050 km2) homeland which they also refer to as Ogoni, or Ogoniland.

The Ogoni rose to international attention after a massive public protest campaign against Shell Oil, led by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP).

A few days ago on 9 June, Royal Dutch Shell agreed a $15.5m out-of-court settlement in a lawsuit accusing it of complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria brought by the Ogoni campaign.

This is good news for the campaign and for The Body Shop who supported the Ogoni cause. The lawsuit was initiated 13 years ago by relatives of nine anti-oil campaigners, including the family of author Ken Saro-Wiwa, who were hanged in 1995 by Nigeria's then military rulers.

Those executed were members of the Ogoni ethnic group from the Niger Delta who had been campaigning for the rights of the local people and protesting at pollution caused by the oil industry. It was alleged that Shell was complicit in abuses by Nigeria's former military government against campaigners in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

The oil giant strongly denies any wrongdoing and says the payment is part of a "process of reconciliation". US$5m will go into a trust to benefit the people of Ogoniland. The rest will go to the plaintiffs and to pay the costs of litigation. The Ogoni cause was an important human rights and environmental campaign for The Body Shop from 1993 when Anita Roddick met several Ogoni people attending a human rights conference in Vienna and became passionate about their cause.

The Body Shop "Someone's Making A Killing in Nigeria" Window Poster (1995)

The Body Shop ran a global lobbying, PR and advertising campaign on behalf of Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people for three years, supporting a network of Ogoni’s indigenous people’s, green, human rights and free speech organizations. With 500,000 Ogoni people living in the Niger delta, the campaign raised awareness of the repression and environmental damaged which benefited Nigeria’s elite - especially under military dictatorships - and oil firms, particularly Shell.

The objective of The Body Shop campaign was to generate global outcry and seek justice for Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people, persuade Shell to clean up the environment and ensure greater local economic benefits. The result of the ruling between Shell and the relatives of the campaigners killed is a significant step for the campaign for justice to the Ogoni people.

Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1993. Photograph: Greenpeace/AFP

Ken Wiwa, 40, son of Ken Saro-Wiwa, said his father would have been happy with the result. We join the families in celebrating this ruling. Ken Saro-Wiwa proudly defended the Ogoni people and paid the ultimate sacrifice and he remains deeply admired for the strong leadership and integrity he displayed. For more about Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni campaign, click here www.remembersarowiwa.com.

***

More:

Shell pays out $15.5m over Saro-Wiwa killing (Via The Guardian)
Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People
http://remembersarowiwa.com/
Watch the videos below:

14,376 The Body Shop Customers Take the Pledge of Respect

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Baxter) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:49:00 PDT

By Deb Baxter - The Body Shop

The Body Shop are proud to have partnered with ANTaR again this year, a three week window of opportunity to educate and create awareness of issues effecting our Indigenous Australians. The RESPECT campaign; aiming for 20,000 of The Body Shop customers to sign the pledge for a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, resulted in a final total of 14, 376 signatures. Short of what we had hoped for, but there were so many more wonderful conversations between our staff and our customers. Conversations that opened peoples hearts and minds as to the simple steps they as individuals could take towards a more respectful Australia. I have every confidence that while we may not have reached our goal in signatures, the number of conversations exceeded our goal and we should never understimate the power of a conversation. The following feedback came from The Body Shop Launceston and summarises beautifully what this campaign was all about.

An Indigenous Australian man entered the store and said he needed to talk to someone about our Respect Campaign. He was very emotional about the effort we were making to educate our customers about RACISM – of which he has been a victim of. He shared some of his experiences with us, shed some tears and could not thank us enough for taking the time to listen. His parting words were “together we can make a difference”. We had inspired each other, what a powerful conversation.

A word from Jessica.

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Baxter) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:29:00 PDT

Dear Values Team

My name is Jessica and I work for The Body Shop Geelong. I arrived in Australia on the 27th of December 2007, from New Zealand.

I come from a country, like Australia, where we have been scarred with racial differences which resulted in the Moari name of Pakeha which translates to "white pig".

In February of 2008 I saw Kevin Rudd give his sorry speech but was not clued as to what it was all about. With the Respect campaign I have learnt a lot more about the situation and what happened here in Australia with your own Indigenous people.

I find it so hard to believe it has taken this long to resolve and more importantly apologise and raise awareness of the situation. In New Zealand it took a long time but we are united and proud of our heritage. We use the Haka as one of our national songs and I don't understand why Australian's haven't embraced this side of the Aboriginal culture. Learn their language, their ways, about their tribes (communities). In New Zealand it is compulsory for for students to learn the Moari language at school from the age of 5 - 16, whatever nationality you are.

I think it's great what we are doing and if I can help more, please let me know.
Stokesy.

Click here if you would like to sign the pledge to see a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, based on mutual Respect.

6099 Signatures for Week 1 of the ANTaR Respect Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Baxter) — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:55:00 PDT

By Deb Baxter - The Body Shop

Each and every one of The Body Shop stores should be congratulated on their level of commitment and their ongoing effort to ensure the success of this campaign. The National result for week 1 of the Respect campaign is incredibly close to target which is just FANTASTIC. It is so important with this campaign that we never underestimate the power of discussion, even if it does not result in a signature from some of our customers. We have a target of 20,000 signatures for ANTaR and as the results show we are on track to achieve this. But this campaign is not just about signatures, it is about raising awareness and education across the board. If we think about every individuals circle of influence, if just a handful of people leave our stores and tell one other person about this campaign…
Keep up the great work, I have every confidence we can reach the 20,000 signature target, with so many more people educated along the way.

Photos from Day 3 of Respect Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

The Glen Store - Rachel Byrne & Alice Johnson (Left to Right).

Forest Hill Store - Steph Jacobs.

Steph's modelling our special Respect campaign t-shirts. Available to you now for $36 from the ANTaR online shop. Woo hoo!! You're guarenteed to appear 29% better looking wearing it! Get it now!

Respecting Our Traditional Land Owners

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:10:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

This blog post was written on the land of the Wurundjeri people.

Something we've started doing is acknowledging and respecting the traditional land owners our offices and stores are located on. It fits in perfectly with our new campaign with ANTaR to foster greater respect between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.

To tell you the truth it wasn't the easiest thing in the world to find out. There are still some areas which have contested ownership. There's not one magic website to go to or phone number to call. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)

I wish someone *out there* created a website of Indigenous countries (see how many there are by clicking on the map !) that you can find just by inputting your postcode. That would make acknowledging our traditional land owners so much more accessible.

But now it's done and out in stores and actually it wasn't that hard... it would be a simple way for other organisations, schools, businesses or even homes to show their respect to the traditional owners of the land. In a small way it makes me feel more connected to Australia and its long history.

If you'd like help finding out who the traditional owners of your land are, I recommend asking ANTaR for help. They can even make a nice metal plaque for you.

Other resources we used include:

Respect for Chloe!

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:31:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

A secret to the success of our ANTaR Respect campaign (which from all reports is going great guns in-stores right now) is Chloe Banicevic, a casual staffer at our Parramatta store (pictured right).

Chloe also happens to be an Advertising Award School graduate. She volunteered her creative services to help our Values Partners develop their The Body Shop campaigns after she saw the great job WSPA's Ad Agency did for the Make Yourself Beautiful campaign.

ANTaR greatly benefited from Chloe's insider information and advertising savvy. Chloe actually came up with the sassy social tag line: "The best skin treatment doesn't come in a bottle" displayed on the poster and postcard as well as "The best skin treatment is free" line which is printed on the t-shirts.

Chloe said in her first email:

"I would love to put my passion and store /values knowledge to further use. I would love to use my creative advertising skills for the company that has changed the way I look at the world."

Well, mission accomplished Chloe...
THANK YOU!!!!

It's easy to say 'Sorry', what next?

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:34:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

It's over a year since our Government said it was 'sorry' for human rights abuses committed on the stolen generation of first Australians.

It was more than a word. For me it was an enabler. A symbol that we are ready to start healing a massive gulf between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd put a call for action out to all Australians in his Parliamentary Apology speech to the Stolen Generations in February 2008:

...Today’s apology, however inadequate, is aimed at righting past wrongs. It is also aimed at building a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians—a bridge based on a real respect rather than a thinly veiled contempt. Our challenge for the future is now to cross that bridge and, in so doing, embrace a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians...

It’s up to us now, as individuals, to bridge the gap. A gap represented by inequality in health, a 17 year difference in life expectancy, poor education, housing, standard of living and lack of career opportunities.

So that's why together with ANTaR we're proud to be launching the Respect campaign today in The Body Shop stores and online at the ANTaR website.

What we are trying to achieve?

Achieving equality and addressing the disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is the single most important social challenge in Australia today. This is recognised both nationally and internationally at the United Nations level. Many people perceive the current condition of Indigenous people in Australia as a stain on our country’s reputation internationally.

Although to be addressed these issues require additional funding and policy change, the underlying problem that can be and must be addressed by us as individuals is the lack of understanding and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Better engagement, understanding and mutual respect is what we are trying to achieve through this campaign.

We are also thrilled to be able to promote positive images of Aboriginal people.

Campaign Target:

We aim to get more than 20,000 Non-Indigenous Australians signed up in-store to receive emails on how to show respect to Indigenous Australians. The four steps are:

* Understand
* Acknowledge
* Be supportive
* Speak up

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, read about how you can support non-Indigenous Australians show respect to Indigenous Australians: click here.

If you're simply curious about this campaign, read the finer details, including information about the launch.

So if someone asks you: "What's the next step after 'Sorry'"? Tell them: "Respect!"

If you're on Facebook become a fan of the Respect campaign!

Barometer Image Via: www.reconciliation.org.au

2009 Love Your Body: Poster Contest Winners

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:23:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager.

Lisa Champ
Utica, New York

Marie Bushbaum -
Minneapolis, Minnesota

10 Ways to Love Your Body

Indulge on your own terms. Whether it's fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market, or a pint of Häagen Dazs Vanilla Fudge ice cream or loving your body is also about loving your taste buds every once in a while.
Stretch your mind and body. Yoga—gentle yoga that encompasses relaxation and a healthy lifestyle, as well as meditative yoga—can bring one to the consciousness of their unique inner being. Yoga can rejuvenate the mind and body and teach us how to care for ourselves.
Read. It can be a source of entertainment, a way to catch up on current events or an educational tool. Several books have been published on loving your body—get some new ideas!
Throw a private party. It worked for India.Arie and it can work for you too. Take a day for yourself and yourself only. Turn off your cell and log out of your instant messenger. Just spend the day looking in the mirror and exploring your body. Once the celebration is over you'll realize that you learn something new everyday.
Laugh out Loud. This isn't just an Internet acronym spelled out. It's an action that will do your body some good. Don't be afraid to show the world your smile. It's contagious.
Have safe sex. Loving our bodies is about keeping them healthy and free from diseases. And besides, there's nothing like getting a two for one on Love Your Body Day.
Spend time with your family. Whether it's a pet or partner, your spouse or a sibling, quality time is a must-have in nurturing relationships which in turn nurture and love your body.
Listen to positive music. Developing a theme song can do wonders for your body esteem and your overall outlook.
Develop a creative outlet. Everyone needs a medium to express daily stress and frustrations constructively. Maybe you're a photographer, writer, poet or all three. Maybe you can knit, make shapes out of clay or finger paint. Loving your body is also about loving your mind.

From: http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org

Edit: Yes I realise there are only 9 suggestions...

Important Message from an Ex Whaler

noreply@blogger.com (Deb Baxter) — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:53:00 PDT

By Deb Baxter - The Body Shop

My name is Paddy Hart. I was one of Australia’s last whaling captains before the industry was shut down in 1978. I spent 18 years hunting sperm whales in WA. Then Greenpeace came along. They helped end whaling in Australia. They would get out in boats and annoy us. But their most effective method was telling millions of Australians about the whale hunt. Along with other environment groups, they turned the tide of public opinion against whaling and that’s when whaling stopped in Australia.

Greenpeace has 30 years experience shutting down whaling operations around the world. I recently went to Japan to see what they are doing there. The Japanese government is stubborn but the experience of Greenpeace will win out if they can keep their campaign going.

Help Greenpeace save whales
There's no humane way to kill a whale, speaking from experience as a whale gunner. The harpoon causes massive internal bleeding but death comes slowly and it is agony. We killed whales for their blubber – to make lubricating motor oil. Now the oil is made synthetically.

There is life after whaling – and more money to be made from whale watching than killing whales. I have sympathy for the whalers in one sense because I've been in that situation. But, if whaling stops, they'll find something else to do, like we did.

When I was in Japan with Greenpeace, I talked to people from the media, the public and the whaling industry. People think the Japanese support their government’s whaling program but I found out that’s not true. Most of them don’t even know the government spends their taxes and loses money on whaling. I helped get these issues in the news, so Japanese people know what’s going on. Greenpeace is working hard on the ground in Japan – and they’re getting results. Japanese people are speaking out against whaling for the first time. The whaling industry is becoming an embarrassment. The pressure will force the Japanese government to ground the whaling fleet forever.

The world has changed a lot since I was a whaler. Whale watching is now a $300 million industry in Australia. It's taken 40 years for the whales to come to trust us and let the boats come close to see them. If whalers start shooting humpbacks, we've lost that trust and that industry, and our grandchildren will never see a whale. I saw first hand how Greenpeace helped stopped whaling in Australia. And I’ve seen how they will end the Japanese government’s whaling. Thanks for supporting Greenpeace to end whaling today, Paddy Hart.

PS. As an ex-whaler, I can say whaling no longer has a place in the world. Whale protection is the way to go and I’m honoured to help Greenpeace end whaling.

Sabrina's East Timor Story

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:29:00 PDT

By Sabrina Oliver - Assistant Manager, The Body Shop Westlakes (SA)

It was a three month lead up and I was ready and so excited to be off on what I knew would be a life changing experience. I met Megan and Libby at the airport, they had flown from Melbourne to Adelaide and we were then off to Darwin to meet Ben and get to know each other. We spent the day and night in Darwin, which was absolutely beautiful and it was a great opportunity to get to know each other by the pool. We instantly felt like we had known each other for ages, we were all doing this for similar reasons and all share the same passion and self less attitude to put ourselves out of our comfort zone.

The following morning was a 4am start and we were off to Dili. We had already talked about what we wanted to get out of the trip and that was mainly to get some perspective, some personal growth and to have a challenge. We arrived in Dili and were welcomed with a big hug by Kerry and Jo, we couldn't have asked for greater co-ordinators. We instantly saw a huge difference and a big culture shock, you can tell what a poor country it is and Kerry gave us a brief history of East Timor and pointed out significant buildings. It was a six hour drive to Viqueque with a quick lunch stop in Baucau, the first of PLENTY mee goreng meals. When we arrived there were kids all out the front of what would be our home for the next ten days, which is directly opposite the CFS (child friendly space). They were so excited to see the "malae" (foreigners) and we were equally as excited to see their beautiful, friendly and smiling faces.

The next day after a well needed sleep and to be awoken by the roosters we went for our first kindergarten session at the CFS and the children instantly loved us. Without judging, without verbal conversation (due to the language difference) they accepted us and were so excited to play with us. In the afternoon children of all ages can come to the centre and play games and participate in activities that the volunteers have organised.

One day we had 250 kids there, it was so amazing. They love it, that it is a safe place they can come and have fun. Some people walk an hour or two just to come to the centre everyday, its truly mind blowing. There is also an art and English class that runs in the afternoon and one day I sat in on the English class which there was about 15-20 people aged 15+ and they were all so motivated and enthusiastic about learning. Due to the poverty you are lucky if you receive an education and the lucky ones that do don't take it for granted.

One of the boys, Domingos is 26 years old and we were privileged to hear his story. He is married and had two children, one of which has died (which is not uncommon) and he attends the English class everyday after his job to better himself and his families life. On day four we were starting to feel like we belonged in Viqueque, the kids started to recognise us, we were learning the kindy songs (in Tetun), we were picking up some of the language, mainly just saying good morning, good afternoon and good evening to everyone and how to ask "how much?" at the markets. We were all definitely loving the Timor life, so laid back and friendly and connecting with our inner child. It was surprisingly easy to communicate with the kids, language didn't even feel like a barrier. To play, to have fun, to smile, to laugh and be friends is universal, it does not need a spoken language just an understanding and connection.

By day five and six we were already feeling how sad it was going to be to have to leave, to never see these friends we had made again, to go back to our privileged life. One big culture shock was the animals. There are dogs, roosters, chickens, goats, pigs walking around everywhere. The majority of the dogs and horses that you see are badly malnourished, there are live chickens tied by their feet at the markets to be sold and everyday at 6pm there is cock fighting. It is a sad way of life for all of the animals but due to the poverty there is not enough food for the people, let alone excess to feed the animals.

East Timor is a very economically poor country but so rich in spirit, friendliness, kindness, generosity, creativity and family. It made me realise what is really important in life and what is just time wasting. Everyday I think about this experience and I know I will never forget it and the few special people that have touched my heart. I have already changed so much in my life since I have been back and try to be grateful everyday for my family, my home, clean water, nutritious good and having a great job.

I am constantly thinking of new ideas of how I could raise funds for the centre, so the children can basic human needs like clean water and food. I have been communicating my story to lots of customers, my friends, family and am hoping to speak in some school assemblies and community groups. I want to thank The Body Shop, Children on the Edge, Kerry, Jo and Rudy, the other volunteers and everyone who helped me with my fundraising and encourage everyone to apply and get out there and see the world. One thing that Kerry said on the first day on the six hour drive to Viqueque still resonates with me today, that is "Wealth is not about what you have, but what you give back."

Obrigada (Thankyou)
Sabrina

The Body Shop Gold Coast Values Update

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:06:00 PDT

By Lidia Franco, Manager The Body Shop - Pacific Fair.

I'm sending through a little bit of values action from Pacific Fair.
We currently have two Values Coordinators in store; Carly Blaik (Pictured Right) and Catherine Lewis (Pictured Left).

I wanted to celebrate their passion and bring it to your attention..

At a previous team meeting Carly announced a drive happening with the local Gold Coast City Council. This drive encourages the community to donate items that will be displayed over a few nights at a local centre. It's an evening where the homeless have access to all these items and take what they need, no charge and no questions asked. As a team we collected a giant box full of items including t-shirts, food, socks, clothing and books.

As a team full of animal lovers, we decided to turn our passion to action and collect/donate some goods to the Animal Welfare League going towards pets affected by the Victorian Bush Fires. We felt they would love some toys, pet food and bowls and our Values Coordinator Catherine dropped these off a few weeks ago.

These mini-values actions we do as a team maintains our perspective on the bigger picture. We feel our little bit of action helps those in our local circle.

Sex Trafficking Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:06:00 PDT

By Emma Smith - The Body Shop - Murray Street store (WA)

I have taken an interest in the upcomming Body Shop Stop Sex Trafficking of Children & Young People campaign. I trawled my local libraries to find information and came across a book that is extremely informative and eye-opening:

"Sex Trafficking: The Inside Business of Modern Slavery" by Siddharth Kara explains the business side of sex trafficking as well as the extent of suffering that slaves in different countries endure. If you have not already read it, I highly recommend this book.

Watch this video of the Author, Siddharth talking about his book.

What is Ethical Consumerism?

noreply@blogger.com (The Body Shop Activist) — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:22:00 PDT

By Adam Valvasori - Values Manager

Last month I was invited by World Vision Australia to to be interviewed on Ethical Consumerism for Fair Trade Fortnight.

Here's my interview with Stir Editor Nigel Preston. It will be shown during Stir Sessions in Adelaide and Brisbane to hopefully give some insights to young activists who want to fight poverty particularly through campaigns like Don't Trade Lives.

Below is another taped interview for the Stir Session by the Vision Generation (World Vision's Youth Movement) President Alana Smith conducted with the Federal Minister for Youth and Sport, the Hon Kate Ellis. At the 3:32 minute mark of the video she says:

"The Australian Government is committed towards not entering commercial arrangements with companies we know have a history of exploiting it's workers"

This is a great reveal uncovered by Alana. It is also a great insight into how your advocacy and ethical consumer is making an impact on our politicians! Ethical supply-line management is something I'm really interested in. Some policies of The Body Shop that ensure our products are resourced ethically include our Ban on Animal Testing, minimum human rights standards for our suppliers including not using child labour and a commitment to supporting Community Trade initiatives around the world.