Optus Rockcorps Generation We Not Me Report

GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

3 CONTENTS

Hello 4 About the research 5 Definitions 5 Executive summary 6 The 5 Gen Y Volunteering Tribes infographic 7

CHAPTER 1. NUMBER CRUNCH A quantitative view of youth participation, volunteering and giving in 2013 10 The RAWs (Ready and Willing): Most Gen Ys volunteer 11 The New Philanthropist: Even more Gen Ys donate 11 DIY Change-makers: What is motivating Gen Y to create change and contribute? 12 Passion Pursuers: Gen Ys invest in careers they feel good about 12 Loudspeakers: Gen Ys are active online 13

CHAPTER 2. TRENDS AND INSIGHTS The RAWs (Ready and Willing): How Gen Y volunteers 17 Katharina Glynne, volunteer extraordinaire 17 The Smith Family 19 New philanthropist: Gen Y brokers new ways of active giving 20 Dr Aron Ping D’Souza, Australian Chair of Nexus Global Youth Summit and Executive Chairman of Good Super 20 DIY Change-makers: Gen Y motivated and experimenting with new ways of contributing 22 Simon Griffiths, founder of Who Gives A Crap and Shebeen Bar 22 Passion Pursuers: Gen Y’s contribution to culture and society 24 Underbelly Arts 24 FBi Radio 26 Loudspeakers: Gen Y does ‘movements’ differently 28 Alexandra Iljadica and Joanna Baker, co-founders of the Youth Food Movement Australia 28 Oaktree 30

CHAPTER 3. VOLUNTEERING TIPS 34

CHAPTER 4. CALENDER 38 GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

HELLO ABOUT THE RESEARCH On Thursday 11 April 2013, The Hordern Pavilion in Sydney was Welcome to the first Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me The research undertaken for this study provides concrete From a sea of excellent examples we chose to profile five at capacity. Inside, local and international music heavy hitters The Report – a report that we’re very proud to be a part of because and wide-ranging evidence of young people’s creativity, social remarkable young people and highlight project case studies that Script, The Potbelleez, Tiny Tempah and Guy Sebastian were doing Optus people have always believed in the power of many, and in entrepreneurship abilities, leadership qualities and genuine represent the breadth and diversity of Gen Y’s generosity, care and what they do best in front of an audience… but this wasn’t just any this report’s case - youth to make a difference in society. concern for the future. creativity. audience. The crowd at the 2013 Optus RockCorps Concert had This report leads you through the full gamut of youth volunteering For the Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report, we Emerging from our research was the rise of five key tribes we earned their tickets by collectively providing over 20,000 hours of as it existed in Australia in 2013 and a view forward on what is to commissioned research that compared Gen Y volunteering, describe as Ready and Willing, New Philanthropist, DIY Change- community volunteering. come in 2014. From strategic corporate philanthropy and funds participation and giving to that of Gen X and Baby Boomers. makers, Passion Pursuers and The Loudspeakers. We’ve profiled What happened at the Optus RockCorps event in 2013 is part management, right down to grassroots activities, these are the Prepared by Galaxy Research, the study is based on a sample of projects and people to demonstrate how each of these tribes of a much greater phenomenon. All around the world, and most initiatives that made a real difference. 1,508 respondents, two-thirds of whom were young people. The operate in real life. notably in Australia, young people are contributing their time, In producing this report, we’re keen to not only increase the findings will surprise those who see Gen Y as being self-centred The organisations interviewed for this study were deeply impressed money and creativity toward shaping a culture of generosity and a appeal and community impact of Optus RockCorps, but and materialistic. with Gen Y’s enthusiasm, awareness, willingness to engage and more just and caring society. also to support youth community improvement initiatives by In fact, the study finds that young people are as likely to volunteer optimism about the future. Some of the organisations said that they Commissioned by Optus and produced by Right Angle Studio, the documenting and publicising their success. Heightening the their time and give money to causes, projects and enterprises relied on the insights gained from Gen Y volunteers to assist with Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report clearly shows public’s awareness of the great people, ideas and opportunities they see as contributing to the greater social or cultural good as their forward planning – sure recognition that in Gen Y we have the the great creativity, care and contribution that young Australians at the heart of our communities will lead to greater participation previous generations – and in some cases, more so. true leaders of the future. provide through volunteering time, giving money and participating from individuals and businesses. Teasing out the findings, detailed in Chapter 1, we sought to in projects and initiatives within their local communities. The facts, interviews and insights contained in the Optus identify cross-sector trends by interviewing more than 40 people The report seeks to recognise, promote and support young RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report paint a picture of an from leading youth-oriented organisations and asking them to people’s excellent volunteer work and generous contributions exceptional generation of youth and it has been deeply satisfying describe the motivations and contributions that Gen Y make to to society and culture. The Optus RockCorps program reaches and encouraging to prove that contrary to popular public their work. young people who want to create change, but who may not know perception, Generation Y is a generous generation that puts ‘we’ where to start. By introducing volunteering to young people, before ‘me’. providing resources and making it fun and social, we are creating I hope you find the Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me experiences and a community-mindedness that will last a lifetime. Report equally inspiring and I encourage you to spread its message widely.

Jan Owen AM Chief Executive Officer Helen Maisano DEFINITIONS Foundation for Young Australians Associate Director of CSR Optus GENERATION Y CHARITY For the purpose of our report we define Gen Y as those born A charitable organisation or not-for-profit is an organisation that between 1980 and 2000. In 2014, they would be aged between has been set up to achieve a specific goal as defined within that 14 and 34. organisation’s charter. Donations to a not-for-profit or charity are tax-deductible and any profit made by that organisation goes back GENERATION X into the operation of the organisation to carry out its purposes and is not distributed to any of its members. For the purpose of our report we define Gen X as those born between 1965 and 1979. In 2014, they would be aged between 35 and 49. COMMUNITY ORGANISATION While community organisations can have not-for-profit or charitable BABY BOOMER status, for the purpose of our report community organisations are defined as less formal groups such as sporting organisations, For the purpose of this report Baby Boomers refers to those born clubs, collectives, activist movements, festivals or even shows that in or before 1964. provide a social or cultural benefit to a specific community.

Optus RockCorps ambassador Samantha Jade and volunteers at Radio SkidRow Marrickville 2014 GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE 5 GEN Y VOLUNTEERING TRIBES Gen Y cops a bad rap, it has a reputation of being selfish, DIY Change-makers materialistic and lazy. But given the response to the inaugural Optus RockCorps project in 2013, attended by 5000 Gen Ys who We explore how young people are daring to create jobs for I¢S Aussie Gen Ys get a bad rap, yet they donate more than 16 million each gave at least four volunteer hours to attend, we suspected themselves – jobs that they can be proud of. This trend has ‘NA O volunteer hours, worth $260m each month. The Optus RockCorps that this bad reputation was undeserved. interesting implications for businesses, particularly in the way they recruit and retain passionate, savvy and self-motivated N¤ ‘Generation We Not Me Report’ identifies five ‘tribes’ of Gen Y So we commissioned the Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Gen Y talent. We shine a light on the work of Simon Griffiths Me Report – an annual research and thought piece that examines volunteers and how they are getting involved. and his businesses Shebeen and Who Gives A Crap and what WM¢ the motivations, nature and value of Gen Y’s contribution of time, underlying factors have made these enterprises successful. money and creativity to the greater social and cultural good. What we have discovered through our comparative research and The Passion Pursuers interviews with more than 40 of Australia’s leading youth-oriented From organising live music events to running arts festivals, the T W– T EW organisations is that: work of young creative people proving passionate, motivated and • the perception of Gen Y as lazy, materialistic and selfish is far primed for participation in the arts and creative culture. Gen Y RDA L IN P LTO S from the reality proves itself professionally pragmatic and valuable creators of 1 2 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS • in fact, the time and money given by Gen Y is estimated to total culture. We delve into the stories of FBi Radio and Underbelly Arts GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEERS Keen to literally get their hands dirty on the They donate to charity, regardless of how more than $3 billion each year to see this dynamic at work. frontline, they don’t shy away from hard work much they earn, and have high expectations • Gen Y is contributing as much as, if not more than, preceding of what their money can achieve generations but the motivations, expectations and ways in The Loudspeakers which this happens has shifted. Gen Y is all about movements. Everywhere you look there are 6% 3% 7% Our research identified within Gen Y volunteering are five tribes young people who identify as being a part of a movement, even of full-time across the fields of volunteering, philanthropy and community if this is online. Cynics may deride this as ‘clicktivism’, but the workers donate donate participation. In a nutshell they are: unprecedented speed with which Gen Y is able to mobilise 3 to charity occasionally vast numbers of people to advocate or fundraise for a cause is volunteer regularly have volunteered at least of volunteers are The RAWs (Ready and Willing) undeniable. We interview two young activists from the Youth Food in 2013 twice a year aged 18-24 Movement and examine the work of Oaktree to understand the We identify the motivations, inspiration and ways in which generational evolution of movements and advocacy. Gen Y becomes involved with grassroots volunteering, for example volunteering at soup kitchens, peer mentoring and doing social Throughout this report we have sought to not only identify trends 9% 2 % work. We demonstrate this trend at play by highlighting the work of and numbers but introduce you to the people and projects that The Smith Family and profiling 24-year-old volunteer confirm our theory that Gen Y is more appropriately described as have donated donate on a Katharina Glynne. Gen We not, Gen Me. money to charity regular basis D GEN Y VOLUNTEERING AND PHILANTHROPY The New Philanthropist CN- One in five young people are regularly donating to charitable ME T causes, and this trend shows no sign of declining. In fact, the 3 T B more money young people have, the more they tend to give. Yet the expectations of wealthy Gen Y individuals are radically different NEW WAYS OF CONTRIBUTING LD Have a restless sense of optimistic SAER from those of their parents. In this chapter we interview T S O 5 27-year-old Aron Ping D’Souza, the founder of Good Super and discontent - if they don’t like something, Chair of Nexus Global Youth Summit. they’ll use their ingenuity and PSR ALL ABOUT MOVEMENTS technology to try and change it 4 Speak up for what they believe CREATIVE TYPES in and support organisations Volunteer for causes they are that empower them to do passionate about and get their teeth something different say volunteering has changed their attitudes into hard-to-crack industries 7 ‘like’, retweet or share not-for- 7 profit content on are professionally motivated social media say volunteering makes 5 by giving something back 5 them feel good receive emails and newsletters 3 of volunteers say it’s 6 from not-for-profit in households earning good for their CV organisations over 100K say volunteering 7 has changed their life perspective 4¡ donate online of volunteers get involved 3 to gain experience

About the Optus Generation We Not Me Report: Commissioned by Optus and produced by Right Angle Studio, Optus is releasing the ‘Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report’ – an annual research piece that examines the motivations, nature and value of Gen Ys contribution of time, money and creativity to achieve social and cultural good. Download a copy of the report here: XXX GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

“IF YOU THINK THERE’S LITTLE MORE TO TODAY’S YOUTH THAN TWERKING, SELFIES AND SNAPCHAT, YOU’RE IN FOR A PLEASANT SURPRISE.” OPTUS ROCKCORPS GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

1. THE RAWS (READY AND WILLING): 2. THE NEW PHILANTHROPIST: EVEN MORE MOST GEN YS VOLUNTEER GEN YS DONATE CHAPTER 1. More than 60% of older generations believe Gen Y is self-centred While the majority of Gen Ys are generous with their time, even and materialistic, but in fact Gen Y is as likely as Gen X or more are generous with their money. Again, the key stats from our Baby Boomers to have undertaken volunteer work for a social, research illustrate the willingness of this generation to make financial community or environmental cause. What’s more, most Gen Y contributions to charity, causes or community organisations: NUMBER CRUNCH volunteers say they are maintaining the same level or increasing • 94% of Gen Ys have donated money to a charity or community their volunteer work compared to last year. group The key stats from our research reveal: • 20% donate on a regular basis • 67% of Gen Ys have volunteered during 2013 compared to • Gen Ys typically give more when they have more: 25% of those 62% of Gen Xs and 64% of Baby Boomers earning over $100,000 donate to charity regularly and 43% • 58% of Gen Ys who undertake voluntary work do so at least occasionally, compared with 17% and 39% respectively from twice a year and 35% at least once a month low-income households. • of the young people who do charity work at least once a month, It’s a similar story globally: 52% of respondents to the 2013 34% donate to charities regularly, 50% occasionally and only Millennial Impact Report say they are interested in donating to 1% have never given to charity charity monthly.2 • 62% of young people who have never volunteered are Locally, Philanthropy Australia has a specific program for wealthy interested in undertaking volunteer or community work in the people under the age of 40 that seeks to mitigate their lack of future time by brokering philanthropic opportunities between givers 3 • younger Gen Ys (aged 18–24 years) are the most likely to have and causes. undertaken voluntary work (74%). This all amounts to a major contribution to the nation’s economy as well as to society. Based on the above figures, Gen Y devotes more than 16 million hours to volunteer work each month. At the national minimum wage of $16.37 per hour1, that equates to a $260 million monthly economic contribution, or over $3 billion annually.

End Poverty movement in Canberra, credit: Oaktree

In fact, the study finds that young people are as likely to volunteer A QUANTITATIVE VIEW OF YOUTH their time and give money to causes, projects and enterprises PARTICIPATION,1 VOLUNTEERING AND they see as contributing to the greater social or cultural good as GIVING IN 2013 previous generations – and in some cases, more so. Across the broad categories of volunteering, community As part of the Optus RockCorps Generation We Not Me Report, participation and donating, the research identifies five major we commissioned a comparative study of youth volunteering, tribes that elucidate the ‘why’ and ‘how’ young people choose to community participation and giving to that of Gen X and Baby contribute to society and culture. Boomers. The following data comes from the Optus RockCorps study unless Prepared by Galaxy Research, the study is based on a sample of otherwise noted. 1,508 respondents, two-thirds of whom were young people. The findings will surprise those who see Gen Y as being self-centred of Gen Ys have donated money to a charity or community group% and materialistic. 1 Australian Government Fairwork Ombudsman,94 August 2013, www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/national-minimum-wage/. 2 2013 Millennial Impact Report, www.themillennialimpact.com/2013Research. 3 The New Generation of Giving, Philanthropy Australia, www.philanthropy.org.au/join/the-new-generation-of-giving/ GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Number Crunch 13

3. DIY CHANGE-MAKERS: WHAT IS 4. PASSION PURSUERS: GEN Y INVESTS IN 5. LOUDSPEAKERS: GEN YS ARE ACTIVE MOTIVATING GEN Y TO CREATE CHANGE AND CAREERS THEY FEEL GOOD ABOUT ONLINE CONTRIBUTE? While Gen Ys’ reasons for volunteering are largely altruistic, they’re There is general agreement among Gen Ys that they should also professionally pragmatic about voluntary work: actively contribute to the community: 96% see this as being Our research into why Gen Ys volunteer and how it affects them important and 45% very important, according to our research. may also change other generations’ perceptions about young • 32% say it’s good for their CV or future career prospects people. In particular, Gen Ys undertake volunteer work because: (including 46% of respondents aged 18–24) They often do this through their involvement with causes online: 49% follow at least one not-for-profit organisation online and 65% • it makes them feel good (53%) • 31% volunteer to gain experience in a particular field. receive emails and newsletters from non-profits, according to the But that doesn’t mean young people are mercenary. Quite the • they believe that giving back to the community is important 2013 Millienial Impact Report. What’s more, 75% of respondents contrary, they see volunteering as a pathway to a rewarding career (52%) ‘like’, retweet or share non-profit content on social media, 51% that’s not primarily based on financial rewards. % • they consider it’s something everyone should do (48%) interact with non-profits on social media and 46% donate online. According to our research, 53% of Gen Ys are professionally • they feel strongly about helping a particular organisation or have The US-based DoSomething.org’s base of young volunteers has motivated by giving something back and making a difference. By an interest in a particular issue (46%). now surpassed 2.2 million, and of its 404,000-plus Facebook comparison, 29% see climbing the career ladder, getting promoted likes, it is most popular amongst 18–24-year-olds.4 Locally, the It’s generally not about self-promotion, as only 3% volunteer to and earning a lot of money as primary motivators. share the experience on social media. Melbourne-based Oaktree Foundation, which aims to end extreme Our research also shows how Gen Ys are independent thinkers: poverty, is similarly most ‘liked’ by this age group. The Big Issue Not surprisingly, those who pitch in regularly are more likely to be only 7% of them volunteer due to influence from their parents. Australia is predominantly liked by the 25–34 age group, and of Gen Ys see actively contributing to committed to a cause: 59% of those who volunteer at least once a Vinnies across Australia is most liked by people in these two age community as important month say they feel strongly about helping a particular organisation groups. November is typically the strongest month for donations in 96 or have an interest in a particular issue. Australia due to the awareness around ‘Movember’, a campaign Volunteer work seems to have a significant impact on Gen Y, with supported strongly online.5 77% saying it had changed their attitudes, including: • the things they consider important in life (61%) • where they spend their money (24%) • what they would like to do for a career (22%). Our research shows how powerful volunteering is in creating change: 71% of respondents earning over $100,000 say it has altered the things they consider important in life.

Simon Griffiths at Shebeen not-for-profit bar in Melbourne, credit: Clever Deer of Gen Ys say volunteering has changed their attitudes % 4 DoSomething.org Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dosomething/likes. 77 5 NAB, NAB Charitable Giving Index, February 2013, http://business.nab.com.au/nab-charitable-giving-index-indepth- report-february-2013-3196/. GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

“TO BECOME THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD WE NEED TO BE DRIVING TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE.” DR ARON PING D’SOUZA, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

THE RAWS (READY AND KATHARINA GLYNNE, VOLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE CHAPTER 2. WILLING): HOW GEN Y Katharina Glynne, 24, is described by her volunteer manager as “one of those overachieving young person types”. VOLUNTEERS Contrary to popular belief, and like many Gen Ys, Katharina’s sense 67% of young people surveyed for Optus RockCorps Generation of achievement isn’t derived from her status updates, the latest TRENDS AND We Not Me Report are ‘ready and willing’ through grassroots clothes or climbing the career ladder. Instead, she says it’s about volunteering. Keen to literally get their hands dirty with manual “being engaged with social justice issues and making a contribution labour, they don’t shy away from learning new things or facing to help bring about genuine, sustainable social change”. harsh realities. Since graduating from university in 2013, Katharina has been INSIGHTS This traditional type of volunteering is still the preferred way of volunteering full-time in the social justice sector. She has making a direct contribution to the community, especially among completed placements and internships with a variety of not-for- teenagers and recent school leavers. Examples include serving profit organisations, including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, coffee and listening to the homeless through initiatives like Rosies Rosies – Friends on the Street, Oaktree, GetUp! and Linkz. – Friends on the Street; teaching kids how to read through projects Currently, she spends an average of 10 hours a week between like the Sydney Story Factory; or providing asylum seekers with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Rosies – Friends on emotional support. the Street. Unlike in the past – when people became aware of community service opportunities from religious organisations, school or Motivated from within family – today’s youth tend to be more independent, often using While there is a perception that young people are influenced to online resources like Volunteering Australia. They typically choose volunteer by their parents, the Optus RockCorps Generation We programs that provide them with their own sense of purpose or, in Not Me Report states that this is only true for 7 per cent of young some cases, help them evolve professionally. people. Instead, most young people are like Katharina: their One of the key strengths of the Optus RockCorps program is that motivation comes from within. it reaches young people who want to volunteer but may not know where to start, providing them with the encouragement, confidence “Volunteering isn’t something that my parents and means to begin. The program also aims to create a great pushed me to do – I found my own path after experience for first-timers, ensuring they become regular volunteers I left school, comparatively later than others and carry these positive experiences throughout adulthood. volunteering in the sector.” KEY VOLUNTEERING TRENDS Katharina’s travelling experiences have fuelled her dreams of working in community development. Travelling opened up her • Young students and school leavers aged 18-24, are especially eyes to the inequality in many parts of the world, and gave her a likely to volunteer at a grassroots level, though the nature of determination to play a part in helping communities lift themselves work changes as they get older and have less time. from poverty. • When volunteering is a social event, young people are more These experiences have fuelled her passion to volunteer with YFM Roll On Long Lunch, credit: Zo Zhou likely to remain committed to an organisation. groups in Australia that focus on providing some of society’s most • Two-thirds of young people are contributing time and energy vulnerable people with food, practical skills, confidence and, most as volunteers. It’s likely that many will carry these values importantly, a sense of friendship and connection to others. throughout their lives and potentially expect their workplace If you think there’s little more to today’s youth than twerking, selfies Don’t be fooled by the 20-somethings who seem to do little more and the brands they support to share these values. and Snapchat, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. than fixate on their smartphones. With a potent combination of In fact, young people contribute an enormous amount of their time, idealism, imagination and the online tools to reach vast networks money2 and creative energy toward shaping a culture of generosity and information, they are operating at a frenetic pace and rattling and a more just and caring society. We value the time and money the cage of the status quo just as hard as any generation before they give at more than $3 billion each year. them. The world really is in the palms of their hands. Young people As we saw in Chapter 1, research for the Optus RockCorps are using the internet – often via their smartphones – to reshape Generation We Not Me Report identifies five key tribes related to culture, technology and the economy. Gen Y has access to vast how Gen Y chooses to contribute to society and culture. In this quantities of information; they can tap extensive social networks chapter, we examine these tribes in greater depth, including the and use online tools to connect and organise. By doing so, they opportunities for not-for-profits and businesses to tap into the are redefining traditional conceptions of philanthropy, coming up energy, creativity and passion of today’s youth. with new ways of creating shared value, making volunteering easier than ever and paving new and exciting careers for themselves. GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 19

How Katharina spends her time Where to now? THE SMITH FAMILY The participants Each week, Katharina spends time as a part of a team of young Through volunteering Katharina has gained a network of like- The Smith Family is all about giving kids a ‘fair go’. As one of As a well-established Australian charity, The Smith Family adults that volunteer with Rosies – Friends on the Street, a charity minded friends, and the skills and confidence to pursue a career in Australia’s leading charities, it supports disadvantaged children attracts a large number of volunteers. In 2013, 7,745 volunteers that offers friendship and hospitality through the simple gesture of community development. She has recently been offered a position so they can participate fully in their education. The Smith Family contributed 417,603 hours of service to the organisation. giving out a free hot or cold drink from a van. with Mayibuye Cambodia, where she will be working with children gives these children the motivation, encouragement and essential Many of these volunteers are in their 20s and early 30s. They “There is so much to be gained by just listening to some of these living in rural communities to encourage personal development resources they need to stay in school and create a better future are particularly helpful with programs that use digital media to incredible people’s stories and so much good comes from giving through creative and traditional arts education. for themselves. communicate, such as iTrack, an online career-mentoring program them the chance to tell them,” Katharina explains. for disadvantaged young people in Years 9–11. “I’M EXCITED TO CHANNEL MY PASSION AND More than 638,000 Australian children live in families where no parent is working and where it’s often difficult to access a Dr Lisa O’Brien is The Smith Family’s CEO, and heads up more “IT’S THE SMALL ACTS OF CARE THAT RESONATE ENERGY INTO WORKING ON THE GROUND WITH than 600 paid employees operating in 96 Australian communities. EFFECTIVE, SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS THAT CREATE comprehensive education. The Smith Family runs a range of MOST STRONGLY WITH THE MARGINALISED PEOPLE programs to assist these kids. “With most Gen Ys very active in this space, their comments and WE WORK WITH – THE SIMPLE ACT OF LISTENING.” GENUINE SOCIAL CHANGE. I’M INSPIRED BY OUR endorsement of an organisation they support on Twitter, Facebook GENERATION, WHO ARE INCREASINGLY AWARE In addition to her work with Rosies, Katharina volunteers for seven The protagonists and Instagram – and further still, capturing their volunteer work hours a week as a caseworker at the Asylum Seeker Resource OF GLOBAL ISSUES AND INJUSTICES, AND ARE SO More than 130 employees of The Smith Family are under the through their comments or images – are incredibly valuable,” Centre. She provides emotional supports as well as practical STRONGLY COMMITTED TO PLAYING THEIR PART TO age of 34. As an organisation primarily focused on young people, says O’Brien. assistance to 14 asylum seekers, helping them access services HELP CREATE A MORE EQUITABLE WORLD,” its management is committed to ensuring that the organisation and deal with paperwork. SAYS KATHARINA. recognises the value and input of these younger staff members. “IN THE SMITH FAMILY’S EXPERIENCE, GEN YS Katharina has also been involved with Oaktree’s Live Below The MAKE GREAT VOLUNTEERS BECAUSE OF THEIR Katharina is just one of more than 3 million young people in MIND-BOGGLING STATS YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND DRIVE. FOR OUR GEN Line campaign and GetUp!. She completed a Linkz placement Australia collectively contributing almost 200 million hours of • 22 per cent of The Smith Family’s employees are Gen Ys. in 2012, volunteering with at-risk Indigenous youth in a remote volunteer time each year. Y VOLUNTEERS IT WASN’T TOO LONG AGO THAT community in the Northern Territory. • 7,745 volunteers contributed 417,603 hours of service to The THEY WERE IN SCHOOL THEMSELVES. WHEN

Like many Gen Ys, Katharina is motivated by compassion, Smith Family in 2012 to 2013 – valued at around $12.2 million THEY’RE PERFORMING AS A VOLUNTEER MENTOR empowered by a sense that even the simplest acts of kindness in labour. OR LEARNING PARTNER, THEY’RE UNIQUELY make an enormous difference, and encouraged by the good • In 2012, The Smith Family reached more than 112,000 young PLACED TO REFLECT ON SOME OF THE MODERN practical sense to know that she is gaining valuable experience to people and their families – including more than 34,000 who are CHALLENGES FACING YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOLS.” help set her up for a meaningful career. on Learning for Life sponsorships – in 96 communities across – DR LISA O’BRIEN, CEO AT THE SMITH FAMILY. the country.

16MILLION HOURS of volunteer work is done by Gen Y’s each month The Smith Family student2student program, credit: The Smith Family GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 21

The beneficiaries KEY PHILANTHROPY TRENDS “Some 230 delegates were chosen from more than 700 THE NEW PHILANTHROPIST: • The Gen Y children of some of the world’s richest families are applicants,” says Aron. “These people were high-worth young The Smith Family runs a variety of education-based programs for people from prominent philanthropic families, entrepreneurs and young disadvantaged Australians, including: investing their fortunes in enterprises that generate not only economic but also social and environmental returns. the next generation of business leaders who not only have real • student2student: Young students who need help with their GEN Y BROKERS NEW WAYS influence, but also a very strong belief in philanthropy and social • Social entrepreneurship is here to stay. Crowdfunding platforms literacy skills are matched with ‘reading buddies’ – peer investing. Their mission is to create social change while making and a can-do attitude enable Gen Y’s to access capital, act mentors who are specially trained to help develop literacy skills. OF ACTIVE GIVING economic opportunities.” transparently and pursue their passions with low-risk exposure. In 2012, the program had 1,064 participants supported by One in five young people are regularly donating to charitable 1,064 reading buddies and 191 volunteer buddy supervisors. causes, and this trend shows no sign of declining. In fact, the more • Successful new products that also provide a social benefit show His mind on your money The result: 93 per cent of participants improved their reading how the shared value model is scalable at a corporate level. money young people have, the more they tend to give. “Democratic institutions are actually really bad at solving problems skills. The success of student2student is partly due to the one- However, the way young people give and what they expect in return • Superannuation funds are increasingly being seen by Gen Y that require more than one election cycle,” asserts Aron. Though on-one phone tutoring it offers, which significantly increases the is fundamentally shifting. Not only are traditional conceptions entrepreneurs as a means by which to create long-term change he is a fan of democracy and capitalism, he believes he has a number of students who can access the program. of philanthropy being overturned, but 20-something social outside of traditional financial and political institutions. better solution. • Learning Clubs: This program provides children with safe, entrepreneurs have high expectations of what their money does. “Governments have lots of money but no time or patience. Private supportive after-school learning environments where they can Rich kids queuing up to give their money away Examples of a new and more active type of philanthropy companies might have money or time, but not the desire to access the resources and help they need to improve their are initiatives such as Aron Ping D’Souza’s Good Super and Aron is also the Australian Chair of the Nexus Global Youth make change. Superannuation offers both a lot of money and, education. In 2012, there were 3,711 primary school–aged Philanthropy Australia’s New Generation of Giving campaign, Summit. The first Nexus event was hosted in Washington in 2011 importantly, time.” Learning Club participants supported by 1,359 tutors. The as part of the Clinton Global Initiative and attracted 450 young which focuses on high-worth individuals aged under 40. Akin to At the 2013 Nexus Youth Summit in Sydney, Aron launched Good Smith Family operates 112 Learning Clubs for primary and people with a combined net worth of $100 billion. The purpose of brokering deals between givers and causes, new philanthropy is Super, an enterprise that uses vast amounts of money and time to secondary students across the country. the Nexus conferences is to discuss ways of putting money toward characterised by high levels of transparency and driven by the idea solve real social problems. • Tech Packs: Under this program, families are provided with a of creating ‘shared value’, where making money does not come at social enterprise, ‘profit for purpose’ and shared-value economic “There is $1.6 trillion in the superannuation sector, and we want to computer and internet access, as well as training and ongoing the expense of doing social, cultural and environmental good. models; that is, projects that yield a financial profit and achieve support. In 2012, 408 families around Australia received Tech social good. mobilise that to help solve some of the major problems facing the country, like climate change, the inequality of women, Indigenous Packs from The Smith Family. Aron wasn’t convinced by the value of Nexus at first. “Initially I inequality, mass transit, energy sustainability, urban design – DR ARON PING D’SOUZA, AUSTRALIAN CHAIR thought, ‘Why would I want to go to a philanthropy conference? things that politicians aren’t able to solve because of the election LEARNING TO READ THROUGH STUDENT2STUDENT OF NEXUS GLOBAL YOUTH SUMMIT AND That’s what old people do’.” In the end he reluctantly headed to cycle.” • 93 per cent of participants demonstrated an improvement in the 10 Downing Street event, lured by the prospect of meeting the their reading skills. EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF GOOD SUPER Prime Minister of England. As a parting note, Aron sets out what he believes Australia has to do, with characteristic quiet conviction, consideration and full • 45 per cent of students who were up to 12 months behind You can’t help but be mightily impressed and completely swayed “Nexus was different,” Aron explains. “For the first time in my confidence in his ability to play his role. in their reading ability prior to participating in the program, by the ideas of the suave, articulate and sage 28-year-old social life I met a pure group of people, who were young, motivated, entrepreneur Aron D’Souza. reached or exceeded their expected reading age by the end of wealth-holding entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference “TO BECOME THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD the program. Blessed with wealth and privilege, Aron blows the ‘rich kid’ in the world.” stereotype to smithereens with his conviction and his plan to make WE NEED TO BE DRIVING GLOBAL TECHNOLOGICAL • Students said the best things about student2student were Within a year Aron had introduced the concept to Australia, hosting CHANGE AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES OF THE reading to and talking with their buddy, improved confidence, Australia the greatest country in the world. and chairing the 2013 Nexus Australian Youth Summit in Sydney. and the books they received. As Executive Chairman of Good Super, Aron is redefining FUTURE, AND WE JUST DON’T DO THAT HERE IN • Buddies said the best things about the program were seeing philanthropy. He’s using his business acumen to tap into what THIS COUNTRY.” the improvement in the students’ reading and confidence, and could well be Australia’s most potent driver of long-term social Not yet. But with Aron about, we soon will. being able to help someone. change: the billions of dollars invested in superannuation funds. • Optus has been instrumental in growing this program by providing mobile phones and SIM cards as well as funding the participation of 1,000 students in the student2student program each year. On the horizon The Smith Family is planning to help even more disadvantaged kids in 2014. Its core literacy and mentoring programs (including iTrack and student2student) will continue to run through the 2014 school year, and the organisation also aims to conduct three major fundraising appeals: the Back to School Appeal, Winter Appeal and Christmas Appeal.

Dr Aron Ping D’Souza, credit: Good Super Dr Aron Ping D’Souza, credit: Good Super GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 23

DIY CHANGE-MAKERS: SIMON GRIFFITHS, FOUNDER OF WHO GIVES Something to wash it down with? A CRAP AND SHEBEEN BAR One hundred per cent of the profits from Simon’s Shebeen bar are donated to worthy causes. Which cause your purchase GEN Y MOTIVATED AND In the nicest possible way, Simon Griffiths is an oddity. He has supports depends on what beer you choose. So if you want to a different way of looking at things, an intelligence and raw support Room to Read in Vietnam, you’d order the Huda Extra; EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW enthusiasm that radically challenges the way we think. or maybe you’d prefer to drink a Windhoek Light and support He’s determined to raise enough money to make a difference, and Mothers2Mothers in Namibia. WAYS OF CONTRIBUTING his preferred currency for creating change? Beer and toilet paper. By pairing something that people want with a financially, socially The 30-year-old – whose formal qualifications are in engineering and sustainable outcome, everyone wins. There is a restless sense of optimistic discontent among Gen Ys. and economics – is the driving force behind the not-for-profit Simon is also creating a wildly different work culture. But they’re not whingers, nor afraid to fail and learn. If young Melbourne bar, Shebeen, and Who Gives A Crap toilet paper. people don’t like something, they use their creativity, ingenuity and tech-savvy to try to change it. Corroborating insights discovered by the Optus RockCorps “IN OUR NINE MONTHS OF OPERATION, NOT ONE Generation We Not Me Report, Simon’s efforts testify to the fact EMPLOYEE HAS LEFT TO WORK ELSEWHERE. THAT IS They don’t feel pressured by their parents to give back to the that young people are more generous with their money than they community; more than half genuinely believe it’s important. UNHEARD OF IN HOSPITALITY. YOUNG EMPLOYEES are often perceived to be – and if given the chance will use their FREAKING LOVE WORKING HERE. WE COMBINE A Instead of waiting around to be asked to do something, people like dollars to make a difference. Simon Griffiths, founder of Shebeen Bar and Who Gives A Crap, DECENT WAGE WITH MEANINGFUL WORK.” are coming up with inventive ways of giving because it makes them Simon’s social enterprises demonstrate not only that Gen Ys have a feel good. Simon gives a crap He gives so much of a crap that he filmed himself sitting on a toilet fresh and creative approach to solving some of the world’s biggest But Gen Y wants it all – or at least all that matters. The likes of for more than 48 hours to pre-sell $50,000 worth of his Who Gives problems, but also that if given the option, they want to make good Simon Griffiths want to give back because it makes them feel good, A Crap toilet paper. buying choices. Luckily for us, Gen Y really does give a crap. and they want a job they like and want it to be fun. Simon has found that within the first two years of operation, only a handful “It’s a product that touches everyone – environmental toilet paper of his staff have left, and then only because they have relocated. that puts 50 per cent of profits towards building toilets in the Such low staff turnover is unheard of in traditional hospitality and is developing world,” he says with a slight smirk. good for business. Who Gives A Crap is an interesting model as it doesn’t rely on Young people are daring to create jobs for themselves – jobs they traditional monthly donations and fundraising, but instead sells can be proud of. An increasing number of small-scale and creative products that people really need. It is what Simon calls “consumer- enterprises are emerging, particularly on crowdfunding platforms driven philanthropy” – philanthropy based on the premise that like Indiegogo, Kickstarter and Pozible. change comes from everyday people giving a little, not via funding Simon Griffiths, Founder of Shebeen and Who Gives A Crap, credit: Clever Deer from a very wealthy few. It doesn’t rely on volunteers; instead This trend has some interesting implications for businesses, Simon pays young people a decent wage to do work they care particularly in the way they recruit and retain passionate, savvy about. He says it’s a model that’s here to stay. and self-motivated Gen Y talent. The not-for-profit industry may see resources funnelled away from traditional fundraising and “Realistically, it has to work,” says Simon. “The market size is campaigning efforts, and instead redirected towards localised, bigger than beer and Oprah combined. We have a comparative peer-funded enterprises where the giver knows and trusts marketing advantage in terms of offering real innovation. Our the cause. competitors are marketing using puppies and pillows and we have toilet humour – we win!” KEY TRENDS UNDERLYING DIY CHANGE-MAKING But seriously, if Simon’s projections are correct and he captures • Technology empowers Gen Y to come up with new ways of 1 per cent of the toilet paper market, he will generate $350,000 contributing to the community. – the equivalent of 150,000 toilets for the developing world. This • Gen Y is emboldened by technology to test new concepts and means lots of kids not dying from diarrhoea and other bacterial- try new ways of making change without having to rely on vast related illnesses. amounts of money and resources to get started. • As crowdfunding and other small-scale social enterprises flourish, larger not-for-profit organisations may find it increasingly difficult to convince Gen Y that their traditional propositions are as worthy as the new initiatives. • Corporations that understand optimistic discontent – and that demonstrate a commitment to doing good – may attract and retain Gen Y candidates whose career motivations go beyond simply making money.

Shebeen bar, credit: Paul Barbera GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 25

PASSION PURSUERS: GEN Y’S UNDERBELLY ARTS The participants On the horizon Founded in 2007, Sydney’s Underbelly Arts assists up-and-coming Underbelly Arts gives young artists a way to express themselves Underbelly Arts will not be slowing down in 2014. The artists by giving them exposure to new audiences and peers. After in a creatively charged but relaxed environment where they can organisation is strengthening its artist development programs, CONTRIBUTION TO CULTURE starting as something of a social experiment, the organisation has mix with and gain inspiration from their peers. They’re given and will begin preparing for the 2015 festival. It will also launch since helped, inspired and given exposure to 700 young artists. licence to try things, fail with impunity or succeed as they’ve another residency program. never done before. AND SOCIETY Participants undertake a week-long residency program called the As it steadily grows, taking over more spaces and launching more From organising live music events to running arts festivals, young Lab, where they develop work for the Underbelly Arts Festival. The Kate Britton believes one reason for Underbelly Arts’ success is the initiatives in Sydney, Underbelly Arts is proving itself a key creative creative people are proving themselves passionate, motivated and Lab and the festival are open to the public, allowing audiences to way the organisation treats the younger generation as equals who force in the city, and one that may not remain on the underbelly of primed for participation in the arts and creative culture. see the young artists at work. have knowledge to share as well as to gain. the arts scene for much longer. Incentives such as free tickets to the Optus RockCorps concert A non-for-profit organisation, Underbelly Arts is driven by a talented “It’s a two-way learning process – them from us and us from help. But young people seeking a career in music or the arts are team of young people who consistently over-deliver in what they them. There’s no patronisation in it, which can be a real buzz-kill, willing to put in the hard yards as volunteers. achieve, despite having a limited budget. Creative and determined and [it’s an] opportunity to tap into the unique knowledge and viewpoints of the younger generation,” says Kate. Professionally pragmatic, Gen Ys understands how important it to make a difference, yet pragmatic and willing to work hard to help others, the team exemplifies the ‘passion pursuers’ tribes. is to cut their teeth in industries that are becoming increasingly JUST THE FACTS difficult to crack. For example, FBi Radio offers young people with As evidence of the staff’s commitment, and of the incredible talent • 20 paid staff members, 15 of whom are Gen Y no practical experience the opportunity to volunteer and receive of the young participants, the 2013 Underbelly Arts Festival on training at a radio station, enabling them to later land jobs in the Sydney’s historic Cockatoo Island attracted some 6,000 visitors • 80 volunteers, 70 of whom are Gen Y cut-throat music industry. over two days. • 6,000 attendees at the 2013 Underbelly Arts Festival In the arts, perhaps more than any other field, young people are more likely to continue volunteering because it’s fun and social. The protagonists The beneficiaries And the longer they continue with it, the more potent their social Underbelly Arts employs 20 staff members, 15 of whom are Everyone benefits from Underbelly Arts programs. Artists gain network will become as they embark on their career. Gen Ys. Senior staff include Executive Director Jain Moralee and exposure for their artwork, while volunteers get experience helping 70 young Artistic Director Eliza Sarlos. Other senior staff contracted for to run a major arts festival – a great professional development KEY TRENDS AMONG PASSION PURSUERS the 2013 festival included Gen Y Publicist Julia Lenton, Marketing opportunity. The public gets the chance to see fresh new artists • Organisations that are most successful at attracting and Manager Angela Bennetts and Program Manager Kate Britton. and there are other flow-on benefits for the wider community. retaining volunteers make the experience fun and provide the These young women are very qualified, talented and ambitious, In 2013, Underbelly Arts partnered with Generation Next at opportunity for creative expression. but rather than work a regular job with a regular salary, they are the MCA, with the latter providing teens to give guided tours of • Gen Y is professionally pragmatic and generally willing to spend following their passion. They work for significantly less pay than the festival. “The teens involved were awesome and gave great unpaid time with not-for-profit organisations learning new skills. they would receive from enterprises such as creative agencies, feedback about the experience, and the crowds absolutely loved • Younger Gen Ys in particular realise the benefit of volunteering instead doing something they really care about – building Sydney’s it!” says Kate. for their future career prospects. arts community. And they are adored for it. The teen volunteers were a great addition to the Underbelly Arts • Volunteering in an environment where there is a sense of “I am at the older end of Gen Y,” says Kate. “Likewise, our PR team, inspiring fresh new ideas and providing an insight into the Underbelly80 Arts volunteers are Gen Ys belonging to a community – and the ability to make connections team, much of the production team, and almost all our volunteers next generation of artists. Kate hopes to continue with the same and friendships – increases the likelihood of volunteers are 30 or under.” or similar partnership so the organisation can continue to grow by continuing to contribute in some way over an extended period Underbelly Arts welcomes partnerships with other organisations, engaging young teens, along with their parents and peers. of time. and in 2013 it forged new relationships with the Australian Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the not-for-profit arts organisation, Brand X.

Everything is Going to be OK, Underbelly Arts 2013, credit: Rafaela Pandolfini GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 27

The participants The beneficiaries Other notable FBi alumni who have become achievers in the FBi RADIO music industry include Anna Burns of Modular Recordings; Broadcasting to more than 250,000 people each week, Although the station has a dozen paid staff members, some 200 It’s impossible to quantify the contribution FBi Radio has made to Michaella Solar-March, who went on to work at Beggars Group in independent, volunteer-based radio station FBi (Free Broadcast volunteers do the lion’s share of work each week. music, arts and culture in Sydney. Over its 10-year history, FBi has New York; and Emily Copeland, who now heads up strategy and inc.) Radio gives young people the opportunity to participate in and promoted tens of thousands of community events, exhibitions and sales for Music Channels at Foxtel. Andrew Levins co-founded contribute to Sydney’s arts, music and culture scene. “WITHOUT PEOPLE VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME – gigs on-air; acknowledged local contributions through its SMAC the record label Heaps Decent with Diplo, Matt Levinson went on NOT ONLY TO PRESENT BUT TO PRODUCE SHOWS, (Sydney Music, Arts and Culture) Awards; and given countless to work in Clover Moore’s office and now heads communications The FBi dream was conceived by a bunch of young people with young musicians the opportunity to strut their stuff. the drive to not only realise their vision, but to continually build TAKE CARE OF THE MUSIC LIBRARY, ANSWER THE at GetUp!, and Stuart Buchanan founded arts communications momentum so that a decade on, the not-for-profit station continues PHONE, BLOG, CREATE WRITTEN CONTENT AND “We’ve always wanted to shine a light on the things that are agency The Nest. to develop some of the best musical, creative and journalistic talent COME ON AS GUESTS – THERE WOULD BE NO FBI,” happening in Sydney that you might not otherwise hear about on Beyond producing radio, FBi founded the live-music venue FBi in the country. SAYS CLARE. other media,” says Clare. Social and the FBi SMAC Awards, and continues to develop its “The volunteers behind FBi Radio create a platform that exposes a online platforms, which are all going gangbusters. The protagonists FBi Radio volunteers are generally aged between 16 and 30. FBi vast audience of people to culture, music and ideas they wouldn’t volunteers need to commit to giving at least one day a week for at otherwise find through traditional media.” “WE’RE ABOUT FOSTERING A CULTURE OF GIVING, Cassandra Wilkinson became the President of FBi Radio in least three months – and for every hour on air, they spend at least 1997. In the early days, driven by “dogged ambition and crazy four hours on research and preparation. Multiply this effort across FBi can be credited with discovering talent such as Flume, who AND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THAT’S NOT ALWAYS dreaming”, she led the campaign to get a permanent radio licence, 10 years and collectively these young people have volunteered in 2013 swept the ARIA awards and gave tremendous kudos to FINANCIAL. FOR EXAMPLE, ONE YOUNG WOMAN and the station first went to air in 2003. over half a million hours. community radio in his acceptance speeches. Other artists that SWAM FOUR KILOMETRES TO RICHARD BRANSON’S credit FBi with giving them a leg up are Cloud Control, Wolfmother, It was a team effort. Drawn together by a common passion, the ISLAND AND BARGED IN ON HIS DINNER SOAKING Then there are major events like FBi Turns 10, which attracted the Jezabels and Seekae. fledgling team included Station Manager Meagan Loader, the 8,000 people, the FBi Social live music venue, the Ask Richard WET TO ASK HIM FOR $1 MILLION TO SAVE THE heart and soul of the station; General Manager Christina Alvarez, campaign and other initiatives. Film critic Marc Fennell came to FBi with no prior experience in STATION – THAT’S LOVE.” – CLARE HOLLAND, FBI the ‘doer’; and Dan Zilber who, aged 24, was at the time of his radio and has since gone on to establish himself on both ABC FBi Radio also relies on sponsorship and financial supporters – MANAGING DIRECTOR. appointment the youngest music director of a radio station radio and SBS TV. Triple J presenters Linda Marigliano and Dom many of whom are young – to fund the ongoing operational costs in Australia. Alessio began at FBi. Nathan Sapsford (Video Hits, Channel Ten) of running the station. and comedian/presenter Dan Ilic have gone on to establish careers “FBi Radio is not only about serving a youth audience but While this financial support is crucial, FBi acknowledges that in television. cultivating talent,” says current Managing Director, Clare Holland. allowing people to contribute in non-financial ways is also “The FBi Board has always firmly believed in the capacity of important, and contributes to a strong sense of community and young people to do great things and has been willing to take a ownership of the station. chance. This is something that has been culturally ingrained over the years.” FBi offers practical skills and training in broadcasting, a community of like-minded people and, importantly, a supportive environment What some may have seen as a risky investment in young and where talent and hard work is nurtured and promoted. FBi Radio somewhat ‘green’ broadcasters, musicians and producers has paid alumni are a veritable who’s who of the Australian music, arts and tremendously high dividends. culture scene. “What we see now is an organisation that has equipped volunteer presenters, producers and frontline teams with the skills and opportunities to go on to leave their mark on the music, arts and culture industry in big ways,” says Clare. And have they ever. Many of the people who began as teenage FBi Radio volunteers – who didn’t even know which buttons to press on a mixing desk – have gone on to establish great careers in the industry. Some also continue to contribute to the FBi community in volunteer advisory roles as part of the FBi Board of Directors.

MIND-BOGGLING STATS • 200 on-air volunteer hours each week • 1,000 volunteer hours in total each week • $851,240 worth of volunteer hours each year • More than 520,000 volunteer hours given over the last 10 years • $8,512,400 worth of volunteer time given to FBi in the last 10 years • 50 per cent of music played is Australian, and 50 per cent of that is from Sydney-based artists

FBi studio, credit: FBi Radio FBi studio, credit: FBi Radio GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 29

Non-traditional movement building At all YFM events, Alex and Jo take the opportunity to hear the LOUDSPEAKERS: GEN Y DOES food-related stories of other young people. They’re also able to Alex is a researcher and Jo works on strategy and business capture the immediate impact their events are having on the development at Common2us, a small farm in Dural that is adopting community. After a recent Reel Food Night event, attendees made ‘MOVEMENTS’ DIFFERENTLY a community-supported agriculture model. Each dedicates two the following comments. Gen Y is all about movements. Everywhere you look there are days a week to volunteering for YFM. Unlike traditional not-for- young people who identify as being a part of a movement. The profit organisations that seek donations and create permanent paid “AMAZING! REEL FOOD NIGHTS MADE ME FEEL SO Youth Food Movement advocates good food and supports young roles, YFM brings together and leverages the diverse skills of a MUCH MORE CONNECTED TO WHERE MY FOOD IS farmers with events and by lobbying for policy change. The range of volunteers. COMING FROM. I’M SIGNING UP TO GET A VEGGIE Australian Youth Climate Coalition has 90,000 members and Alex and Jo head up a core team of 14 young people and an Oaktree has even more – 150,000 members dedicated to ending extended team of some 300 volunteers with backgrounds in BOX TOMORROW!” extreme poverty. agriculture, communications, education, events, farming, media “A HIGHLY INFORMATIVE AND INSPIRING EVENING; Following in the footsteps of precursors like the anti-war and and science. Their aim: to create awareness of the key issues and a food system that is fair, safe and clean. I THINK ACTION STARTS WITH AN IDEA SO THANK feminist movements of previous generations, Gen Y’s movements YOU FOR PLANTING THAT SEED! I FEEL READY AND may differ in method but not necessarily in the passion of their Explaining her motivation for starting YFM, Alex says: “For me supporters. Cynics may deride this as ‘clicktivism’, but what is volunteering in this way is about action. It is about investing in EXCITED TO GO HOME AND WORK ON OUR VEGGIE undeniable is the unprecedented speed with which Gen Y is able everything my generation needs to make sure we have the best PATCH AND THINK ABOUT THE CHOICES I MAKE IN to mobilise vast numbers of people to advocate or fundraise for a shot at sustainably feeding our peers in the future. It was a no- TERMS OF FOOD AND CONSCIOUS CONSUMING.” cause. Half of the respondents to an international research project, Alexandra Iljadica and Joanna Baker, Co-Founders of The Youth Food brainer to start doing something about it, and something that my Movement Australia, credit: Alana Dimou YFM regularly organises farm tours and promotes sustainable the 2013 Millennial Impact Report, interact with not-for-profits mates could get involved in too.” agriculture and livestock rearing. It made a submission to the online and via social media, and almost half donate online. On YFM’s mission, Jo says: “What we’re really trying to do Gillard government regarding the National Food Plan and is vocal Amid all of this activity, we’re also seeing high levels of here is grow a movement across the country that everyone in the media about issues relevant to young people. dissatisfaction with traditional political models. The 2013 Australian ALEXANDRA ILJADICA AND JOANNA BAKER, can get involved in. Young Aussies today present us with an federal election saw the highest ever number of young people CO-FOUNDERS OF THE YOUTH FOOD exciting opportunity for tomorrow, by becoming the farmers, the Social and fun choosing not to vote. While some commentators say Gen Y is entrepreneurs, the policy makers and the consumers of a better, When what you’re all about is delicious food, it makes sense to simply politically apathetic, a more complex analysis suggests MOVEMENT AUSTRALIA different food future. The Youth Food Movement is a place where use your most powerful persuasive tool: fresh, local, seasonal and that perhaps Gen Y is more engaged than ever, but is finding the we can come together to learn, share and connect with one Alex and Jo met while studying public health and nutrition science sustainable produce. To that end, YFM regularly holds events that traditional modes of political engagement passé and slow to bring another and to act on our new-found ideas and solutions.” at university. They founded the Australian branch of the Youth are about communicating the need for resilient, sustainable and about change. Food Movement (YFM) in 2011 after attending a dinner with healthy food systems in a fun, delicious and inclusive way. An friends at which everyone agreed the nation’s food education and The serious side KEY TRENDS AMONG LOUDSPEAKERS example is the Ride-On Lunch, a pedal-powered riding, talking and policy was lacking. YFM aims to help solve a number of key food-related problems. eating event that explores where food comes from. • With access to fast and effective ways of communicating, For example, research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows YFM is a volunteer-run organisation with a mission to ensure “Events like the Ride-On Lunch are about introducing us to local Gen Ys can galvanise vast numbers of people quickly to that the average age of an Australian farmer is 55–65 years, so young people fully understand and value the food we eat. The food champions to get to know the stories behind our food,” campaign for change, such as applying political pressure via organisation also provides a collective voice for young Australians who will be producing our food in 10 or 20 years? social media. explains Alex. “It’s common for us to not know what a tomato looks on food-related issues. Much of Jo and Alex’s work involves encouraging young people like on a plant, yet we eat tomato sauce on almost every meal, • The concept of ‘movements’ is being redefined by Gen Y, by With a wonderful combination of creativity, warmth and a ‘get to take up agricultural work in new and interesting ways, and to having no idea what it’s made of or how it really got to us. YFM raising awareness, advocating and fundraising instead of street stuff done’ attitude, Alex and Jo have delivered education and understand the invaluable role consumers have to play in supporting events are about changing things up, so you know as much as you protesting like the big movements of the 1960s. advocacy in spades over the last two years. Along with the support and ensuring the viability of Australia’s agriculture industry. can about the tomato you’re eating.” • Gen Y identifies with organisations that empower it to do of their growing YFM leadership team, they are responsible for a something other than sign a petition or show up to an event. variety of thought-provoking and incredibly well-attended events Organisations are increasingly giving young people the such as Reel Food Nights, passata-making days, the Ride-On opportunity to take on more responsibility and power. Lunch and Guerrilla Dinner. They’ve provided hundreds of • Most popular among Gen Y are online movements that translate attendees with opportunities to learn about and experience their to real life and offer a range of opportunities to participate food in different ways. through donating, organising, advocating or contributing time YFM has built relationships with key food industry organisations, and skills. various local councils, Sydney farmers, and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at the University of Sydney. It has made two persuasive submissions to the National Food Plan, and is patiently forging friendships with national and state politicians so it can play a part in making food-related policies. This includes keeping an ear to the ground about the latest developments in the Coalition’s Agriculture Industry Action Plan.

Roll On Long Lunch 2013, credit: Zo Zhou GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

Trends and insights 31

OAKTREE The participants The beneficiaries On the horizon Oaktree is run by young people for young people, and focuses on Minto says that 2013 was Oaktree’s biggest year. “We ran a Minto’s excitement about 2014 is palpable and impressively What’s it all about? trying to break the poverty cycle. Every facet of Oaktree is youth-led successful Roadtrip to End Poverty campaign, followed by the Live focused. – the management team, grassroots campaigners and other staff At the heart of Oaktree are young people who understand that Below The Line campaign, which raised over $2 million to create members are all young people. “In 2014 we will launch our new strategic direction and put in leading a fortunate life is often an accident of circumstance. They projects that help end poverty overseas.” place the infrastructure required to increase the scale of our work,” know that extreme poverty – living on less than $2 a day – affects “We are very fortunate in that so many young people are keen to Oaktree delivers this funding to programs that work with and for he says. “We will launch the Oaktree Community Leaders platform more than half a billion young people aged 17–24 each year, and get involved in Oaktree’s work. Young people are passionate about young people. For example, funding has gone to a girls’ education to equip young people all over Australia with the skills to mobilise they are determined to change it. seeing a world that is free of extreme poverty and injustice. We are initiative in Cambodia, a youth economic empowerment project their own communities. motivated to achieve this in a way where we take full responsibility With over 150,000 members, Oaktree is Australia’s largest implemented through the non-profit organisation Plan Timor- and are completely invested in realising not only our own potential “Live Below The Line is back, to provide a snapshot into what it’s youth-run organisation. Its mission is to build a movement to end Leste, and an agricultural skills course in Port Moresby, Papua but that of people our age who are born into this cycle,” says Minto like to live on less than $2 a day for five days. We will be attending poverty and it does this through a range of campaigns, advocacy New Guinea. Felix, COO at Oaktree the G20 Summit to engage leaders in addressing the issue of and fundraising activities. The money goes towards supporting Oaktree sees its purpose as delivering funding to local programs extreme poverty at a global level.” education and development programs for young people in MIND-BOGGLING STATS and people so that they become more empowered to solve their With clear direction, runs already on the board and an army of countries like Timor-Leste, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. • 140 volunteer staff members across Australia give between 10 own problems. smart, compassionate and committed young people behind it, Oaktree is true to its name: a force that is strong, awe-inspiring and The protagonists and 50 hours of their time each week. “OAKTREE IS ENTIRELY POWERED BY THE ENERGY, • 400 young people in university and school-based engagement ever branching out. There are seven core members of Oaktree, all aged between 17 SKILLS AND TALENTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGED programs give their time. and 26. They are passionate, committed, enthusiastic and smart. BETWEEN 18 AND 26,” SAYS MINTO. • 1,000 young people participated in the Roadtrip to End Poverty Oaktree’s lead protagonist, CEO Viv Benjamin, has been committed in March last year to help raise money for Oaktree’s work. to social justice since she was 17 years old. Under her guidance are 140 volunteer staff working for Oaktree nationally, who give • Gen Y (particularly those aged 17–22) represented the anywhere between 10 and 50 hours of their time each week. majority of Oaktree’s 8,600-person-strong Live Below The Line fundraising campaign. Chief Operating Officer Minto Felix, who is studying psychology and law at university, oversees Oaktree’s state teams to ensure the Oaktree also partners with mentors and external supporters, as it organisation reaches its potential. recognises that its young members have much to learn from the experiences of others. 150K

MEMBERS Viv Benjamin, CEO and Minto Felix, COO of Oaktree make Oaktree Australia’s largest youth-run organisation GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

“WITHOUT YOUNG PEOPLE VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME – THERE WOULD BE NO FBi RADIO.” CLARE HOLLAND, FBi MANAGING DIRECTOR GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

SOME THINGS TO ASK YOURSELF IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER: WHAT DO YOU LIKE? ROPE IN YOUR MATES CHAPTER 3. If you hate bugs, don’t volunteer in a community garden – sounds obvious (OR EVEN YOUR NANNA) right? If you care and are passionate about a certain issue you are more Research shows that you’re more likely to continue volunteering for likely to continue volunteering and use the knowledge and skills gained in longer when you do it with a bunch of friends and have fun. So look for other aspects of your life. Put simply – volunteer doing what you like. an opportunity to make volunteering ‘a thing’ with your buddies, or fill the otherwise awkward silences that would ordinarily happen over cups of tea VOLUNTEERING with your Nanna, with something you can do and talk about together. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF VOLUNTEERING? Be really clear with yourself and the volunteer organisation about what DO A BIT OF SUSSING-OUT you want to get out of your volunteering experience. For example, do you Before you show up to a volunteer interview or do some work for an TIPS want to learn new skills, have something nice on your CV, get a job, meet organisation, get Googling. Try to get a good idea of what that organisation people, experience something different? Write it down on paper and check is all about. Ask to meet people that already volunteer at the organisation – it regularly to make sure you’re getting something in addition to the warm read all of the pages on its website and make sure that it’s legit. It will save and fuzzy feeling that comes from helping out. much awkwardness later on. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU DON’T EVER PAY TO VOLUNTEER REALISTICALLY HAVE? It sounds really obvious, but it can sometimes be a jungle out there. Don’t Look back over a regular week and work out exactly how many hours ever, ever, ever fork out your own hard-earned cash to volunteer or feel you have spare between work, school, family and other commitments. pressured to donate money as well as time. Be honest with yourself and with others – as often the people you are volunteering for are really counting on you to show up, and as nice as they are, they too will get cranky if you don’t show up or are always late. WHAT SKILLS CAN YOU OFFER? There are loads of things you can do that are super useful. It may be that you’re a Ninja dishwasher, ride like the wind or can cut-in paint immaculately, play a musical instrument or offer skills specific to your day job. Let the prospective volunteer organisation know what you can do. There are even ways that you can volunteer some of these skills from home; for example, becoming a United Nations online volunteer.

Optus RockCorps volunteers at Waverley’s Community Gardens 2014

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES TO START YOU ON YOUR3 WAY. Optus RockCorps offers volunteering opportunities, inspiring stories as well as the chance to earn tickets to the annual Optus RockCorps concert. Volunteering Australia is a wonderful resource that basically ‘speed dates’ those who want to volunteer with opportunities to do so. Foundation for Young Australians is a network of young people committed to making a difference. Sign up to its newsletter to receive news and information about special events, opportunities, scholarships, awards and programmes. Centre for Youth Volunteering is a great resource committed to finding opportunities and supporting young people who would like to volunteer. Also check out its tip tumblr.

Stations of the Southern Cross, Applespiel, Underbelly Arts 2013, credit: Rafaela Pandolfini GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

“IT’S THE SMALL ACTS OF CARE THAT RESONATE MOST STRONGLY WITH THE MARGINALISED PEOPLE WE WORK WITH – THE SIMPLE ACT OF LISTENING.” KATHARINA GLYNNE, VOLUNTEER GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK 2014 2014 IPAF ATOM AWARDS CHAPTER 4. National Youth Week is huge celebration of youth running from Founded in 1982, the ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) 4–13 April 2014. Free concerts, forums, workshops, sporting Awards celebrate short films, animations, documentaries and other activities and film festivals will take place across the country, with screen content from young Australians and New Zealanders. As thousands of 12- to 25-year-olds set to get involved. The theme for well as the main awards, primary and secondary students have CALENDAR 2014 is ‘Our Voice, Our Impact’. Central to National Youth Week their own ATOM awards night in November. In addition to the is the National Youth Awards, which recognise an outstanding main awards categories, students can also enter the My Story, contribution by a young Australian in helping other young people. My Content short-film competition, a spin-off event that gives http://www.youthweek.com/ students the chance to make a 60-second short film or animation celebrating Australian screen creativity. OPTUS ROCKCORPS http://atomawards.org/ YFM Reel Food Nights, credit: Zo Zhou Optus RockCorps, is a partnership between RockCorps and Optus that gives young people the chance to earn a music reward EV’S SHACK by doing four hours of community work. After completing their An initiative of the Victorian Government, EV’s Shack is a drop- four hour’s work, volunteers can either score a $70 Ticketmaster in space for 18 to 25-year-olds at EV’s Youth Centre in Croydon, voucher to go towards the concert of their choice or a ticket to an Melbourne, open every Wednesday in the school term from exclusive Optus RockCorps concert. The 2014 concert takes place 4.30 to 6.30pm. The focus is on helping young people develop at Sydney’s Luna Park in March. a range of life skills, including social and cooking skills. Qualified http://www.optusrockcorps.com.au/ youth workers are on hand to support young people during the EV’s Shack afternoons and on an individual basis. The space is AYAD PROGRAM 2014 SUMMER INFORMATION SESSIONS also a hub for information about employment, education, training The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) and health-related issues, and offers PlayStation, Wii and Xbox program sends skilled young Australians on short-term assignments game consoles, a pool table, laptops and free Wi-Fi. At the end of in Asia, the Pacific and Africa, with the aim of making a contribution each program the group cooks and eats a meal together. to community development. This summer, prospective volunteers http://www.maroondahyouthservices.com/programs_events/ can attend information sessions around Australia to learn more evs_shack about the program. At these sessions, panels of returned volunteers Optus RockCorps volunteers at Chester Hill’s Community Gardens 2014 and staff from Austraining will share their volunteering experiences GETTING REAL SESSIONS ON THE REACH OUT WEBSITE and stories, give advice about applying and talk about what to expect Every Monday at 8pm AEST, the Reach Out website hosts The if your application is successful. Getting Real Sessions, a forum-style discussion for young people http://www.ayad.com.au/ about getting through the tough stuff in life. Previous topics discussed include Schoolies Week, talking to a professional for the THINK ACT CHANGE MONTHLY MEETUPS first time, exams, family conflict, chronic illnesses and why it is or Think Act Change is a monthly meetup in Sydney that brings isn’t important to care about current affairs. All past discussions together those who are already heavily involved in creating change can be accessed at any time through the forum portal. in the community and those who are keen to start. Each event http://au.reachout.com/ features speakers who tell their stories of volunteering, social entrepreneurship or innovation, with the aim of inspiring others. AUSTRALIAN YOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL 2014 The meetups are also an opportunity to sign up for programs or The Australian Youth Dance Festival takes place in Renmark, meet like-minded people with whom you might build your own South Australia, from 10 to 16 April. Dancers between the ages change-making project. of 15 and 26 will work with professional dancers from around EVENT HIGHLIGHTS http://www.meetup.com/Think-Act-Change/ Australia, exploring the festival theme of regeneration. The festival 4 program includes masterclasses, workshops, rehearsals, talks Some truly spectacular things are happening in the world of KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM and performances, as well as a Dance for Screen program and youth volunteering, philanthropy, community participation, The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program brings together a diverse an outdoor riverbank promenade performance created for the and arts and culture in 2014. Here is just a taste of what’s group of young people who, over the course of 12 months, train local community. in store. and learn about the values and history of the Kokoda Track in http://www.ausdancesa.org.au/aydf2014/ Papua New Guinea before taking their own journey along the track. This is the tenth year of the program, which honours YOUTH MENTORING WEEK 2014 the heroic efforts of Australian Diggers on the Kokoda Track in Youth Mentoring Week is an Australia-wide celebration of youth 2013 Underbelly Arts Festival, credit: Underbelly Arts 1942. Applications are now open. Applicants will be interviewed mentoring and its positive impact on young people. This week throughout February and March 2014 and the new intake will be of events promotes the benefits of mentoring, recognises the announced in April 2014. contribution of mentors, aims to recruit more mentors, and http://kokodachallenge.com/youth-program seeks support for mentoring through business and community partnerships. Anyone can host a Youth Mentoring Week event; information on how to do so is available through the Australian Youth Mentoring Network website. http://www.youthmentoring.org.au/youth-mentoring-week.html GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT – COMMISSIONED BY OPTUS

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YEAR-ROUND WHAT’S COMING UP IN 2014 (Vic) FReeZA recruitment (International) Skateistan volunteer recruitment http://www.freeza.vic.gov.au http://skateistan.org/vacancies (Vic) Bayside Youth Ambassadors recruitment (Sydney) Think Act Change monthly meetups http://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/youth_services.htm https://www.facebook.com/thinkactchange.org MARCH JUNE (Vic) FareShare recruitment (Vic) EV’s Shack (NSW) Optus RockCorps concert (National) The Smith Family Winter Appeal 2014 http://www.fareshare.net.au/volunteers.php http://www.maroondahyouthservices.com/programs_events/evs_ http://www.optusrockcorps.com.au/ http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/ shack (NSW) Chester Hill Community Centre Friday night skating at (NSW) Hunter Youth Mentor Collaborative Mentor (Vic) Meredith Music Festival volunteer applications Roundabout Youth Centre (National) Foundation for Young Australians Change it Up Training Course #2 http://2013.mmf.com.au/every-thing/volunteers/ http://www.hymc.com.au/calendar.php?eventid=64 http://www.chnc.org.au/page/roller-skating registration (National) Lions Club Youth of the Year applications http://www.fya.org.au/initiatives/change-it-up/ (National) The Smith Family Back 2 School Day (National) Young Social Pioneers applications http://lionsclubs.org.au/activities/youth/yoty/ http://www.fya.org.au/initiatives/young-social-pioneers/how- http://www.back2schoolday.com/ (National) Young People Without Borders registration (National) Young Australian of the Year nominations http://www.ypwb.org.au/ to-apply-for-young-social-pioneers/ (National) The Smith Family fundraising http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate/ http://fundraiseforthesmithfamily.gofundraise.com.au/ (National) Big Brother Big Sister volunteer registration http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/ (Sydney) FBi Radio volunteering http://fbiradio.com/volunteer/ (National) The Getting Real Sessions, Reach Out website forum sessions, Mondays, 8pm APRIL OCTOBER (National) Optus RockCorps http://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/The-Getting-Real-sessions/bd-p/ https://www.optusrockcorps.com.au/register (NSW) Youth Week 2014 (National) Youth Mentoring Week Getting_Real_sessions http://www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au/ www.youthmentoring.org.au/youth-mentoring-week.html (NSW) Heaps Decent volunteer recruitment http://heapsdecent.com/volunteers/ (National) National Youth Week (National) MTV Movement applications open http://www.youthweek.com/ http://www.mtvmovement.com.au/ (Qld) No 2 Bullying Conference (NSW) Hunter Youth Mentor Collaborative event celebrating http://www.no2bullying.org.au/ Youth Mentoring Week http://www.hymc.com.au/calendar.php?eventid=62 (SA) 2014 Australian Youth Dance Festival http://ausdance.org.au/news/article/australian-youth-dance- (Vic) 2014 IPAF ATOM Student Awards Evening festival-2014 http://atomawards.org/

MAY NOVEMBER (NSW) Hunter Youth Mentor Collaborative Mentor (National) The Smith Family Christmas Appeal 2014 Training Course #3 http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/campaigns/ http://www.hymc.com.au/calendar.php?eventid=65 (National) Movember http://au.movember.com/

End Poverty movement, credit: Oaktree “THE MORE MONEY THEY HAVE, THE MORE MONEY THEY GIVE.” OPTUS ROCKCORPS GENERATION WE NOT ME REPORT IMM1402W0701